Abstract
Fabrication of microdevices has recently been a hot and challenging topic. Microrobots and microfluidics, which are typical examples of microdevices, require nano/microsized motors or pumps as their power source. Unlike currently available macro motors, the motion of nano/micromotors cannot be maintained by its inertia due to the larger viscous effect in a smaller system. Therefore, we must develop a micromotor and micropump working on a new principle.
In the present study, we propose a simple motile system wherein microparticles move continuously under a DC electric field. The motion involves two steps : chain-like arrangement of the particles on a negative electrode and subsequent periodic motion （i.e., spin and rotation） of the other particles in the vicinity of the chain-like ones. Characteristics of the motion depend on an electric field and particles morphology. Chemical nature of particles also affects their motion characteristics. These controllable motions are expected to be applicable for a micromotor and micropump.
