Periodic Oscillatory Motion of a Self-Propelled Motor Driven by Decomposition of H2O2 by Catalase

A self-propelled motor driven by the enzymatic reaction of catalase adsorbed onto a filter paper floating on an aqueous solution of H2O2 was used to study nonlinear behavior in the motor's motion. An increase in the concentration of H2O2 resulted in a change from no motion to irregular oscillatory motion, periodic oscillatory motion, and continuous motion. The mechanisms underlying oscillation and mode bifurcation are discussed based on experimental results on O-2 bubble formation and growth on the underside of the motor.