Catalytic/magnetic assemblies of rolled-up tubular nanomembrane-based micromotors. Issue 60 (5th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Naeem, Sumayyah; Mujtaba, Jawayria; Naeem, Farah; Xu, Kailiang; Huang, Gaoshan; Solovev, Alexander A.; Zhang, Jing; Mei, Yongfeng
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 10:Issue 60(2020)
• Page Start: 36526
• Page End: 36530
• Publication Date: 2020-10-05
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d0ra07347d
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Ti/FeNi/Pt tubular micromotors self-assemble into static and dynamic clusters during catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and using an external rotational magnetic field. Abstract : Nano/-micromotors self-assembling into static and dynamic clusters are of considerable promise to study smart, interactive, responsive, and adaptive nano/-micromaterials that can mimic spatio-temporal patterns, swarming, and collective behaviors widely observed in nature. Previously, the dynamic self-assembly of bubble-propelled catalytic micromotors initiated by capillary forces has been reported. This manuscript shows novel self-assembly modes of magnetic/catalytic Ti/FeNi/Pt tubular micromotors. When chemical fuel (hydrogen peroxide) is added it is decomposed on contact with Pt catalyst into oxygen and water. Here, the non-bubbling motion and autonomous assembly of catalytic/magnetic nanomembranes, i.e. without nucleation/generation of oxygen bubbles, are shown. Moreover, magnetic Ti/FeNi/Pt micromotors are spun using an external magnetic field and they form dynamic clusters balanced by attractive magnetic and repulsive hydrodynamic interactions. Micromotors form dynamic clusters, undergo precession and rapidly propagate through the solution.