Chemically driven nanomotors : fabrication, characterization, and performance

Nanomachines have unique characteristics when compared to the counterpart macroscopic machines for biomedical applications. In studying nanomachines, how to generate locomotions is essential. One of the most potent approaches for powering nanomachines is the utilization of chemical reactions. In this study, we fabricate four types of platinum-based nanomotors. The one-dimensional nanomachine features one side of solid platinum, and the other side of solid gold, porous gold, solid gold-silver alloy, or porous gold-silver alloy. The electrokinetic mechanism of platinum-based nanomotors comes from the catalytic reaction between platinum and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) solution. In this work, we study the enhancement of the chemical reactions for propulsion by structural modification of nanomotors. Two effects are exploited: the alloying effect that contributes to the change in chemical potential, and the surface effect that offers a greater area for reaction. By comparing the performances of different nanomotors, we confirm that both effects could enhance the performance of chemically driven nanowires. In particular, the alloying effect can bring more significant improvement. This research could assist the further development of efficiency chemical driven motors by materials and structural design.Mechanical Engineerin