Nanometer-Sized Te Pistons in Carbon Cylinders as Nano-Motor Prototypes: Implications for Nano-Electromechanical Device Fabrication

Manipulation of nano-objects is fascinating as it not only facilitates the understanding of the essential properties of nanomaterials but also enlightens the design of future nano-devices beyond current micro-electromechanical systems. In this paper, a piston-cylinder-configured nano-motor prototype is designed and fabricated, in which nanometer-sized Te segments are electrically controlled to reciprocate inside the carbon cylinder serving as nano-pistons. The nano-motor prototype has a length of ∼550 nm, an outer diameter of ∼150 nm, and a piston diameter of ∼30 nm. Electron-wind and thermal expansion are two reciprocal forces that create a dynamic equilibrium on the Te pistons and enable the circulating motions. With bias control, a circulating rate of 0–4.3 counts per second has been achieved. This prototype is the smallest piston-cylinder-type nano-motor that has ever been reported and can provide new insights into investment casting-assisted nano-electromechanical device fabrication.