2013, Zhao, G., Sanchez, S., Schmidt, O.G., Pumera, M.

Self-propelled catalytic microjets have attracted considerable attention in recent years and these devices have exhibited the ability to move in complex media. The mechanism of propulsion is via the Pt catalysed decomposition of H2O2 and it is understood that the Pt surface is highly susceptible to poisoning by sulphur-containing molecules. Here, we show that important extracellular thiols as well as basic organic molecules can significantly hamper the motion of catalytic microjet engines. This is due to two different mechanisms: (i) molecules such as dimethyl sulfoxide can quench the hydroxyl radicals produced at Pt surfaces and reduce the amount of oxygen gas generated and (ii) molecules containing -SH, -SSR, and -SCH3 moieties can poison the catalytically active platinum surface, inhibiting the motion of the jet engines. It is essential that the presence of such molecules in the environment be taken into consideration for future design and operation of catalytic microjet engines. We show this effect on catalytic micromotors prepared by both rolled-up and electrodeposition approaches, demonstrating that such poisoning is universal for Pt catalyzed micromotors. We believe that our findings will contribute significantly to this field to develop alternative systems or catalysts for self-propulsion when practical applications in the real environment are considered.

2010, Haehnel, V., Fähler, S., Schultz, L., Schlörb, H.

A highly stable plating bath for the electrodeposition of Fe-Pd nanowires into nanoporous alumina templates has been developed. Complexing of both metal ions and exchanging Fe2+ by Fe3+ avoid chemical reduction of Pd ions and, therefore, undesirable deposition. By using a pulse potential mode and appropriate adjustment of deposition potentials homogeneously filled templates without surface deposits and nanowires close to the desired composition of Fe70Pd30 have been achieved. These alloy nanowires represent a key step towards nanoactuators based on magnetic shape memory alloys. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.