Scientists managed to start an one-molecular electric motor

Experts from University Taftsa (USA) have created an efficient one-molecular electric motor nanoscale. Scientists have shared results of the work with magazine Nature Nanotechnology.

The experimental scheme new nanometer the motor consists of following parts: a molecule fixed on a surface, and also needles of a scanning tunnel microscope. As a rotor used a molecule sulphur in connection butilmetilsulfida to which the oxygen molecule on the one hand fastens, and with another – four atoms of carbon. As a result, when through a needle to a sulphur molecule were brought electrons, the atom of sulphur started to rotate round the central communication of sulphur and copper thanks to which the molecule fastened to a surface.

As researchers in the report inform, speed of rotation depends on external conditions. So, tests were spent at temperature in 5К, and one-molecular elektrichesaky the motor rotated with frequency of 50 Hz. Theoretically probably to lift temperature and to 100К but then it would be difficult to observe of process.

Earlier already synthetic molecular motors were created, but any of them till today did not manage to be started.

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