Nanomotors driven by single-atom catalysts

Shuai Chen, Jianhong Wang, Shoupeng Cao (Corresponding author), Samir H. Al-Hilfi, Juan Yang, Jingxin Shao, Jan C.M. van Hest, Mischa Bonn, Klaus Müllen (Corresponding author), Yazhou Zhou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) involve atomically dispersed metal atoms on solid supports. SACs combine the fast reaction kinetics of homogeneous catalysts with the recyclability of heterogeneous catalysts, providing great technological opportunities. To date, SAC research has focused primarily on the development of synthetic methods and fuel production. Here, we report a combination of SAC and nanomotor design to fabricate motile systems, referred to here as SAC-nanomotors. This concept is demonstrated by an Fe SAC prepared via the pulsing H2-pyrolysis approach. The Fe SAC-nanomotor is powered by decomposing H2O2 with ultrahigh-density Fe atoms, achieving a velocity of 18 ± 3 μm s−1 at a low fuel concentration of 10 mM. This proof-of-principle SAC-nanomotor, with the smallest possible catalytic combustion site and excellent biocompatibility, illustrates the enormous potential of SACs for developing advanced nanomotor systems.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101898
Number of pages14
JournalCell Reports. Physical Science
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Apr 2024

Keywords

  • nanomotors
  • pulsing hydrogen pyrolysis
  • self-propelled motion
  • single-atom catalysts

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