title: Rational design and synthesis of catalytically driven nanorotors.
abstract: We report the design and synthesis of nanorotors based upon on-wire lithography. Because of their asymmetric structure, the nanorotors exhibit rotation in a H2O2 bath instead of linear motion. By observing the leading edge of rotation and comparing this result to the nanorotor design, we have concluded that the driving force for motion is dynamic catalytic decomposition of H2O2 which propels, rather than pulls, the nanorotor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
authors.forename: Lidong
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Banholzer
authors.forename: Xiaoyang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Ling
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Chad A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Mirkin
mesh_terms: D002384:Catalysis; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*