Epitaxial-assembled monolayer superlattices for efficient micromotor propulsion

Exploring micromotors with outstanding propulsion efficiency is of great importance for aspects ranging from enhancement of performance to realization of applications. Improvements in propulsion efficiency lead to a lower fuel requirementand broadens the potential application areas for higher environment compatibility. In this article, a tubular micromotor with catalytic nanoparticle superlattices is fabricated through a simple epitaxial assembly method. A high surface-to-volume ratio due to the use of catalytic nanoparticles, a carbon outer layer and cooperative propulsion of multitubes enables the micromotor to move in biocompatible environment with a low concentration of fuel. In addition, magnetic nanoparticles are integrated into the micromotor to offer effective control of the direction of movement by using a magnetic field. This work provides a simple and low-cost fabrication method for a micromotor with high performance, which is expected to meet practical demands. (paper)