Phoretic self-propulsion: A mesoscopic description of reaction dynamics that powers motion

URL:

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84875855941&doi=10.1039%2fc2nr33711h&partnerID=40&md5=d43a60ff665e55f473572f369f02c84c

Keywords:

Article, chemistry, Computer Simulation, Continuum description, Dissociation reactions, Dynamics, electronics, Electrophoresis, Experimental investigations, Feedback, feedback system, magnetic field, Magnetic Fields, Mechanical, mechanical stress, methodology, Miniaturization, Models, Motion, nanoparticle, Nanoparticles, Propulsion mechanisms, radiation exposure, Reaction dynamics, Self-electrophoresis, Self-propelled particles, Stress, Superconducting materials, Theoretical, theoretical model, Theoretical modeling, transducer, Transducers

Abstract:

The fabrication of synthetic self-propelled particles and the experimental investigations of their dynamics have stimulated interest in self-generated phoretic effects that propel nano- and micron-scale objects. Theoretical modeling of these phenomena is often based on a continuum description of the solvent for different phoretic propulsion mechanisms, including, self-electrophoresis, self-diffusiophoresis and self-thermophoresis. The work in this paper considers various types of catalytic chemical reaction at the motor surface and in the bulk fluid that come into play in mesoscopic descriptions of the dynamics. The formulation is illustrated by developing the mesoscopic reaction dynamics for exothermic and dissociation reactions that are used to power motor motion. The results of simulations of the self-propelled dynamics of composite Janus particles by these mechanisms are presented. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.