Carbon Nanotube Based Bearing for Rotational Motions

TL;DR

This paper presents a nanoelectromechanical system utilizing carbon nanotubes as bearings, enabling low-friction rotational motion driven electrostatically, with potential applications in nanoscale devices.

Contribution

The study demonstrates a novel nanotube-based bearing system with engineered intershell sliding for low-friction rotation in NEMS.

Findings

Low intershell friction enables smooth rotation

Electrostatic actuation successfully drives the rotation

Friction force estimated at approximately 2×10^{-15} N/Ų

Abstract

We report the fabrication of a nanoelectromechanical system consisting of a plate rotating around a multiwalled nanotube bearing. The motion is possible thanks to the low intershell friction. Indeed, the nanotube has been engineered so that the sliding happens between different shells. The plate rotation is activated electrostatically with stator electrodes. The static friction force is estimated at $\approx 2\cdot10^{-15}$ N/\AA$^2$.