Self-propulsion of a calcium alginate surfer

Soft Matter. 2023 Oct 25;19(41):8033-8039. doi: 10.1039/d3sm01026k.

Abstract

A droplet of sodium alginate dripped into calcium chloride solution results in plate or boat shaped hydrogels. Both exhibit several minute-long self-propelled motion on the liquid surface without any extra fuel added, offering a new method to making active materials. By changing the initial concentrations, we are able to tune the transient dynamic activities from translational to rotational or stop-and-run motion. Dynamics are governed by osmotic pressure induced Marangoni effect, depending on the density difference and initial concentrations.