Abstract
Discovery of bio-inspired, self-propelled and externally-powered nano-/micro-motors, rotors and engines (micromachines) is considered a potentially revolutionary paradigm in nanoscience. Nature knows how to combine different elements together in a fluidic state for intelligent design of nano-/micro-machines, which operate by pumping, stirring, and diffusion of their internal components. Taking inspirations from nature, scientists endeavor to develop the best materials, geometries, and conditions for self-propelled motion, and to better understand their mechanisms of motion and interactions. Today, microfluidic technology offers considerable advantages for the next generation of biomimetic particles, droplets and capsules. This review summarizes recent achievements in the field of nano-/micromotors, and methods of their external control and collective behaviors, which may stimulate new ideas for a broad range of applications.
Highlights
We propose the idea that the chemoton concept can be realized through microfluidics, as input energy can be harvested to synthesize multiple membrane-enclosed systems
We highlighted recent significant results and achievements in the field of NMs, starting from historical overview of simple, complex machines and followed by recent rapid progress starting from historical overview of simple, complex machines and followed by recent rapid progress made in the field of nano-/micro- motors and engines
The the only way to learn about NMs was to design, power and observe the motion of these bio-mimetic only way to learn about NMs was to design, power and observe the motion of these bio-mimetic microparticles, and it remains unknown how many reactions must be tested and what we can really microparticles, and it remains unknown how many reactions must be tested and what we can really learn from the chemistry in motion
Summary
Beginning with illustrative examples in mechanical engineering of simple, complex, predictable, chaotic machines and extending to miniature systems on the scale of single atoms, this review and the cited references contained within stand alone as a comprehensive introduction to nano-/micro-motors (NMs), intended to answer questions about possible future design directions and considerations required for the generation of nano-/micro-motors. Miniaturization in the design of man-made machines lead to multiple advantages, including (1) low weight; (2) fast performance; (3) less inertia, less mass; (4) less energy required to function; (5) increased strength to weight ratio; (6) increased power density, small power consumption and high energy conversion efficiency (chemo-mechanical coupling); (7) precise control of movement at the nano-/microscale; and (8) integration of a large number of devices in a small volume of space, which can enable breakthrough applications. Li et al reported Au–Fe/Ni alloy hybrid nanowire motors, which can achieve speeds up to 850 μm·s−1 or 157 BL·s−1 [68]
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