Self-motile colloidal particles: from directed propulsion to random walk
Howse, J.R. Jones, R.A.L. Ryan, A.J.
Howse, J.R.
Jones, R.A.L.
Ryan, A.J.
Publication Date
2009-07-27T14:02:46Z
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
Accepted for publication
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Additional title
Abstract
The motion of an artificial micro-scale swimmer that uses a chemical reaction catalyzed on its
own surface to achieve autonomous propulsion is fully characterized experimentally. It is shown
that at short times, it has a substantial component of directed motion, with a velocity that depends
on the concentration of fuel molecules. At longer times, the motion reverts to a random walk with
a substantially enhanced diffusion coefficient. Our results suggest strategies for designing artificial
chemotactic systems.
Version
No full-text available in the repository
Citation
Gough, T.D., Howse, J.R., Jones, R.A.L. and Ryan, A.J. (2007). Self-motile colloidal particles: from directed propulsion to random walk. Physical Review Letters. Vol. 99, No. 4.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Article