Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026
08:40
Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging
Published on: March 13, 2019
12.1K
Visible-light controlled catalytic Cu2O-Au micromotors
Dekai Zhou1, Yuguang C Li, Pengtao Xu
1Departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Physics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. tem5@psu.edu.
Nanoscale
|December 3, 2016
Summary
Visible light activates copper(I) oxide-gold (Cu2O-Au) micromotors, enabling fast on/off switching and speed control. Their movement relies on self-electrophoresis, influenced by Cu2O
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Micro/nanomotors are crucial for targeted delivery and sensing applications.
- Previous research primarily utilized UV or IR light for micro/nanomotor operation.
- Controlling micro/nanomotor motion with visible light presents a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop visible light-driven micromotors with precise motion control.
- To elucidate the mechanism behind light-induced micromotor movement.
- To expand the application of the electromagnetic spectrum in micro/nanomotor technology.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of copper(I) oxide-gold (Cu2O-Au) micromotors.
- Utilizing visible light irradiation for motor activation.
- Conducting electrochemical measurements to analyze the propulsion mechanism.
Main Results:
- Cu2O-Au micromotors demonstrated rapid on/off switching and tunable speed under visible light.
- Electrochemical analysis confirmed a self-electrophoresis mechanism.
- The movement was modulated by the photoconductivity of the Cu2O component.
Conclusions:
- Visible light can effectively drive Cu2O-Au micromotors, offering enhanced control.
- The self-electrophoresis mechanism provides a pathway for light-modulated motion.
- This work broadens the usable spectrum for micro/nanomotor applications.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Heterogeneous Catalysis
51
Heterogeneous catalysis involves a catalyst in a different phase from the reactants. It is a process where the catalyst and the reactants are in distinct phases, typically solid and gas or liquid.Most heterogeneous catalysts are metals, metal oxides, or acids. The list includes transition metals like iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), tungsten (W), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu). These metals possess partially vacant d orbitals that...
51
00:46Motor Units
62.4K
A motor unit consists of two main components: a single efferent motor neuron (i.e., a neuron that carries impulses away from the central nervous system) and all of the muscle fibers it innervates. The motor neuron may innervate multiple muscle fibers, which are single cells, but only one motor neuron innervates a single muscle fiber.
62.4K
01:13Introduction to Mechanisms of Enzyme Catalysis
11.2K
For many years, scientists thought that enzyme-substrate binding took place in a simple "lock-and-key" fashion. This model stated that the enzyme and substrate fit together perfectly in one instantaneous step. However, current research supports a more refined view scientists call induced fit. The induced-fit model expands upon the lock-and-key model by describing a more dynamic interaction between enzyme and substrate. As the enzyme and substrate come together, their interaction causes...
11.2K
02:50Catalysis
31.5K
The presence of a catalyst affects the rate of a chemical reaction. A catalyst is a substance that can increase the reaction rate without being consumed during the process. A basic comprehension of a catalysts’ role during chemical reactions can be understood from the concept of reaction mechanisms and energy diagrams.
31.5K