Active spheres induce Marangoni flows that drive collective dynamics

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Martin Wittmann - , Chair of Physical Chemistry, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Mihail N. Popescu - , Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (Author)
  • Alvaro Domínguez - , University of Seville, University of Granada (Author)
  • Juliane Simmchen - , Chair of Physical Chemistry, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

Abstract: For monolayers of chemically active particles at a fluid interface, collective dynamics is predicted to arise owing to activity-induced Marangoni flow even if the particles are not self-propelled. Here, we test this prediction by employing a monolayer of spherically symmetric active TiO 2 particles located at an oil–water interface with or without addition of a nonionic surfactant. Due to the spherical symmetry, an individual particle does not self-propel. However, the gradients produced by the photochemical fuel degradation give rise to long-ranged Marangoni flows. For the case in which surfactant is added to the system, we indeed observe the emergence of collective motion, with dynamics dependent on the particle coverage of the monolayer. The experimental observations are discussed within the framework of a simple theoretical mean-field model. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number15
JournalEuropean Physical Journal E
Volume44
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 33683489