Supermolecular switches based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes

International audienceElectrostatically actuated nanoelectromechanical switches based on intershell displacement mechanisms within batch fabricated, bidirectional multiwalled carbon nanotube MWNT bearings are reported. Multiple devices with a 220 nm pitch are constructed within individual MWNT supermolecules. Experimental results on performance metrics including low switching voltages 0.8 to 6 V, repeatability, hysteresis, and failure modes are presented

Simulation of Rotary Motion Generated by Head-to-Head Carbon Nanotube Shuttles

International audienceA novel rotary nanomotor is described using two ax ially aligned, opposing chirality nanotube shuttles. Based on inter shell screw-likemotion of nanotubes, rotarymotion is generated by electrostatically pulling the two cores together. Simulations using molecular dynamics showthe generation of rotation fromarmchair nanotube pairs and their actuation properties. The simulation results point toward the use of these motors as building blocks in nanoelectromechanical systems and nanorobotic systems for sensing, actuation, and computation applications

Nanotube Boiler: Attogram Copper Evaporation Driven by Electric Current, Joule Heating, Charge, and Ionization

International audienceControlled copper evaporation at attogram level from individual carbon nanotube (CNT) vessels, which we call nanotube boilers, is investigated experimentally and theoretically. We compared the evaporation modes induced by electric current, Joule heating, charge, and ionization in these CNT boilers, which can serve as sources for mass transport and deposition in nanofluidic systems. Experiments and molecular dynamics simulations show that the most effective method for evaporation is by positively ionizing the encapsulated copper; therefore, an electrostatic field can be used to guide the flow