Synthetic Nanomotors: Working Together through Chemistry

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.8b00239
• Publication Date: 2018-09-12T13:49:16Z
• Authors: Bryan Robertson; Mu-Jie Huang; Jiang-Xing Chen; Raymond Kapral
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

Active matter, some of whose constituent elements are active agents that can move autonomously, behaves very differently from matter without such agents. The self-assemble into structures with a variety forms and dynamical properties. Swarming, where groups living cooperatively, is commonly observed in the biological realm, but it also seen physical realm systems containing small synthetic motors. existence diverse self-assembled has stimulated search for new applications involve matter. We consider chemically powered motors various shapes sizes operate by phoretic mechanisms, especially self-diffusiophoresis. These able to autonomously solution consuming fuel their environment. Chemical reactions take place on catalytic portions motor surface give rise concentration gradients lead directed motion. They this way only if chemical composition system maintained nonequilibrium state since no net fluxes possible at equilibrium. In contrast many other systems, chemistry plays an essential part determining properties collective dynamics self-assembly these systems. inhomogeneous fields result asymmetric felt strongly influence how they move. This coupling effect often dominates interactions due fluid flow direct among determines form takes. Since we micrometer nanometer sizes, thermal fluctuations strong cannot be neglected. media which may not simple contain crowding or molecular filaments assemble motion influenced arise surrounding medium. By adopting microscopic perspective, motors, environment, treated coarse-grained level, all many-body behavior naturally emerge dynamics. Through simulations theory, Account describes made nanomotors moving more complicated different arising cooperative surfaces.