Miniaturized motors : self-powered systems for water monitoring and remediation
Self-powered moving motors, which are able to carry out a plethora of operations, is an emerging field that has captivated the attention of researchers. The self-propelled motion of miniaturised motors represents the next step forward for applications in water monitoring and remediation sys...
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Format: | Theses and Dissertations |
Language: | English |
Published: |
2017
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10356/72311 |
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Institution: | Nanyang Technological University |
Language: | English |
Summary: | Self-powered moving motors, which are able to carry out a plethora of operations,
is an emerging field that has captivated the attention of researchers. The self-propelled
motion of miniaturised motors represents the next step forward for applications in water
monitoring and remediation systems. Fuelling the motion of particulates in aqueous
environments results in the paradigm change from passively allowing particles to
accomplish their work, to highly mobile agents that dynamically manoeuvre throughout the
solution. We demonstrate the use of locomotion of motors to move in waters so that they
can do work for environmental monitoring and remediation, where heavy metals can be
monitored and removed using composite micromotors. Control of these self-propelled
micromotors are investigated though the inherent design of the chemical fuels, such as
inclusion of water as a co-reactant. The control of their locomotive behaviour of these
artificial self-propelled moieties can be modulated though the change of chemical
environments by tuning the pH, coupling light sources with photochromic additives, using
ultrasonic manipulation with vibration of microbubbles. While monitoring the motion of
self-propelled micromotors are of utmost importance, barriers remain in monitoring the
motion of these autonomous moving entities due to limits of optical scrutiny. Through the
utility of electrochemistry, properties of the micromotors and the environments they have
been exposed to are quantified, providing an alternative pathway to independent monitoring
systems. Motion of self-propelled devices traversing in aqueous environments, represents
an opportunity to probe the environment and a utility to be maximised for pollutant
management. We believe with the development of appropriate systems, shown in this thesis,
miniaturized motors: self-powered systems for water monitoring and remediation will be
realised. |
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