Nanocrystal-Powered Nanomotor

B. C. Regan,†‡§ S. Aloni,†‡ K. Jensen,†‡ R. O. Ritchie,‡ and A. Zettl*†‡§
Department of Physics, Center of Integrated Nanomechanical Systems, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, and Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
Nano Lett., 2005, 5 (9), pp 1730–1733
DOI: 10.1021/nl0510659
Publication Date (Web): August 11, 2005
Copyright © 2005 American Chemical Society
†

 Department of Physics, University of California at Berkeley.

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‡

 Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

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§

 Center of Integrated Nanomechanical Systems, University of California at Berkeley.

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 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California at Berkeley.

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*

 Corresponding author. E-mail:  azettl@physics.berkeley.edu.

Abstract

Abstract Image

We have constructed and operated a nanoscale linear motor powered by a single metal nanocrystal ram sandwiched between mechanical lever arms. Low-level electrical voltages applied to the carbon nanotube lever arms cause the nanocrystal to grow or shrink in a controlled manner. The length of the ram is adjustable from 0 to more than 150 nm, with extension speeds exceeding 1900 nm/s. The thermodynamic principles governing motor operation resemble those driving frost heave, a natural solid-state linear motor.

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History

  • Published In Issue September 14, 2005
  • Received June 7, 2005
    Revised Manuscript Received July 5, 2005

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