Self-propelled micro-jets

Rolled-up multilayer nanomembranes can act as catalytic tubular micro-jets. Inside the micro-jet hydrogen peroxide is decomposed into Oxygen bubbles and water by a catalytic reaction of Hydrogen peroxide with the inner tube wall made of Silver. The generation of the bubbles causes a highly directional and fast movement of the micro-jet. Using ferromagnetic nanomembranes the micro-jets can be manipulated by external magnetic fields. These results made it for one of the cover pages of the journal “Advanced Materials” of the first November issue 2008.

Videoclip 1: self-propelled micro jet

Videoclip 2: manipulation by external magnetic fields

Link to the press release (in German)