Catalytic nanomotors: Remote-controlled autonomous movement of striped metallic nanorods

Abstract

A move in the right direction: Micrometersized rods with Pt/Ni/Au/Ni/Au segments move autonomously with good directionality in the presence of a magnetic field when placed in aqueous hydrogen peroxide (see picture). The propulsive force results from an interfacial tension gradient generated by the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 at the Pt end while the orientation stems from the interaction of the magnetic field with the magnetized Ni segments.