Stimuli-responsive microjets with reconfigurable shape.
Flexible thermoresponsive polymeric microjets are formed by the self-folding of polymeric layers containing a thin Pt film used as catalyst for self-propulsion in solutions containing hydrogen peroxide. The flexible microjets can reversibly fold and unfold in an accurate manner by applying changes in temperature to the solution in which they are immersed. This effect allows microjets to rapidly start and stop multiple times by controlling the radius of curvature of the microjet. This work opens many possibilities in the field of artificial nanodevices, for fundamental studies on self-propulsion at the microscale, and also for biorelated applications.
Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, Helmholtz Strasse 20, 01069 Dresden (Germany).
Veronika
V
Magdanz
Georgi
G
Stoychev
Leonid
L
Ionov
Samuel
S
Sanchez
Oliver G
OG
Schmidt
D002384:Catalysis; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D010984:Platinum / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature
D011108:Polymers; D010984:Platinum; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide
microjets; micromotors; nanomotors; responsive polymers; self-folding