Cornell University researchers have developed a method for self-folding microscale origami machines using chemical reactions, enabling their operation in dry, room-temperature conditions. This innovation has the potential to create tiny autonomous devices that can quickly respond to their chemical environments, overcoming limitations of previous technologies that required liquids and extreme temperatures. The research, led by Nicholas Abbott and co-authored by experts from various fields, identified rapid kinetic moments within chemical reactions to enhance the folding mechanism of origami structures. By using ultrathin catalytic sheets, the researchers observed that the deformation, triggered by the interaction of hydrogen and oxygen, occurs rapidly—within 600 milliseconds—at room temperature. This breakthrough could generalize across various catalytic reactions, such as those involving carbon monoxide or ammonia, ultimately facilitating the development of autonomous material systems that respond to changes in their environment. The project leverages resources from the Cornell Center for Materials Research and reflects a significant advance in nanoscale engineering. The findings are documented in a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers are optimistic about further applications and enhancements of this technology.
