Self-propelling mini-motor and its applications in supramolecular self-assembly and energy conversion

Abstract

<bold>Abstract:</bold> With the booming development of smart materials, self-propelling motors have drawn much attention in the research on biomedical science, cargo transportation, environmental remediation and mini-robot, etc. In this review, based on the classification of the type of driving force, we summarized the recent progress of rapid locomotion of mini-devices (from centimeter to millimeter scale) propelled by physical and chemical driving force. Based on the concept of supramolecular chemistry, we summed up the applied research of self-propelling mini-motor on the supramolecular self-assembly. Based on the Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, we summarized the applications of self-propelling mini-motor in the energy conversion process from chemical energy to mechanical form, and then to electricity.