Work

Surface Tension Mediated Conversion of Light to Work

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: As energy demands increase, new, more direct, energy collection and utilization processes must be explored. We present a system that intrinsically combines the absorption of sunlight with the production of useful work in the form of locomotion of objects on liquids. Focused sunlight is locally absorbed by a nanostructured composite, creating a thermal surface tension gradient and, subsequently, motion. Controlled linear motion and rotational motion are demonstrated. The system is scale independent, with remotely powered and controlled motion shown for objects in the milligram to tens of grams range.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/ja900130n

Authors: David Okawa, Stefan J. Pastine, Alex Zettl, Jean M. J. Fréchet

Institutions: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Materials and Mechanics

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of General Medical Sciences