Small scale motors : fabrication, characterizations, motions studies and applications

In this thesis, the author describes the research work done during the four years Ph.D. study, focusing on the fabrication, motion study and possible applications of small motors, ranging from millimeter scale polymer motors to microscale and nanoscale catalytic motors. The millimeter scale capsule motors were made from polysulfone, and a series of studies were carried out on such motors, including the factors influencing the motion, motion manipulation with magnet, cooperative behaviors, and induced motion of oil droplets. Moreover, running of such motors in water/oil interface and the maze channel was studied. Additionally, the enhanced diffusion of pollutants in the natural environment was also investigated. The studies on the microscale and nanoscale catalytic motors were also carried out. Fabrication and characterizations of the tubular motors were realized, and magnetization was achieved for both nanomotors and micromotors. Upon magnetization, such microtubes can pick up the paramagnetic cargoes for possible delivery. Moreover, the effects of the running medium on the motion of the micromotors were also investigated.DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (SPMS