'Nanodragster' races toward the future of molecular machines
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.
Original publication: Guillaume Vives, JungHo Kang, Kevin F. Kelly and James M. Tour; "Molecular Machinery: Synthesis of a “Nanodragster”; Org. Lett., 2009, 11 (24), pp 5602-5605
Other news from the department science
Most read news
More news from our other portals
See the theme worlds for related content
Topic world Synthesis
Chemical synthesis is at the heart of modern chemistry and enables the targeted production of molecules with specific properties. By combining starting materials in defined reaction conditions, chemists can create a wide range of compounds, from simple molecules to complex active ingredients.
Topic world Synthesis
Chemical synthesis is at the heart of modern chemistry and enables the targeted production of molecules with specific properties. By combining starting materials in defined reaction conditions, chemists can create a wide range of compounds, from simple molecules to complex active ingredients.
Last viewed contents
Perovskites - materials of the future in optical communication - Inorganic metal halide perovskite-based photodetectors for optical communication applications
Engineering team images tiny quasicrystals as they form
Carbon nanotube fibers outperform copper - Tests show bundles beat traditional cables for transmitting electricity
Aventis: Prepared for the post-genome challenge - Aventis highlights network-centric approach at press briefing in Boston
Silkworms spin colored silks while on a ‘green’ dyed-leaf diet - A new, “greener” dyeing method coaxes already-colored fibers from silkworms fed leaves that are dipped or sprayed with dye
Molecules typically found in blue jean and ink dyes may lead to more efficient solar cells
Richard F. Begley Named Vice President and General Manager of PerkinElmer Analytical Sciences
LANXESS increases capacities for iron oxide pigments
Clean growth: Ceresana publishes second market report on surfactants
Surgery on nanoparticles
Scientists solve mystery about catalysis for green production of methanol from carbon dioxide - Live view into methanol synthesis
