Self-propulsion of a calcium alginate surfer.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 37842822.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1039/d3sm01026k.
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Abstract
A droplet of sodium alginate dripped into calcium chloride solution results in plate or boat shaped hydrogels. Both exhibit several minute-long self-propelled motion on the liquid surface without any extra fuel added, offering a new method to making active materials. By changing the initial concentrations, we are able to tune the transient dynamic activities from translational to rotational or stop-and-run motion. Dynamics are governed by osmotic pressure induced Marangoni effect, depending on the density difference and initial concentrations.