Chemical sensing based on catalytic nanomotors: motion-based detection of trace silver

A motion-based chemical sensing involving fuel-driven nanomotors is demonstrated. The new protocol relies on the use of an optical microscope for tracking changes in the speed of nanowire motors in the presence of the target analyte. Selective and sensitive measurements of trace silver ions are illustrated based on the dramatic and specific acceleration of bimetal nanowire motors in the presence of silver. Such nanomotor-based measurements would lead to a wide range of novel and powerful chemical and biological sensing protocols.