Nanobots convert various forms of energy to motion at small length scales. They can typically undergo translational or rotational motion depending on their material distribution and their method of propulsion. The ability to undergo both modes of motion or to undergo a combined mode of motion would greatly expand their potential applications. In this work we synthesize nanorods that are 300 nanometers in diameter and approximately 2 microns and lengths that are bimetallic or trimetallic. Bimetallic nanorods can undergo translational motion when powered by either chemical or acoustic energy. Trimetallic nanorods on the other hand undergo rotational motion in high concentrations of chemical hydrogen peroxide fuel. Trimetallic chemical nanorotors are placed in an acoustic chamber with a resonant frequency of 850 KHz where rods undergo random autonomous motion due to the acoustic streaming force and acoustic nodal behavior due to the acoustic radiation force, both occurring within the levitation of the acoustic chamber. Their motion in the presence of hydrogen peroxide fuel and acoustic energy is studied.

Modes of motion of chemically and acoustically powered nanobots

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