LMP Seminar: Catalytic Janus Colloids: Motion Control, and Experimental Investigation of Propulsion Mechanisms

Catalytic Janus colloids provide an experimentally accessible example of active matter, that has been the subject of considerable experimental and theoretical attention. This presentation will review one particular area of focus in my research group, developing methods to direct the intrinsically diffusive trajectories generated by catalytic colloids, motivated by the potential to harness their motion for microfluidic transport. Self-assembly, external field guidance, catalytic patch shape control, topographical guidance and interactions with gravity will all be discussed in this context. In addition recent findings showing the potential to use responsive materials to both direct motion and control cargo release will be presented. The talk will also describe the way in which experimental investigation, in conjunction with analytical theory, has been used to gain insights into the Janus colloids motion producing mechanisms.