Directed Rotational Motion of Microscale Objects Using Interfacial Tension Gradients Continually Generated via Catalytic Reactions

Abstract

Gearing up for the future: Continuous rotational motion of gear-like microscale objects is demonstrated via interfacial tension gradients generated through catalytic reactions (the picture shows one such gear with a diameter of ≈150 μm). Hydrophobicity of the surface adjacent to the catalyst is shown to be the key in the formation of the surface tension gradient.