Title: Nanocrystal powered nanomotor

Abstract

A nanoscale nanocrystal which may be used as a reciprocating motor is provided, comprising a substrate having an energy differential across it, e.g. an electrical connection to a voltage source at a proximal end; an atom reservoir on the substrate distal to the electrical connection; a nanoparticle ram on the substrate distal to the atom reservoir; a nanolever contacting the nanoparticle ram and having an electrical connection to a voltage source, whereby a voltage applied between the electrical connections on the substrate and the nanolever causes movement of atoms between the reservoir and the ram. Movement of the ram causes movement of the nanolever relative to the substrate. The substrate and nanolever preferably comprise multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and the atom reservoir and nanoparticle ram are preferably metal (e.g. indium) deposited as small particles on the MWNTs. The substrate may comprise a silicon chip that has been fabricated to provide the necessary electrodes and other electromechanical structures, and further supports an atomic track, which may comprise an MWNT.

Inventors:

Regan, Brian C ^[1]; Zettl, Alexander K ^[2]; Aloni, Shaul ^[3]

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1. Los Angeles, CA
2. Kensington, CA
3. Albany, CA

Issue Date:

2011-01-04

Research Org.:

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1017464

Patent Number(s):

7863798

Application Number:

11/229,935

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California (Oakland, CA)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B81 - MICROSTRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGY B81B - MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS, e.g. MICROMECHANICAL DEVICES

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B82 - NANOTECHNOLOGY B82Y - SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES

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B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B81 - MICROSTRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGY B81B - MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS, e.g. MICROMECHANICAL DEVICES

B81B2201/038 - Microengines and actuators not provided for in B81B2201/031 - B81B2201/037
B81B3/0021 - {Transducers for transforming electrical into mechanical energy or vice versa

B - PERFORMING OPERATIONS B82 - NANOTECHNOLOGY B82Y - SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES

B82Y15/00 - Nanotechnology for interacting, sensing or actuating, e.g. quantum dots as markers in protein assays or molecular motors
B82Y30/00 - Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y10 - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC Y10S - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

Y10S977/725 - Nanomotor/nanoactuator
Y10S977/733 - Nanodiaphragm
Y10S977/752 - Multi-walled

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y10 - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC Y10T - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

Y10T117/1004 - with means for measuring, testing, or sensing

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC02-05CH11231

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY