Autonomous movement of nanoparticles

IEC 35

Walter F. Paxton1, Ayusman Sen1, Thomas E. Mallouk1, and Nina I. Kovtyukhova2. (1) Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, 152 Davey Lab, University Park, PA 16803, (2) National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ukraine
We investigated the possibility of making particles with spatially-defined catalytic zones that exhibit autonomous non-brownian movements. Such moving particles could have mass-transport applications or be used in micro- or nanoscale motors. We used electrochemical techniques described previously to make gold and platinum striped nanorods. We believed decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen on the platinum surface would generate anisotropic body and/or surface forces that would propel the particles forward. We report that when placed in dilute hydrogen peroxide solution these particles move autonomously and point in the direction of travel, but lead with the platinum end of the rod. Movement of rods was measured as a function of particle and hydrogen peroxide concentrations, size of rod, and ratio of Au/Pt lengths.