Bioinspired Chemical Communication between Synthetic Nanomotors

While chemical communication plays a key role in diverse natural processes, the intelligent chemical communication between synthetic nanomotors remains unexplored. Here we demonstrate the design and operation of bio-inspired synthetic nanomotors capable of chemical communication among themselves that influences their propulsion behavior. The chemical message is sent from a moving 'activator' motor to a nearby 'activated' (receiver) one, and involves release of silver ions from a Janus PS/Ni/Au/Ag 'activator' motor to the 'activated' Janus SiO2/Pt nanomotor. The transmitted silver signal is translated rapidly into a dramatic speed change associated with the enhanced catalytic activity of 'activated' motors. The concept of establishing chemical communication between different synthetic nanomotors paves the way to intelligent nanoscale robotic systems that are capable of cooperating with each other.