An innovative type of nanomotors operating from visible light

German scientists from Munich University of Ludwig-Maximilian created the first nanomotor source of energy which is visible sunlight. The motor works with a frequency of 1 kHz and today is the fastest motor of those that feed off light energy.

In the 21st century, nanotechnology is developing very quickly. One of the objectives of technology – getting nanomotors, devices of molecular dimensions, which can convert a supplied to him the energy to mechanical motion. These motors in the future will be able to participate in the process of building devices and materials with unique properties that are unavailable in the current development of technology.



The procedure for obtaining moleculesa the last ten years in the laboratories was obtained nanomotors powered chemical power sources, from electricity and light. However, the previous "model" of the motor required ultraviolet radiation. Problems of application of nanotechnologies in everyday life require at least a high-energy energy sources – for example, the visible portion of sunlight.

"Described until now, the molecular motors are activated by light, used with ultraviolet radiation as energy source, says Dr. Henry Dube [Henry Dube] from the chemical laboratory of the University. But this strongly limits their application as high-energy photons are dangerous for nanomachines in General."

In their work, scientists describe how it works received nanomotor. Three-dimensional structure of a molecule changes when its components begin to interact with photons. Obtained by scientists molecule of emitiendo [hemithioindigo] is essentially photopracticum made of two organic molecules bonded carbon double bond. When exposed to light, the molecule begins to rotate around this bond.

Despite the fact that the molecule requires to rotate the photons with less energy, and it rotates very quickly, about 1,000 times per second at room temperature.

"We were extremely surprised to see such quality work on our motor, as many molecular motors are distinguished by stable rotation in one direction, but sometimes rotated and in the other, said Dube. – Given the complexity of the procedure for obtaining such molecules, it is surprising that we have achieved such good results the first time".

Although, of course, to useful working mechanisms the size of molecules is still far away. It is necessary to develop simple procedures for obtaining such motors, integrating them into mechanisms and to overcome many other technical difficulties.published

 

P. S. And remember, only by changing their consumption — together we change the world! ©

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Source: geektimes.ru/post/263212/