Nanoscale Continuous Directional Motion Driven by a Cyclic Thermal Field

Directional motion plays a crucial role in various mechanical systems. Although mechanisms for nanoscale directional motion have been widely used in many aspects of nanotechnology, it remains a great challenge to generate continuous and controllable motion at the nanoscale. Herein we propose a nanoscale continuous directional motion in cyclic thermal fields by using a double-walled system which consists of an outer BN/C heterojunction nanotube and a concentric inner carbon nanotube (CNT). By manipulating the heating region of the outer BN/C heterojunction tube, the continuous motion of the inner CNT can be realized with ease. The inner CNT demonstrates three distinct movements due to the joint actions of the asymmetric thermal gradient forces and interlayer attraction forces caused by the presence of the outer BN/C heterojunction nanotube. The mechanism revealed in the present study may be useful in designing novel devices for energy conversion and directional transportation.

Recent progress in magnetic applications for micro- and nanorobots

In recent years, magnetic micro- and nanorobots have been developed and extensively used in many fields. Actuated by magnetic fields, micro- and nanorobots can achieve controllable motion, targeted transportation of cargo, and energy transmission. The proper use of magnetic fields is essential for the further research and development of micro- and nanorobotics. In this article, recent progress in magnetic applications in the field of micro- and nanorobots is reviewed. First, the achievements of manufacturing micro- and nanorobots by incorporating different magnetic nanoparticles, such as diamagnetic, paramagnetic, and ferromagnetic materials, are discussed in detail, highlighting the importance of a rational use of magnetic materials. Then the innovative breakthroughs of using different magnetoelectric devices and magnetic drive structures to improve the micro- and nanorobots are reviewed. Finally, based on the biofriendliness and the precise and stable performance of magnetic micro- and nanorobots in microbial environments, some future challenges are outlined, and the prospects of magnetic applications for micro- and nanorobots are presented.

Field effect control of translocation dynamics in surround-gate nanopores

Controlling the fast electrophoresis of nano-objects in solid-state nanopores is a critical issue for achieving electrical analysis of single-particles by ionic current. In particular, it is crucial to slow-down the translocation dynamics of nanoparticles. We herein report that a focused electric field and associated water flow in a surround-gate nanopore can be used to trap and manipulate a nanoscale object. We fine-control the electroosmosis-induced water flow by modulating the wall surface potential via gate voltage. We find that a nanoparticle can be captured in the vicinity of the conduit by balancing the counteracting electrophoretic and hydrodynamic drag forces. By creating a subtle force imbalance, in addition, we also demonstrate a gate-controllable motion of single-particles moving at an extremely slow speed of several tens of nanometers per second. The present method may be useful in single-molecule detection by solid-state nanopores and nanochannels.

Liquid Metal Slingshot-a Self-Propelled and Controllable Motion

This manuscript reports a new self-propelled motion of liquid metal droplet, which not rely on any external force, and we can change the speed and direction by changing the shape of the surface. This self-propelled and controllable motion is of great significance for the application of liquid metals in nanomachines, robots, targeted therapy, and others.

Liquid Metal Slingshot-a Self-Propelled and Controllable Motion

This manuscript reports a new self-propelled motion of liquid metal droplet, which not rely on any external force, and we can change the speed and direction by changing the shape of the surface. This self-propelled and controllable motion is of great significance for the application of liquid metals in nanomachines, robots, targeted therapy, and others.

MOF-derived magnetic Co@porous carbon as a direction-controlled micromotor for drug delivery

Porous carbon nanocomposites decorated with magnetic Co nanoparticles were obtained via the direct carbonization of ZIF-67 and acted as micromotors with appropriate speeds, controllable motion, and long lifetimes for drug delivery.

Hierarchical chemomechanical encoding of multi-responsive hydrogel actuators via 3D printing

A family of multi-responsive hydrogel-based actuators capable of rapid and controllable motion in response to any immediate environmental change is herein demonstrated towards the 3D-printing of functionally graded structures that are encoded with anisotropic swelling behavior.

Experimental research on cage dynamic characteristics of angular contact ball bearing

The dynamic performance and life of the precise bearing, even abnormal operation and early failure are affected directly by the complex and unstable motion of the cage. Based on the cage dynamic performance test device with controllable motion of inner and outer rings, respectively, the dynamic characteristics of the cage were studied under different rotating speeds and loads, while inner ring rotated with outer ring fixed and inner–outer rings rotated reversely. Then the trajectory of the cage mass center was drawn through experimental study. The three-dimensional space motions of cage reveal that, when only inner ring rotates, the trajectories of cage mass center are approximately circular under axial load, and the amplitude of the axial displacement raises with the increase of the rotation speeds. With the increase of radial loads, the cage mass center trajectories are shaking from a circle to a small area on the side of the bearing center. When the inner–outer rings rotate in the opposite direction, the rotation speed of the cage is greatly reduced, and the mass center trajectories of the cage oscillate irregularly on side of the bearing center. As the relative rotation speed of rings increases, the axial displacement fluctuation enlarges. With the increase of the radial loads, the axial fluctuation decreases.