Autonomous movement induced in chemically powered active soft-oxometalates using dithionite as fuel

Abstract

Synthesis of autonomously moving nano or micromotors is an immediate challenge in current nanoscience and nanotechnology. In this work we report a system based on soft-oxometalates (SOMs) which is very easy to synthesize and moves autonomously in response to chemical stimuli like that of a reducing agent-dithionite. The redox active Mo^VI sites of SOMs are used for oxidizing dithionite to generate SO₂ to propel the micromotors. We explain this motion qualitatively and also show how surface interaction and adsorption isotherm of the evolved gas influence the power conversion efficiency of these micromotors.