A biocompatible, degradable, and recyclable photothermal actuator.

• Synthesized a LiCl/graphene oxide/sodium alginate photothermal actuator. • Actuator with LiCl shows improved recovery behavior over the LiCl-free version. • The actuator features biocompatibility, biodegradability, and recyclability. • The actuator's attributes position it for sustainable flexible electronics. The rise of disposable technology has led to a surge in waste, highlighting the urgency for sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable and transient devices in flexible electronics. Soft actuators, which emulate natural flexibility, are pivotal in this pursuit. However, current light-driven soft actuators degrade slowly and involve complex synthesis processes, potentially limiting market adoption. Addressing this, a new study proposes an innovative design using graphene oxide (GO) and sodium alginate (SA). These biocompatible, biodegradable materials dissolve readily in water, enabling recycling. When exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light, the actuator undergoes deformation and locomotion, aided by hygroscopic salt (LiCl) to enhance recovery. This approach integrates sustainable materials into soft actuator design, promising eco-friendly solutions for flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]