Revolutionizing Multifunctional Subaquatic Apparatus via Advanced Structural Engineering of Nanocarbon Materials

A paradigm shift is underway in underwater technology, driven by advanced nanocarbon structural engineering. The age-old challenge of effective underwater adhesion is conquered with a novel approach – a one-way valve design that deftly channels residual liquid away from the adhesion interface, ensuring robust locking and substrate sealing. Crafted from low-dimensional materials like CNT, Graphene, and MXene, this adhesive material features a high-aspect-ratio vertical channel for swift water transport and multiple mesopores that enhance liquid storage efficiency. A remarkable adhesive strength of 216.5 ± 5.5 kPa is achieved, surpassing the 100 kPa benchmark for underwater adhesives. Cycling endurance soars to an unprecedented 100,000 cycles, while a rapid 1.5-second adhesion cycle time sets a new standard. Mechanistic insights unveil the synergy between submicron vertical channels and surface cup area fractions, amplifying adhesion prowess. Shifting focus to pressure sensors, a groundbreaking self-adhesive sensor emerges, combining aligned and nonaligned carbon nanotube components. It detects pressures as low as 18 mPa with remarkable linearity, while the nonaligned component ensures effective underwater adhesion and secure fixation. This sensor extends the detectable pressure range by four orders of magnitude, akin to air applications. Fusing artificial neural networks with the sensor achieves flawless underwater target recognition. This transformative narrative marks the dawn of a new era in multifunctional subaquatic technology, driven by ingenious nanocarbon structural engineering.<br/><br/>Keywords: carbon nanotube, self-adhesive sensing, underwater adhesion<br/><br/>Corresponding Author: Ming Xu<br/>Tel: +86-15827560601<br/>E-mail: [email protected]