A molecular linear motor consisting of carbon nanotubes.
We experimentally investigated a "molecular-linear-motor" system consisting of a capsule-like carbon nanotube (CNT) in the interior space of a host CNT. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the capsule traveled back and forth between both ends of the hollow space along the axial direction and rotated simultaneously. The mechanism was well explained with molecular dynamics simulation by considering the driving force supplied from thermal energy. The present system operates around room temperature and this opens up the possibility of designing novel nanodevices such as oscillators and switching memory devices.
Somada
Hiroshi
H
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
Hirahara
Kaori
K
Akita
Seiji
S
Nakayama
Yoshikazu
Y
D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006358:Hot Temperature; D016014:Linear Models; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D009038:Motion; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D014159:Transducers
D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon