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

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.This publication was made possible by NPRP grant # NPRP13S-0123–200153 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation). The authors acknowledge financial support made possible by Qatar University grant # QUCG-CAM-22/23–504. The findings achieved herein are solely the responsibility of the authors. The authors thank the Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University, for support with its facilities. XPS analysis was accomplished in the Gas Processing Center, College of Engineering, Qatar University. SEM was accomplished in the Central Laboratories unit, Qatar University.Scopu