Perfluoroctylsilane grafted Ti3C2X-based hydrogel liquid marble for controlled movement, self-assembly, light-induced release, and water evaporation system

Abstract

In this study, a stable and highly hydrophobic perfluoroctylsilane grafted Ti3C2X (PFMXene) possessing repeatable and stable photothermal behavior was applied for fabrication of liquid marble (LM) and hydrogel-based LM. PFMXene-based hydrogel LMs demonstrate floating ability and self-assembly on the water's surface. Moreover, controlled non-contact movement of hydrogel marble through the immersed tool in the water surface reached a speed up to 2 cm s−1. The structural character of the hydrogel matrix allows controlled light-induced disintegration of hydrogel liquid marble or application as a water evaporation system.