Tesla can suck it! Nah, kidding. Seen below is a totally awesome electric car that’s measured in nanometers. It was built by a collaborative Swiss-Dutch effort. The incredible part is the car can travel at a straight line across a copper surface, powered by a millivolt that activates its ‘wheels.’ This is almost like Tron, except it doesn’t exist in an unknown digital dimension that can only be reached thru an old arcade game.
How the Molecular Nanocar Works
Tron musings aside, the molecular nanocar doesn’t operate like its real-world counterparts either. Each of its ‘wheels’ function as engines powered by the volts from a tunneling microscope. This advanced piece of equipment is essential for the nanocar’s movement, as it provides the necessary energy to activate the molecular engines. Its range is limited and it requires successive power surges to traverse a particular distance. The nanocar’s movement is not continuous; instead, it moves in small, controlled increments, which is a fascinating aspect of its design.
The nanocar is composed of a single molecule, which is an impressive feat of engineering. The molecule itself is designed to respond to electrical stimuli, which is what allows it to move. This is a significant step forward in the field of nanotechnology, as it demonstrates the potential for creating machines at the molecular level.
Potential Applications and Future Prospects
If you’re wondering what’s the point of this nanocar, it was created in the name of nanotechnology. Though its applications are nonexistent for now, this particular build could bode well for future projects involving the transportation of, well, molecular parts. Imagine a future where molecular machines can transport individual molecules to specific locations, enabling precise chemical reactions or the construction of complex molecular structures.
One potential application of this technology could be in the field of medicine. For example, molecular nanocars could be used to deliver drugs to specific cells within the body, reducing side effects and increasing the effectiveness of treatments. Another potential application could be in the field of materials science, where molecular machines could be used to assemble new materials with unprecedented properties.
The development of the molecular nanocar is also a testament to the power of international collaboration. Scientists from Switzerland and the Netherlands worked together to create this groundbreaking technology, demonstrating the importance of cooperation in advancing scientific knowledge.
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Source Gizmag
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