Geometric effects in photocatalytic active matter

Nair, Raaman (2018) Geometric effects in photocatalytic active matter. Masters thesis, Northern Arizona University.

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Abstract

The study of photocatalytic active matter is an emerging study in nanoscience. These so-called microswimmers are of interest to many for perceived applications. However, the first step is to gain control of the motion of these active colloids and understand what factors affect their swimming patterns. In this study, we have investigated the dynamics of photoactive colloids and looked at the morphology relationship in the swimming behavior of these particles. Using the Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD) fabrication technique, we have successfully synthesized lightactivated particles utilizing photoactive materials. From our results, we determine that the swimmers do exhibit a unique and autonomous swimming behaviour depending upon their morphology. The direction of motion and velocity are the parameters we looked at. Since the swimming pattern is strongly linked to the geometry of the photocatayltic active colloids, GLAD allows for small-scale propulsion by altering the fabrication parameters to match the desired performance. Eventually, this would lead to better control of these colloids for future implementations.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Active Colloids; Geometric Effects; Glancing Angle Deposition; Micromotors; Photocatalytic Active Matter; Titanium Dioxide
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Date Deposited:	11 May 2021 17:59
URI:	http://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/5466

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