Self-motion of a phenanthroline disk on divalent metal ion aqueous solutions coupled with complex formation

The self-motion of a 1,10-phenanthroline disk on divalent metal ion aqueous solutions was investigated as a simple autonomous motor coupled with complex formation. The characteristic features of motion (continuous and oscillatory motion) and their concentration regions differed among metal ions, and the frequency of oscillatory motion depended on the temperature of the aqueous solution. The nature of the characteristic motion is discussed in relation to the stability constant of complex formation between phenanthroline and a metal ion, and the difference in surface tension between phenanthroline and its metal complex as the driving force.