Search Results
Stimuli‐responsive microjets with reconfigurable shape
2014, Magdanz, Veronika, Stoychev, Georgi, Ionov, Leonid, Sanchez, Samuel, Schmidt, Oliver.G.
Flexible thermoresponsive polymeric microjets are formed by the self‐folding of polymeric layers containing a thin Pt film used as catalyst for self‐propulsion in solutions containing hydrogen peroxide. The flexible microjets can reversibly fold and unfold in an accurate manner by applying changes in temperature to the solution in which they are immersed. This effect allows microjets to rapidly start and stop multiple times by controlling the radius of curvature of the microjet. This work opens many possibilities in the field of artificial nanodevices, for fundamental studies on self‐propulsion at the microscale, and also for biorelated applications.
Precise Localization and Control of Catalytic Janus Micromotors Using Weak Magnetic Fields
2015, Khalil, Islam S. M., Magdanz, Veronika, Sanchez, Samuel, Schmidt, Oliver G., Misra, Sarthak
We experimentally demonstrate the precise localization of spherical Pt-Silica Janus micromotors (diameter 5 μm) under the influence of controlled magnetic fields. First, we control the motion of the Janus micromotors in two-dimensional (2D) space. The control system achieves precise localization within an average region-of-convergence of 7 μm. Second, we show that these micromotors provide sufficient propulsion force, allowing them to overcome drag and gravitational forces and move both downwards and upwards. This propulsion is studied by moving the micromotors in three-dimensional (3D) space. The micromotors move downwards and upwards at average speeds of 19.1 μm/s and 9.8 μm/s, respectively. Moreover, our closed-loop control system achieves localization in 3D space within an average region-of-convergence of 6.3 μm in diameter. The precise motion control and localization of the Janus micromotors in 2D and 3D spaces provides broad possibilities for nanotechnology applications.
Effect of surfactants on the performance of tubular and spherical micromotors-a comparative study
2014, Simmchen, Juliane, Magdanz, Veronika, Sanchez, Samuel, Chokmaviroj, Sarocha, Ruiz-Molina, Daniel, Baeza, Alejandro, Schmidt, Oliver G.
The development of artificial micromotors is one of the greatest challenges of modern nanotechnology. Even though many kinds of motors have been published in recent times, systematic studies on the influence of components of the fuel solution are widely missing. Therefore, the autonomous movement of Pt-microtubes and Pt-covered silica particles is comparatively observed in the presence and absence of surfactants in the medium. One representative of each of the three main surfactant classes – anionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS), cationic (benzalkonium chloride, BACl) and non-ionic (Triton X) – has been chosen and studied.