Nanomotors driven by single-atom catalysts

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) involve atomically dispersed metal atoms on solid supports. SACs combine the fast reaction kinetics of homogeneous catalysts with the recyclability of heterogeneous catalysts, providing great technological opportunities. To date, SAC research has focused primarily on the development of synthetic methods and fuel production. Here, we report a combination of SAC and nanomotor design to fabricate motile systems, referred to here as SAC-nanomotors. This concept is demonstrated by an Fe SAC prepared via the pulsing H2-pyrolysis approach. The Fe SAC-nanomotor is powered by decomposing H2O2 with ultrahigh-density Fe atoms, achieving a velocity of 18 ± 3 μm s−1 at a low fuel concentration of 10 mM. This proof-of-principle SAC-nanomotor, with the smallest possible catalytic combustion site and excellent biocompatibility, illustrates the enormous potential of SACs for developing advanced nanomotor systems.