Surface polymerization induced locomotion

Nano- and micromotors are self-navigating particles that gain locomotion using fuel from the environment or external power sources to outperform Brownian motion. Herein, motors that make use of surface polymerization of hydroxyethylmethylacrylate to gain locomotion are reported, synthetically mimicking microorganisms' way of propulsion. These motors have enhanced Brownian motion with effective diffusion coefficients up to similar to 0.5 mu m(2) s(-1) when mesoporous Janus particles are used. Finally, indication of swarming is observed when high numbers of motors homogenously coated with atom-transfer radical polymerization initiators are used, while high-density Janus motors lost their ability to exhibit enhanced Brownian motion. This report illustrates an alternative route to self-propelled particles, employing a polymerization process that has the potential to be applied for various purposes benefiting from the tool box of modern polymer chemistry.

Automated summary

This study introduces motors that utilize surface polymerization to achieve locomotion, mimicking the propulsion mechanism of microorganisms. By using mesoporous Janus particles, these motors exhibit enhanced Brownian motion and have the potential for various applications. Swarming behavior is observed in motors coated with atom-transfer radical polymerization initiators, while high-density Janus motors lose their ability to enhance Brownian motion.