Surface Tension Mediated Conversion of Light to Work

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 absor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Chemical Society 2009-04, Vol.131 (15), p.5396-5398
Main Authors: Okawa, David, Pastine, Stefan J, Zettl, Alex, Fréchet, Jean M. J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Energy-Generating Resources
Motion
Nanocomposites - radiation effects
Physical Phenomena
Rotation
Solar Energy
Sunlight
Surface Tension
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0002-7863
1520-5126
DOI:10.1021/ja900130n