Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of chemically-powered synthetic nanomotors

Abstract

Colloidal motors without moving parts can be propelled by self-diffusiophoresis, coupling molecular concentration gradients generated by surface chemical reactions to the velocity slip between solid Janus particles and the surrounding fluid solution. The interfacial properties involved in this propulsion mechanism can be described by nonequilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, disclosing the fundamental role of microreversibility in the coupling between motion and reaction. Among other phenomena, the approach predicts that propulsion by fuel consumption has the reciprocal effect of fuel synthesis by mechanical action.