Brownian diode: Molecular motor based on a semi-permeable Brownian particle with internal potential drop

TL;DR

This paper introduces a model of an autonomous Brownian motor that uses a semi-permeable particle with an internal potential difference to generate directed motion, mimicking a diode at the molecular level.

Contribution

It presents a novel theoretical model of a Brownian motor with internal potential drop controlling molecular flux asymmetry, leading to stationary drift.

Findings

The internal potential drop creates diode-like asymmetry in molecular fluxes.

The model predicts a stationary drift of the particle due to flux asymmetry.

The approach combines transition rate theory with Brownian motion principles.

Abstract

A model of an autonomous isothermal Brownian motor with an internal propulsion mechanism is considered. The motor is a Brownian particle which is semi-transparent for molecules of surrounding ideal gas. Molecular passage through the particle is controlled by a potential similar to that in the transition rate theory, i.e. characterized by two stationary states with a finite energy difference separated by a potential barrier. The internal potential drop maintains the diode-like asymmetry of molecular fluxes through the particle, which results in the particle's stationary drift.