Manipulation of nano-objects is fascinating as it not only facilitates the understanding of the essential properties of nanomaterials but also enlightens the design of future nano-devices beyond current micro-electromechanical systems. In this paper, a piston-cylinder-configured nano-motor prototype is designed and fabricated, in which nanometer-sized Te segments are electrically controlled to reciprocate inside the carbon cylinder serving as nanopistons. The nano-motor prototype has a length of ∼550 nm, an outer diameter of ∼150 nm, and a piston diameter of ∼30 nm. Electronwind and thermal expansion are two reciprocal forces that create a dynamic equilibrium on the Te pistons and enable the circulating motions. With bias control, a circulating rate of 0−4.3 counts per second has been achieved. This prototype is the smallest pistoncylinder-type nano-motor that has ever been reported and can provide new insights into investment casting-assisted nanoelectromechanical device fabrication.

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Binary metallic nanocrystals are attractive as they offer an extra degree of freedom for structure and phase modulation to generate synergistic effects and extraordinary properties. However, whether the binary structures...

Manipulation of nano-objects is fascinating as it not only facilitates the understanding of the essential properties of nanomaterials, but also enlightens the design of future nano-devices beyond current micro-electro-mechanical systems. In this paper, a piston-cylinder-configured nano-motor prototype is designed and fabricated, in which nanometer-sized Te segments are electrically controlled to reciprocate inside the carbon cylinder serving as nano-pistons. The nano-motor prototype has a length of ~ 550 nm, an outer diameter of ~ 150 nm, and a piston diameter of ~ 30 nm, respectively. Electron-wind and thermal expansion are two reciprocal forces that create a dynamic equilibrium on the Te pistons and enable the circulating motions. With bias control, a piston circulating rate of 0 ~ 4.3 counts per second has been achieved. This prototype is the smallest piston-cylinder-type nano-motor that has ever been reported.