Journal
ACS NANO
Volume 4, Issue 4, Pages 1799-1804Publisher
AMER CHEMICAL SOC
DOI: 10.1021/nn1000468
Keywords
catalytic motor; microcone; propulsion; bubble recoil; salt
Categories
Funding
- National Science Foundation [CBET 0853375]
- Directorate For Engineering
- Div Of Chem, Bioeng, Env, & Transp Sys [0853375] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
Ask authors/readers for more resources
A simplified template-assisted layering approach for preparing catalytic conical tube microjet engines based on sequential deposition of platinum and gold on an etched Aver wire template followed by dicing and dissolution of the template is described. The method allows detailed control over the tube parameters and hence upon the performance of the microengine. The recoiling bubble propulsion mechanism of the tubular microengine, associated with the ejection of internally generated oxygen microbubbles, addresses the ionic-strength limitation of catalytic nanowire motors and leads to a salt-independent movement. Similar rates of bubble generation and motor speeds are observed in salt-free and salt-rich media (at elevated ionic-strength environments as high as 1 M NaCl). Plating of an intermediate nickel layer facilitates a magnetically guided motion as well as the pickup and transport of large (magnetic) cargo. Surfactant addition is shown to decrease the surface tension and offer a more frequent formation of dense smaller bubbles. The new and improved motor capabilities along with the simple preparation route hold great promise for using catalytic micromotors in diverse and important applications.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available