Opto‐Ion‐Exchange Enabled Active Swarming System

W Wanyuan Li (College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China) D Dapeng Lei (College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China) J Jiawen He (College of Chemistry and Materials Science Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 P. R. China) Z Zonghang Huang (College of Chemistry and Materials Science Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 P. R. China) S Shuohua Xiao (College of Chemistry and Materials Science Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 P. R. China) L Leyan Ou (College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China) Z Zixian Liang (College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China) K Kunfeng Liu (College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China) Z Ze Xiong (School of Biomedical Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices ShanghaiTech University Shanghai P. R. China) J Jizhuang Wang (College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry) J Jinyao Tang (Department of Chemistry) D Dan Li

Abstract

Abstract Swarming behavior often enables systems to achieve intelligent responses that surpass the capabilities of individual components, allowing for complex tasks to be accomplished. Despite significant advances in active swarm research, achieving precise control over swarm responsiveness remains a challenge. In this study, a light‐controlled chemical communication‐mediated swarming system through integrating the ion‐exchange and light decomposition reactions to emulate predator‐prey interactions is designed. In this system, ion exchange resin particles (acting as “predators”) actively approach and aggregate silver phosphate (Ag 3 PO 4 ) nanoparticles (acting as “prey”), which in turn exhibit light‐triggered escape responses driven by photodecomposition‐induced ionic gradients. These swarms exhibit a range of novel, light‐modulated dynamic behaviors, including enhanced motility, reversible aggregation, repulsion, and distinct reactive states. These behaviors provide valuable insights into active swarm dynamics. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of the collective swarming, active interactions, and light‐induced Ag⁺ production establish a robust antibacterial platform capable of rapid and efficient bacterial eradication. This intelligent swarm design presents new possibilities for the development of multifunctional, responsive swarms, offering valuable applications in environmental treatment and beyond.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 37, Issue 42
Published October 01, 2025
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (12)

W

Wanyuan Li

College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China

D

Dapeng Lei

College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China

J

Jiawen He

College of Chemistry and Materials Science Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 P. R. China

Z

Zonghang Huang

College of Chemistry and Materials Science Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 P. R. China

S

Shuohua Xiao

College of Chemistry and Materials Science Jinan University Guangzhou 510632 P. R. China

L

Leyan Ou

College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China

Z

Zixian Liang

College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China

K

Kunfeng Liu

College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry Jinan University Guangzhou Guangdong 510632 P.R. China

Z

Ze Xiong

School of Biomedical Engineering & State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices ShanghaiTech University Shanghai P. R. China

J

Jizhuang Wang

College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Coordination Chemistry

J

Jinyao Tang

Department of Chemistry

D

Dan Li