Influence of Oil Density on Self-Propelled Motion of Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction Droplet

Abstract

Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction serves as an example of the nonlinear chemical oscillator in which the reacting substance undergoes sequential oxidation and re-duction. A droplet containing the BZ reaction, when placed within the oily envi-ronment, can self-propel. In this experimental work, we explore the effect of oil medium density on the BZ reaction droplet dynamics. In an oil medium with lower density, the BZ droplet exhibits higher speed and effective diffusivity but a shorter lifetime. Both the distance and speed of the droplet initially increase with droplet volume. However, beyond a critical volume, the distance decreases while the speed stays constant. Interestingly, the critical volumes for distance and speed are not the same. This experimental work might help researchers understand the self-propelled motion of active matter in different media. © 2025, Binghamton University Libraries. All rights reserved.