(574e) Colloidal, Nanoelectronic State Machines Based on 2D Materials As Smart Aerosolized Probes and Recorders

A here-to-fore unexplored property of two-dimensional (2D) electronic materials is their ability to graft modular electronic functionality onto colloidal particles so as to access local hydrodynamics in fluids to impart mobility, form composite materials, and enter spaces inaccessible to larger electronic systems. Herein, we demonstrate the design and fabrication of fully autonomous state machines (only 100x100x1 µm³ in size) built onto a SU-8 particles powered by a 2D material-based photodiode. The on-board circuit connects a chemiresistor element and a memristor element, enabling the detection and storage of information after aerosolization, hydrodynamic propulsion to targets over 0.6 m away, and large area surface sensing of triethylamine, ammonia and aerosolized soot in inaccessible locations. An incorporated retro-reflector design allows for a facile position location using laser-scanning optical detection. Such microrobots may find widespread application as probes in confined environments, such as the human digestive tract, oil and gas conduits, chemical and biosynthetic reactors, and autonomous environmental sensors.

Reference: V.B. Koman, et al. Nature Nanotechnology volume 13, pages 819–827 (2018).