Arizona State University researchers have developed a new generation of nanomotors with an average speed of 60 micrometers per second.

Existing catalytic nanomotors–made with gold and platinum nanowires and fueled with hydrogen peroxide–have top speeds of about 10 micrometers per second.

The new design adds carbon nanotubes to the platinum (boosting the average speed) and spikes the hydrogen peroxide fuel with hydrazine to increase the nanomotor’s top speed to 200 nanometers per second.