Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Solid-state Graft Copolymer Electrolytes for Lithium Battery Applications
Published on: August 12, 2013
Microrotor of a chain-grafted colloidal disk immersed in the active bath: The impact of particle concentration,
Chao Wang1, Hui-Shu Li1, Yu-Qiang Ma1
1Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
Abstract:
In an earlier work, we discussed the possibility to realize a microrotor by immersing a chain-grafted colloidal disk in a thin film of active-particle suspension. Under certain conditions, the colloidal disk rotates unidirectionally driven by the bath active particles. Here we systematically study the role of active-particle concentration, grafting density, and chain rigidity in the phenomenon of the spontaneous symmetry breaking of the chain configurations and the unidirectional rotation of the disk. We find that high chain rigidity can help stabilize both the collective asymmetric chain configurations and the rotation of the disk, while it has a weak impact on the rotational speed/efficiency. Increasing the number of grafted chains can also stabilize the rotation but has a negative impact on the rotational speed/efficiency. Active particles power the rotation of the colloidal disk, yet their contribution saturates beyond a certain concentration. Our work provides new insights into the active systems with chain-structured objects and the design of soft/deformable micromachines.
Related Concept Videos
Electron Transport Chains
The ETC is comprised of...
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching
Colloids
The Chain Rule
The Electron Transport Chain
Inhibitors of the electron transport chain
Rotenone, a widely used pesticide, prevents electron transfer from Fe-S cluster to ubiquinone or Q...
The Chain Rule: Problem Solving

