Chemically Powered Nanodimers

Abstract

Self-propelled motion of a chemically powered nanodimer is discussed. The nanodimer comprises two linked spheres, one of which has equal interactions with $A$ and $B$ solvent species but catalyzes the reaction $A\to B$. The other sphere is not chemically active but interacts differently with the two species. The nonequilibrium concentration gradient generated at the catalytic end, in conjunction with the force difference at the noncatalytic end, leads to directed motion. The model mimics features of experimentally studied synthetic nanorod motion. Particle-based simulations and analytical estimates of the velocity provide insight into the nature of nanomotor directed motion.