Nanotube-based molecular motors

Summary form only given, as follows. The design, construction, and operation of electrically-driven molecular actuators and motors using nanotubes as integral components is a leading-edge endeavor in science and engineering. One design uses a multi-wall. carbon nanotube as a rotational bearing, allowing low-level voltages to fully control the angular position of a metal plate rotor. This motor, of size ~200nm on a side, is integrated on a silicon chip. Aligned arrays of such motors have been produced. Other successful designs are based on surface-tension-driven liquid metal nanodroRiet relaxation oscillators or solid state nanocrystals, with carbon nanotubes playing central functional roles. This presentation addresses the novel underlying physics, energy dissipation, and possible applications of bath rotation al and linear molecular motors.