Ion-exchange enabled synthetic swarm

An ion-exchange reaction couples self-propelling ZnO nanorods and sulfonated polystyrene microbeads to create an aggregated swarm system capable of quorum sensing. Active matters are out-of-equilibrium systems that convert energy from the environment to mechanical motion. Non-reciprocal interaction between active matters may lead to collective intelligence beyond the capability of individuals. In nature, such emergent behaviours are ubiquitously observed in animal colonies, giving these species remarkable adaptive capability. In artificial systems, however, the emergence of non-trivial collective intelligent dynamics remains undiscovered. Here we show that a simple ion-exchange reaction can couple self-propelled ZnO nanorods and sulfonated polystyrene microbeads together. Chemical communication is established that enhances the reactivity and motion of both nanorods and the microbeads, resulting in the formation of an active swarm of nanorod-microbead complexes. We demonstrate that the swarm is capable of macroscopic phase segregation and intelligent consensus decision-making.

Automated summary

The study shows that by utilizing an ion-exchange reaction, self-propelling ZnO nanorods and sulfonated polystyrene microbeads can be coupled together, forming an active complex capable of intelligent consensus decision-making.