The catalytic micromotors powered by remarkably low concentrations of chemical fuel, down to the 0.0000001% level, are reported. These Janus micromotors rely on an iridium hemispheric layer for the catalytic decomposition of hydrazine in connection to SiO2 spherical particles. The micromotors are self-propelled at a very high speed (of over 20 body lengths s�1) in a 0.001% hydrazine solution due to osmotic effects. Such a low fuel concentration represents a 10,000-fold decrease in the level required for common catalytic hydrogen peroxide fueled nanomotors. This study also represents the first example of the use of hydrazine as the sole fuel for catalytic micromotors. The attractive propulsion performance, efficient catalytic energy-harvesting and magnetic control of the new Janus micromotors hold considerable promise for diverse practical applications. The hydrazine-driven Janus micromotors also display a collective swarming behavior in response to their environment. Due to the inward fluid flux generated by the product concentration gradient, such motor swarms can also be potentially used as efficient micropumps towards intelligent nanoscale delivery.

Catalytic Ir-based Janus micromotors powered by extremely low levels of hydrazine

248th National Meeting (2014)

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