SKM 2023 – scientific programme
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CPP: Fachverband Chemische Physik und Polymerphysik
CPP 4: Active Matter I (joint session BP/CPP/DY)
CPP 4.6: Talk
Monday, March 27, 2023, 11:15–11:30, TOE 317
Rodrolls: self-rolling rods powered by light and chemical gradients — •Ann Rosna George1, Martin Wittmann2, Antonio Stocco1, Igor M. Kulić1, and Juliane Simmchen2 — 1CNRS, Institute Charles Sadron, Strasbourg, France — 2Physical chemistry, TU Dresden, Germany
The self-rolling motion upon spontaneous symmetry breaking is demonstrated by certain rod-shaped microorganisms like viruses. Hence it is imperative that we understand the mechanism of this symmetry breaking triggering the active rolling motion. This behaviour has also been demonstrated on the macroscopic scale by rod-like objects. It is very interesting to try and replicate this on a microscopic scale. The main aim of the project is to create a new class of active rods that exhibit rolling activity under chemical and optical gradients. To achieve this, it is important to understand the mechanism of activity of rod-like objects under chemical and optical stimuli.
Experiments conducted using silica Janus rods with a Platinum layer in an aqueous solution of H2O2 give interesting results and exhibit different kinds of activity when parameters like concentration of H2O2 and aspect ratio of rods are changed. Under specific conditions, particles are capable of switching their direction of motion. Experiments done using rods covered in gold nanoparticles under an optical gradient also reveal promising results of being able to make the rods roll upon providing sufficient energy to break the symmetry and fine-tuning certain parameters.