NIRT: Nanoscale Motors Powered by Catalytic Reactions

摘要提案标题：NIRT：催化反应器驱动的纳米级电机提案编号：CTS-0506967主要研究者： Ayusman SenInstitution： 宾夕法尼亚州立大学大学公园分析（决策依据）：该提案描述了一项跨学科的合作努力，以研究一类由催化反应提供动力的新型纳米级电机。 纳米级移动系统是目前的强烈兴趣的主题，部分原因是它们在纳米机械，纳米级组装，机器人，摩擦学，流体学和化学/生物化学传感的潜在应用。 这一领域的大多数研究都集中在人工系统中使用生物马达蛋白，或使用“分子马达”，如外部驱动的轮烷。 然而，纳米发动机可以“从头开始”构建，通过使用催化反应来模仿生物发动机，以产生基于化学梯度的力。这些马达是自主的，因为它们不需要外部电场、磁场或光场作为能源。相反，输入能量是局部和化学地提供的。这些研究将为催化驱动运动在纳米尺度上的未来应用提供科学基础。具体而言，本研究将集中于：（1）探索可用于将化学能转化为纳米和微米尺度运动的催化反应范围;（2）化学、光化学和电磁运动切换;（3）纳米马达的能量效率和承载能力的基础工程研究;（4）纳米马达的能量效率和承载能力的基础工程研究。以及（4）第一代设备，如齿轮组件、传感器和基于催化反应产生的机械力的可切换纳米和微米级泵。将实施一项教育推广计划，将新的努力与对NSF既定计划的关键贡献相结合。这些努力的重点是将与纳米化学发动机相关的跨学科纳米科学概念引入研究生和本科生课程，中学科学夏令营和科学教师研讨会。

AbstractProposal Title: NIRT: Nanoscale Motors Powered by Catalytic ReactorsProposal Number: CTS-0506967Principal Investigator: Ayusman SenInstitution: Pennsylvania State Univ University Park Analysis (rationale for decision):This proposal describes an interdisciplinary collaborative effort to study a novel class of nanoscale motors which are powered by catalytic reactions. Nanoscale moving systems are currently the subject of intense interest due in part to their potential applications in nanomachinery, nanoscale assembly, robotics, tribology, fluidics, and chemical/biochemical sensing. Most of the research in this area has focused on using biological motor proteins in artificial systems, or using "molecular motors" such as rotaxanes that are powered externally. However, nanomotors can be constructed "from scratch" which mimic biological motors by using catalytic reactions to create forces based on chemical gradients. These motors are autonomous in that they do not require external electric, magnetic, or optical fields as energy sources. Instead, the input energy is supplied locally and chemically. The studies will provide a scientific underpinning for future applications of catalytically driven motion on the nanometer length scale. Specifically, this research will focus on: (1) exploring the range of catalytic reactions that can be used to convert chemical energy to motion on the nanometer and micron length scales; (2) chemical, photochemical, and electro/magnetic switching of motion; (3) fundamental engineering studies on energy efficiency and load-bearing ability of the nanomotors; and (4) first-generation devices such as gear assemblies, sensors, and switchable nano- and microscale pumps based on the mechanical forces produced by catalytic reactions.An educational outreach program will be implemented that combines new efforts with key contributions to established NSF programs. These efforts focus on introducing cross-disciplinary nanoscience concepts related to nanoscale chemical motors into graduate and undergraduate courses, middle school summer science camps, and science teacher workshops.