Reversible fusion and fission of graphene oxide–based fibers

Abstract

Reversible fiber fusion and fission Materials that can cycle between states are of interest for actuators, soft robotics, or recoverable membranes for separations. Chang et al. show that a collection of graphene oxide fibers can fuse into a single stronger fiber upon immersion in a solvent, extraction, and drying under tension (see the Perspective by Cruz-Silva and Elías). The geometrical deformation of the fibers during drying and swelling plays an important role in the reversible cycles, with a large volume change between the dried and swelled fibers. Moreover, fibers made from polymers, glass, metal, or silk can be given these abilities when coated with a micron-sized layer of graphene oxide. Science , this issue p. 614 ; see also p. 573