Synthetic micro/nanomotors : fabrication, motion studies and applications

• Main Author: Wang, Hong
• Other Authors: Martin Pumera
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::Chemistry
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/70788
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Micro/nanomachines is an emerging field to design and build miniaturized machines analogous to macroscopic machines in our life to perform various intended tasks at small scales. As mobility is desired in a wide range of applications, micro/nanomotor represents a significant step towards practical tiny machines. Micro/nanomotors, which are micro- or nanoscale devices capable of converting energy into mechanical forces and movement, attract considerable interests as a brand new solution to address problems encountered in many fields, especially in biomedical and environmental area. Aiming at solving the problems that impede the realization of the envisioned applications, this project mainly focuses on fabrication and potential applications of self-propelled micro/nanomotors. In the aspect of fabrication, preparation method of tubular micro/nanomotors was simplified and the influence of geometric parameters was investigated. Furthermore, efforts were made to expand the scope of fabrication materials for the purpose of reducing cost and extending functionality. From the viewpoint of applications, the influence of real-world environment on the mobility of micro/nanomotors was examined and potential functionalization strategies were proposed. These findings would contribute to hastening the application of micro/nanomachines in practice.