Isotropic Hedgehog-Shaped-TiO2/Functional-Multiwall-Carbon-Nanotube Micromotors with Phototactic Motility in Fuel-Free Environments

Jiang, Huaide1; He, Xiaoli1; Ma, Yanmei1; Fu, Bi1; Xu, Xingui1; Subramanian, Balachandran1; Hu, Chengzhi1,2

2021-02-03

10.1021/acsami.0c19606

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces   影响因子和分区

1944-8244

1944-8252

Directional motion in response to specific signals is critically important for micro/nanomotors in precise cargo transport, obstacle avoidance, collective control, and complex maneuvers. In this work, a kind of isotropic light-driven micromotor that is made of hedgehog-shaped TiO2 and functional multiwall carbon nanotubes (Hs-TiO2@FCNTs) has been developed. The FCNTs are closely entangled with Hs-TiO2 and form a close-knit matrix on the surface of Hs-TiO2, which facilitates the transfer of electrons from Hs-TiO2 to FCNTs. Due to the high redox potential of Hs-TiO2, excellent electron-hole separation efficiency by the addition of FCNTs, and isotropic morphology of the micromotor, these Hs-TiO2@FCNT micromotors show phototactic and fuel-free propulsion under unidirectional irradiation of UV light. It is the first time to demonstrate isotropic micromotors that are propelled by self-electrophoresis. The isotropy of Hs-TiO2@FCNT micromotors makes them immune to the rotational Brownian diffusion and local flows, exhibiting superior directionality. The motion direction of our micromotors can be precisely tuned by light and a velocity of 8.9 mu m/s is achieved under 160 mW/cm(2) UV light illumination. Photodegradation of methylene blue and active transportation of polystyrene beads are demonstrated for a proof-of-concept application of our micromotors. The isotropic design of the Hs-TiO2@FCNT micromotors with enhanced photocatalytic properties unfolds a new paradigm for addressing the limitations of directionality control and chemical fuels in the current asymmetric light-driven micromotors.

Hs-TiO2@FCNTs isotropic morphology fuel free propulsion motion directionality self-electrophoresis

SCI ; EI

英语

第一 ; 通讯

National Natural Science Foundation of China[61903177]

Science & Technology - Other Topics ; Materials Science

Nanoscience & Nanotechnology ; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

WOS:000618153100061

AMER CHEMICAL SOC

20210609875859

Electrophoresis ; Fuels ; Morphology ; Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCN) ; Oxide minerals ; Photocatalytic activity ; Redox reactions ; Titanium dioxide

Minerals:482.2 ; Electricity: Basic Concepts and Phenomena:701.1 ; Electric Motors:705.3 ; Nanotechnology:761 ; Chemical Reactions:802.2 ; Inorganic Compounds:804.2 ; Materials Science:951

Web of Science

1.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Dept Mech Engn & Energy, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China
2.Southern Univ Sci & Technol, Guangdong Prov Key Lab Human Augmentat & Rehabil, Shenzhen 518055, Peoples R China

Jiang, Huaide,He, Xiaoli,Ma, Yanmei,et al. Isotropic Hedgehog-Shaped-TiO2/Functional-Multiwall-Carbon-Nanotube Micromotors with Phototactic Motility in Fuel-Free Environments[J]. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces,2021,13(4):5406-5417.

Jiang, Huaide.,He, Xiaoli.,Ma, Yanmei.,Fu, Bi.,Xu, Xingui.,...&Hu, Chengzhi.(2021).Isotropic Hedgehog-Shaped-TiO2/Functional-Multiwall-Carbon-Nanotube Micromotors with Phototactic Motility in Fuel-Free Environments.ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces,13(4),5406-5417.

Jiang, Huaide,et al."Isotropic Hedgehog-Shaped-TiO2/Functional-Multiwall-Carbon-Nanotube Micromotors with Phototactic Motility in Fuel-Free Environments".ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 13.4(2021):5406-5417.