Colloidal motors with micrometer dimensions and no moving parts can be propelled by self-diffusiophoresis. Coupling between molecular concentration gradients generated by asymmetric surface chemical reactions and the velocity slip between colloidal particle and the surrounding fluid solution is responsible for propulsion. The interfacial properties involved in this propulsion mechanism can be described by nonequilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, disclosing the fundamental role of microreversibility in the coupling between motion and reaction. Among other phenomena, the approach predicts that propulsion by fuel consumption has the reciprocal effect of fuel synthesis by mechanical action.

自扩散电泳可推动具有微米尺寸且无活动部件的胶体电动机。由不对称表面化学反应产生的分子浓度梯度与胶体颗粒与周围流体溶液之间的速度滑移之间的耦合是推动作用的原因。这种推进机制所涉及的界面性质可以用非平衡热力学和统计力学来描述，揭示了微观可逆性在运动与反应之间的耦合中的基本作用。除其他现象外，该方法还预测通过燃料消耗进行的推进具有通过机械作用进行燃料合成的相互影响。