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'Nanodragster' races toward the future of molecular machines

Date:
January 16, 2010
Source:
American Chemical Society
Summary:
Scientists in Texas are reporting the development of a "nanodragster" that may speed the course toward development of a new generation of futuristic molecular machines. The vehicle -- only 1/50,000th the width of a human hair -- resembles a hot-rod in shape and can outperform previous nano-sized vehicles.
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Scientists in Texas are reporting the development of a "nanodragster" that may speed the course toward development of a new generation of futuristic molecular machines. The vehicle -- only 1/50,000th the width of a human hair -- resembles a hot-rod in shape and can outperform previous nano-sized vehicles. Their report is in ACS' Organic Letters.

James Tour, Kevin Kelly and colleagues note that the ability to control the motion of small molecules is essential for building much-anticipated molecular machines. Some of these machines may find use in manufacturing computer circuits and other electronic components in the future. Scientists have already made strides by designing nano-sized vehicles, including a "nanocar" with wheels made of buckyballs -- spheres of carbon containing 60 atoms apiece. The car can scoot around a gold surface when exposed to heat or an electric field gradient. But control of its movement is limited. These drawbacks prevent its widespread use. But the most limiting factor is the nanoscopic resolution tools available for studying their range of motions and capabilities.

The new vehicle addresses some of these problems. The front end has a smaller axle and wheels made of special materials that roll easier. The rear wheels sport a longer axle but are still made of buckyballs, which provide strong surface grip. These changes result in a "nanodragster" that can operate at lower temperatures than a regular nanocar and possibly has has better agility, paving the way for better molecular machines, the scientists say.


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Materials provided by American Chemical Society. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Vives et al. Molecular Machinery: Synthesis of a 'Nanodragster'. Organic Letters, 2009; 11 (24): 5602 DOI: 10.1021/ol902312m

Cite This Page:

American Chemical Society. "'Nanodragster' races toward the future of molecular machines." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 16 January 2010. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100106193320.htm>.
American Chemical Society. (2010, January 16). 'Nanodragster' races toward the future of molecular machines. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100106193320.htm
American Chemical Society. "'Nanodragster' races toward the future of molecular machines." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100106193320.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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