Nanoscale mass conveyors

Details Nanoscale mass conveyors Nanoscale mass conveyors

2005-03-21

2008-03-11

Noguerola, Alex (Department: 1753)

Chemistry: electrical and wave energy

Processes and products

Electrophoresis or electro-osmosis processes and electrolyte...

C204S600000, C977S962000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07341651

ABSTRACT:
A mass transport method and device for individually delivering chargeable atoms or molecules from source particles is disclosed. It comprises a channel; at least one source particle of chargeable material fixed to the surface of the channel at a position along its length; a means of heating the channel; and a means for applying an controllable electric field along the channel, whereby the device transports the atoms or molecules along the channel in response to applied electric field. In a preferred embodiment, the mass transport device will comprise a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT), although other one dimensional structures may also be used. The MWNT or other structure acts as a channel for individual or small collections of atoms due to the atomic smoothness of the material. Also preferred is a source particle of a metal such as indium. The particles move by dissociation into small units, in some cases, individual atoms. The particles are preferably less than 100 nm in size.

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