REVIEW

Macroscopic, artificial active matter

¹ Beijing Key Laboratory of Optical Detection Technology for Oil and Gas, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
² Basic Research Center for Energy Interdisciplinary, College of Science, China University of Petroleum-Beijing, Beijing 102249, China
³ School of Physical Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials for Higher Education in lnner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Baotou Teachers’ College, Baotou 014030, China
⁴ School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
⁵ School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459, Singapore

^* Corresponding authors (emails: liupeng@bit.edu.cn (Peng Liu); r.ni@ntu.edu.sg (Ran Ni); ningzheng@bit.edu.cn (Ning Zheng))

Received: 31 January 2024
Revised: 15 March 2024
Accepted: 8 April 2024

Abstract

Artificial active matters on a macroscopic scale, including vibrating particles, robots, and camphor boats, have attracted increasing attentions due to their uniform properties, rich and easily controllable parameters, convenient observation, and the independence of biochemical processes from physical processes, especially providing these unique advantages for researching the collective behaviors under strong confinement and crowded surroundings. In this review, we present an overview of motion models, mechanisms, and dynamic characteristics of various active particles, both in free and complex media. Additionally, we delve into the collective behaviors of “dry” active matter, covering structural and dynamic properties observed in experiments and theoretical models. We summarize the impact of hydrodynamic interactions on the dynamics and structures of these active particles within hydrodynamic environments. Lastly, we discuss emerging opportunities and challenges for future advancement of macroscopic artificial active matter.