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Self-propelled supramolecular nanomotors with temperature-responsive speed regulation
Yingfeng Tu1, Fei Peng1, Xiaofeng Sui1
1Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Nature Chemistry
|April 22, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a novel speed-control mechanism for self-propelled nanomotors. A temperature-responsive polymer brush acts as a valve, regulating fuel access and motor movement for controllable cargo transport applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Self-propelled catalytic micro- and nanomotors are extensively studied but lack effective speed-regulation mechanisms.
- Current nanomotor movement is primarily dependent on fuel concentration, ceasing only upon fuel depletion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate control over self-assembled stomatocyte nanomotor movement using a stimulus-responsive regulatory mechanism.
- To introduce a novel method for reversible control of nanosized chemically driven motors.
Main Methods:
- Chemically growing a temperature-sensitive polymer brush onto stomatocyte nanomotors.
- Utilizing temperature changes to alter stomatocyte opening size, controlling hydrogen peroxide fuel access.
- Implementing a thermally responsive valve/brake system for motion regulation.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated reversible control over nanomotor movement via temperature-induced changes.
- The polymer brush effectively regulated hydrogen peroxide fuel access, thereby controlling motor speed.
- Achieved the first instance of a nanosized chemically driven motor with reversible, thermally controlled motion.
Conclusions:
- Developed a pioneering stimulus-responsive regulatory mechanism for nanomotor speed control.
- This thermally controlled valve/brake system offers unprecedented reversibility in nanomotor operation.
- Potential applications include controllable cargo transportation using artificial responsive nanosystems.
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