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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Controlling Movement at Nanoscale: Curvature Driven Mechanotaxis

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Author(s):
Machado, Leonardo D. [1] ; Bizao, Rafael A. [2] ; Pugno, Nicola M. [3, 4] ; Galvao, Douglas S. [5]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Rio Grande do Norte, Dept Fis Teor & Expt, BR-59072970 Natal, RN - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Math & Comp Sci, BR-13566590 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[3] Queen Mary Univ London, Sch Engn & Mat Sci, London E1 4NS - England
[4] Univ Trento, Dept Civil Environm & Mech Engn, Lab Bioinspired Bion Nano Meta Mat & Mech, I-38123 Trento - Italy
[5] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Fis Gleb Wataghin, CP 6165, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: SMALL; v. 17, n. 35 JUL 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Locating and manipulating nano-sized objects to drive motion is a time and effort consuming task. Recent advances show that it is possible to generate motion without direct intervention, by embedding the source of motion in the system configuration. In this work, an alternative manner to controllably displace nano-objects without external manipulation is demonstrated, by employing spiral-shaped carbon nanotube (CNT) and graphene nanoribbon structures (GNR). The spiral shape contains smooth gradients of curvature, which lead to smooth gradients of bending energy. It is shown that these gradients as well as surface energy gradients can drive nano-oscillators. An energy analysis is also carried out by approximating the carbon nanotube to a thin rod and how torsional gradients can be used to drive motion is discussed. For the nanoribbons, the role of layer orientation is also analyzed. The results show that motion is not sustainable for commensurate orientations, in which AB stacking occurs. For incommensurate orientations, friction almost vanishes, and in this instance, the motion can continue even if the driving forces are not very high. This suggests that mild curvature gradients, which can already be found in existing nanostructures, could provide mechanical stimuli to direct motion. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 19/07157-9 - DESIGNING NEW 3D STRUCTURES FROM ZEOLITE TEMPLATES FOR 3D PRINTING APPLICATIONS
Grantee:Eliezer Fernando de Oliveira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
FAPESP's process: 16/18499-0 - Investigation on the structural, mechanical and functional properties of carbon-based nanostructures
Grantee:Eliezer Fernando de Oliveira
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 13/08293-7 - CCES - Center for Computational Engineering and Sciences
Grantee:Munir Salomao Skaf
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC