Photoactuators and motors based on carbon nanotubes with selective chirality distributions

Xiaobo Zhang, Zhibin Yu, Chuan Wang, David Zarrouk, Jung Woo Ted Seo, Jim C. Cheng, Austin D. Buchan, Kuniharu Takei, Yang Zhao, Joel W. Ager, Junjun Zhang, Mark Hettick, Mark C. Hersam, Albert P. Pisano, Ronald S. Fearing, Ali Javey*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

309 Scopus citations

Abstract

Direct conversion of light into mechanical work, known as the photomechanical effect, is an emerging field of research, largely driven by the development of novel molecular and polymeric material systems. However, the fundamental impediment is that the previously explored materials and structures do not simultaneously offer fast and wavelength-selective response, reversible actuation, low-cost fabrication and large deflection. Here, we demonstrate highly versatile photoactuators, oscillators and motors based on polymer/single-walled carbon nanotube bilayers that meet all the above requirements. By utilizing nanotubes with different chirality distributions, chromatic actuators that are responsive to selected wavelength ranges are achieved. The bilayer structures are further configured as smart 'curtains' and light-driven motors, demonstrating two examples of envisioned applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number2983
JournalNature communications
Volume5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 7 2014

Funding

We thank A. Majumdar for supporting the thermal conductivity measurements. This work was supported by the NSF Center of Integrated Nanomechanical Systems. Wavelength-dependent measurements were performed in the Electronic Materials Program, LBNL, which is supported by the Director, Office of Science, Office Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering, of the US Department of Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. A.D.B and R.S.F. acknowledge Darpa M3 funding. M.C.H. acknowledges funding from the National Science Foundation (DMR-1006391).

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Physics and Astronomy

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