Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of chemically powered synthetic nanomotors

Colloidal motors with micrometer dimensions and no moving parts can be propelled by self-diffusiophoresis. Coupling between molecular concentration gradients generated by asymmetric surface chemical reactions and the velocity slip between colloidal particle and the surrounding fluid solution is responsible for propulsion. The interfacial properties involved in this propulsion mechanism can be described by nonequilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, disclosing the fundamental role of microreversibility in the coupling between motion and reaction. Among other phenomena, the approach predicts that propulsion by fuel consumption has the reciprocal effect of fuel synthesis by mechanical action.