Principle, Fabrication and Emerging Applications of Nanobottle Motor

Abstract

Micro/nano-motors play an important role in energy, environment, and biomedicines. As a new type of nano-motors, nanobottles attract great attention due to their distinct advantages of a large cavity, high specific surface area, bionic streamline structure, and chemotactic motion. Here, we systematically review the development of nanobottle motors from aspects of propulsion mechanisms, fabrication methods and potential applications. Firstly, three types of propulsive modes are summarized, with focus on chemical propulsion, light driving and magnetic actuation. We then discuss the fabrication methods of nanobottles, including the soft-template-based hydrothermal method and the swelling-inducement and wet-chemistry methods. The potential applications of nanobottle motors are additionally highlighted in energy, environmental, and biomedical fields. Finally, the future challenges and outlooks of nanobottle motors are discussed for the further development of this technology.