Catalytic Micro/Nanomotors: Propulsion Mechanisms, Fabrication, Control, and Applications

Abstract

Micro-/nanomotors are self-propelled micro-/nanomachines, which are capable of converting the surrounding fuels into mechanical movement or force. Inspired by naturally occurring biomolecular motor proteins, scientists extensively paid great attentions to synthetic micro-/nanomotors. Especially, a number of researchers devoted their efforts onto catalytic micro-/nanomotors. In the past few decades, several advanced developments and excellent contributions have been made in catalytic micro-/nanomotors. The future of this research field can be bright, but some major existing challenges such as biocompatible materials and fuels, smart controlling, and specifically practical applications are still required to be resolved. Therefore, it is essential for us to learn the state of the art of catalytic micro-/nanomotors. In this chapter, the propulsion mechanisms, fabrication methods, controlling strategies, and potential applications of catalytic micro-/nanomotors are presented and summarized.