Synthesis process and evaluation of zeolite-based micromotors

Micro/nano motor is a general term to describe a class of manmade tiny devices with the ability to exhibit mechanical motion often in a liquid or liquid/gas interface [1]. Autonomous propulsion in such objects arises from chemical reaction of a catalyst coated asymmetrically on particles surface and the fuel molecule dissolved in motion media [2]. These motors has the potential to be used in various applications ranging from biomedical [3] to environmental remediation [4]. We describe here the synthesis process of a novel zeolite-based micromotor with the potential of chemical and biological detoxification of water. Among zeolite family, zeolite 4A is well known for its ability to remove heavy metals from water [5], non-toxic nature, availability and low cost [6]. It is also reported that silver exchanged zeolite has antibacterial capability in spite of its low toxicity [7]. Combining these properties with micromotor advantages, i.e. move and destroy contamination, can be beneficial for water remediation purposes. One of the known fuels of micromotors is aqeaus hydrogen peroxide (H¬¬2O2) which has antiseptic feature [4]. Hydrogen peroxide can decompose to water and oxygen in the presence of proper catalysts such as Pt or Ag [1]. Micromotors with the purpose of water remediation both chemically and biologically can be fabricated by using masking technique to coat Ag asymmetrically on cubic silver-zeolite particles [9].