Nanorotors

Nanorotors are nanoscale rotary mechanical motors. They are artificial molecular machines that can spin. These devices are typically constructed from molecules or clusters of molecules and are designed to perform work at the molecular level. The concept of nanorotors emerged from the field of nanotechnology, aiming to create functional devices on an extremely small scale.

The operation of nanorotors often relies on chemical energy or external stimuli such as light or an electric field to induce rotation. Different designs exist, utilizing various molecular structures and mechanisms. For instance, some nanorotors are built with specific chemical groups that undergo conformational changes when exposed to light of a particular wavelength, leading to rotation. Others may be driven by redox reactions or the Brownian motion of surrounding molecules, guided by the rotor's design.

Potential applications for nanorotors are diverse and are primarily in the research and development stage. These include targeted drug delivery systems, where nanorotors could be used to propel drug molecules to specific cells or tissues. They are also being explored for use in nanoscale manufacturing, biosensing, and as components in future molecular robots. The development of controllable and efficient nanorotors remains an active area of scientific investigation.