Improving the engine power of a catalytic Janus-sphere micromotor by roughening its surface.

ABSTRACT: Microspheres with catalytic caps have become a popular model system for studying self-propelled colloids. Existing experimental studies involve predominantly "smooth" particle surfaces. In this study we determine the effect of irregular surface deformations on the propulsive mechanism with a particular focus on speed. The particle surfaces of polymer microspheres were deformed prior to depositing a layer of platinum which resulted in the formation of nanoscopic pillars of catalyst. Self-propulsion was induced upon exposure of the micromotors to hydrogen peroxide, whilst they were dispersed in water. The topological surface features were shown to boost speed (~2×) when the underlying deformations are small (nanoscale), whilst large deformations afforded little difference despite a substanti

SUBMITTER: Longbottom BW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5854611 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature