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Thermal Modulation of Nanomotor Movement

Bimetallic Pt-Au nanomotors mimic the functions of molecular motor proteins such as kinesin. We have described a new method how to control nanomotor movement. Localised heat pulses applied by electrically heated gold microwires can trigger very rapid changes of nanomotor speed. The heating can be switched on and off within the fraction of a second. This adds a new tool in nanotechnology. We explain the 3-fold thermal acceleration effect by increased mass transport of the fuel, decreased viscosity coupled with increased reaction kinetics of the fuel hydrogen peroxide at the surface of the bimetallic nanomotors.