Nanomotors or "self-treatment" for gadgets
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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A computer, a tablet or a smartphone that can recover itself - sounds like a fantasy, but for scientists there are no limits to the impossible and in one of the latest studies a nanomotor was developed that can correct minor malfunctions without outside interference.
The idea of creating such a device was suggested by the body itself, or rather the immune system. As is known, immunity is a unique system of vertebrates, which protects tissues and organs from diseases, identifies and destroys pathogens (viruses, bacteria) and tumor cells. The immune system is able to recognize a huge number of different pathogens, in addition, it distinguishes the biomolecules of its own cells from foreign ones.
As a result, the researchers developed nanomotors that can move independently, find and correct various malfunctions of electronic systems (for example, small scratches). Such nanomotors, according to experts, can be used in electrodes, in flexible or standard solar panels and other devices that will correct minor defects without outside interference.
Dr Jaxing Lee of the University of California noted that the electrical circuits that are used in almost all modern electronic devices are a complex mechanism in which even a small crack can cause a malfunction of the device. Today, the failed electronics, restore by soldering, but the nano-repair will be a real breakthrough.
Gadgets quickly come into our lives and in the near future they will probably appear in all spheres of our life, from clothing to implants and accessories. But finding problems, fixing malfunctions in electronic circuits at this stage is a big problem.
The research team created the project and designed a nanomotor of gold-clad nanoparticles, which feeds hydrogen peroxide. Included in the platinum activates the decomposition of fuel into oxygen and water, which contributes to the dispersal of particles. To test their development in action, the scientists took the damaged electrical circuit connected to the LED - as a result the nanomotor moved over the circuit until it reached a kink, then plunged into it and became a kind of bridge connecting the two sides, since the nanomotor particles are made of conductor materials , the ability of the electrical circuit to transmit the current was restored, and the LED again began to glow.
According to Professor Lee, such nanomotors are perfect for electric circuits located in hard-to-repair places, for example, they can be used in conductive layers of solar panels that are used in adverse weather conditions. Also, such devices can repair damage in flexible sensors and batteries that are being developed in parallel at the Vang laboratory.
Specialists say that such a method can be used in the medical field to supply drugs to certain cells or organs and in the laboratory where Professor Li works with his team, and work is also underway to create nanomotors that could be used to treat various diseases.