Propulsion mechanisms of catalytic nanomotors

Abstract

This project aims to study a bimetallic rod-shaped nanomotor self-propeled in hydrogen peroxide solutions. Here we present governing equations and numerical simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics®, which shows that bimetallic rod is driven by electrical body forces which are generated from an asymmetric ion flux mechanisms. It is believed that this type of locomotion is commonly used by microorganisms, and in the near future these artificial nanomotors can have several applications, from environmental remediation to drug delivery.