Shape-directed rotation of homogeneous micromotors via catalytic self-electrophoresis

Brooks, AM, Tasinkevych, M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6689-1844, Sabrina, S, Velegol, D, Sen, A and Bishop, KJM, 2019. Shape-directed rotation of homogeneous micromotors via catalytic self-electrophoresis. Nature Communications, 10 (1): 495. ISSN 2041-1723

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Abstract

The pursuit of chemically-powered colloidal machines requires individual components that perform different motions within a common environment. Such motions can be tailored by controlling the shape and/or composition of catalytic microparticles; however, the ability to design particle motions remains limited by incomplete understanding of the relevant propulsion mechanism(s). Here, we demonstrate that platinum microparticles move spontaneously in solutions of hydrogen peroxide and that their motions can be rationally designed by controlling particle shape. Nanofabricated particles with n-fold rotational symmetry rotate steadily with speed and direction specified by the type and extent of shape asymmetry. The observed relationships between particle shape and motion provide evidence for a self-electrophoretic propulsion mechanism, whereby anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction occur at different rates at different locations on the particle surface. We develop a mathematical model that explains how particle shape impacts the relevant electrocatalytic reactions and the resulting electrokinetic flows that drive particle motion.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Nature Communications
Creators:	Brooks, A.M., Tasinkevych, M., Sabrina, S., Velegol, D., Sen, A. and Bishop, K.J.M.
Publisher:	Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date:	30 January 2019
Volume:	10
Number:	1
ISSN:	2041-1723
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1038/s41467-019-08423-7 DOI 1636068 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Jeremy Silvester
Date Added:	20 Jan 2023 13:00
Last Modified:	20 Jan 2023 13:00
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/48009

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