Stable magnetic chemical locomotive with Pd nanoparticle incorporated ferromagnetic oxide

Abstract

In this article, we present results on the development of a new magnetic chemical locomotive made of ferromagnetic cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄), doped with Pd nanoparticles (NPs). The composite particles were found to be chemically stable in realizing magnetic chemical propulsion. Further, these particles strongly catalyzed the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) solution even when the strength of the solution was as low as 0.3%, making it efficient in inducing autonomous chemical locomotion. In addition, the velocity of the particles could be controlled by using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is known to quench hydroxyl radicals in the solution. We also showed that these ferromagnetic structures possessed appreciable magnetization and were capable of being guided magnetically, while roving autonomously inside the liquid.