Nanometer-Sized Te Pistons in Carbon Cylinders as Nano-Motor Prototypes: Implications for Nano-Electromechanical Device Fabrication

Abstract

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.

Kinematics of electromigration-driven sliding of Co nanorod fillers inside multi-walled carbon nanotubes

“…19–26 To estimate the magnitude of the force of electromigration, theoretically calculated or assumed values have been used for effective valences. 16 In addition to the magnitude of the force of electromigration, it is also necessary to determine the magnitude of kinetic friction to understand and control the movement of nano-objects. This study provides a method for experimental determination of the magnitudes of sliding friction and the force of electromigration for moving metal nano-objects inside multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs).…”

“…The electromigration of nanomaterials inside carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been studied using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Various materials such as Ni 15 and Te 16 can be encapsulated inside CNTs, and these materials can move inside the CNTs by the force of electromigration. CNTs as hosts are also suitable for in situ observations due to their thin walls.…”