Reversible Actuation of Microstructures by Surface‐Chemical Modification of Thin‐Film Bilayers

Abstract

Reversible curving of chromium/copper bilayers on exposure to oxidative and reductive environments is described. Bilayers are lithographically patterned as hinges within larger microstructures to enable reversible opening and closing, without the need for any tethers or batteries (see image). Demonstrations suggest a new strategy for coupling chemical reactions and surface modification to mechanical motion to enable autonomous, chemically responsive microstructures. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.