Autonomous movement using a molecular/silica hybrid approach
PhD ceremony: Mr. R. Roswanda, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Proefschrift: Autonomous movement using a molecular/silica hybrid approach
Promotor(s): prof. B.L. Feringa
Faculty: Mathematics and Natural Sciences
One of the most fascinating challenges in nanotechnology is powering and controlling motors. The aim of the research described in this thesis is trying to answer that challenge by creating autonomously moving micro/nano objects that are powered by molecular catalytic propulsion.
The molecular catalytic propulsion is fueled by hydrogen peroxide which is decomposed into water and oxygen by a dinuclear manganese catalyst which is attached the particles. The particles of choice are silica and zeolite L.
The study reveals the size limits at which the force generated by catalytic propulsion will result in autonomous movement before the Brownian motion is overwhelming the system. It is shown that at the submicron size range, the molecular catalytic system attached to silica A (231 ± 35 nm) showed, unexpectedly, a slower diffusion not faster in the presence of hydrogen peroxide.
Further studies are needed to understand the effect of the catalytic reaction of hydrogen peroxide decomposition by the manganese complex on the particle’s movement in this size range.
Last modified: | 13 March 2020 01.00 a.m. |
More news
-
17 July 2024
Veni-grants for ten researchers in Groningen
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded a Veni grant of up to €320,000 each to ten researchers of the University of Groningen and the UMCG. The Veni grants are designed for outstanding researchers who have recently gained a PhD.
-
15 July 2024
Funding for RUG researchers from National Growth Fund programme Circular Plastics NL
For research on making plastics circular, Professors Patrizio Raffa and Katja Loos together receive about 1.2 million euros from the National Growth Fund programme Circular Plastics NL.
-
09 July 2024
NWO Open Technology funding for improving quality 3D printing technology
Dr. Liangliang Cheng receives a NWO OPT grant of EUR 950,000 for research on safer application of metals in 3D printing technology.