Magneto–Acoustic Hybrid Nanomotor

TLDR

Nanoscale propulsion in harsh environments demands precise design and manufacturing of nanomachines that can harvest and translate propelling forces with high spatial and temporal resolution. The study introduces the magneto–acoustic hybrid nanomotor, an artificial nanomachine that achieves efficient, fuel‑free propulsion under magnetic or acoustic fields. The nanomotors consist of a magnetic helical body with a concave nanorod tip and are fabricated via template‑assisted electrochemical deposition and selective chemical etching. Dynamic switching of propulsion mode, directional reversal, digital speed control, and diverse biomimetic collective behaviors such as aggregation, swarm motion, and vortex formation were demonstrated, indicating promise for autonomous, fuel‑free nanovehicle applications.

Abstract

Efficient and controlled nanoscale propulsion in harsh environments requires careful design and manufacturing of nanomachines, which can harvest and translate the propelling forces with high spatial and time resolution. Here we report a new class of artificial nanomachine, named magneto–acoustic hybrid nanomotor, which displays efficient propulsion in the presence of either magnetic or acoustic fields without adding any chemical fuel. These fuel-free hybrid nanomotors, which comprise a magnetic helical structure and a concave nanorod end, are synthesized using a template-assisted electrochemical deposition process followed by segment-selective chemical etching. Dynamic switching of the propulsion mode with reversal of the movement direction and digital speed regulation are demonstrated on a single nanovehicle. These hybrid nanomotors exhibit a diverse biomimetic collective behavior, including stable aggregation, swarm motion, and swarm vortex, triggered in response to different field inputs. Such adaptive hybrid operation and controlled collective behavior hold considerable promise for designing smart nanovehicles that autonomously reconfigure their operation mode according to their mission or in response to changes in their surrounding environment or in their own performance, thus holding considerable promise for diverse practical biomedical applications of fuel-free nanomachines.