Rational design and synthesis of catalytically driven nanorotors.

We report the design and synthesis of nanorotors based upon on-wire lithography. Because of their asymmetric structure, the nanorotors exhibit rotation in a H2O2 bath instead of linear motion. By observing the leading edge of rotation and comparing this result to the nanorotor design, we have concluded that the driving force for motion is dynamic catalytic decomposition of H2O2 which propels, rather than pulls, the nanorotor.