In the world of engines, two-stroke models often come to mind—think of the roaring sound of an off-road motorcycle. But now, a groundbreaking development has taken this concept to an entirely new scale. Scientists in Singapore have created a nanometer-scale engine using graphene, a material just one hundred-thousandth the thickness of a human hair. This tiny engine operates on the same principle as traditional two-stroke engines, and it could soon power the next generation of nanodevices and nanobots. The research was recently published in *Nano Express*.
While micro- or nano-engines are often inspired by classic 19th-century engines, this is the first time researchers have successfully simulated an internal combustion engine at the nanoscale. This achievement marks a significant step forward in nanotechnology, opening up new possibilities for miniaturized machines.
At the heart of this innovation is graphene, a material renowned for its exceptional strength and flexibility. These properties make it ideal for use in nanoengines, where mechanical energy must be generated at an incredibly small scale. This is the first time graphene has been applied in such a way, highlighting its potential in future nanosystems.
According to an article from the *Physicists Organization Network* on May 16, conventional two-stroke engines generate mechanical energy through the movement of a piston. In this nanoengine, the "piston" is a single layer of graphene, while a laser serves as the spark plug. To make the system work, researchers introduced fluorinated chlorine molecules into the graphene structure. These molecules bond with carbon atoms via carbon-fluoride bonds. When exposed to laser light, these bonds break, causing the graphene to expand and form blister-like protrusions on its surface. The pressure generated reaches about 1 MPa—similar to that found in car tires.
When the laser is turned off, the bonds re-form, the pressure decreases, and the blisters vanish. The size of the blisters correlates directly with the laser's intensity. By rapidly turning the laser on and off, the blisters move up and down like a piston in a two-stroke engine. This motion is possible thanks to graphene’s remarkable elasticity and strength.
Lee Jung-sook, a researcher at the National University of Singapore’s Graphene Research Center, emphasized that the engine’s design is simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly. It doesn’t require special conditions, produces no emissions, and is highly reliable. Their experiments showed that after 10,000 cycles, the engine still functioned perfectly without any degradation. Plus, it’s extremely energy-efficient.
Looking ahead, the team hopes to enhance performance by adjusting laser parameters and switching speeds, aiming to find even more applications. Li Zhongxue added, “By integrating our engines with MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and NEMS (Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology, the mechanical energy produced can be easily transferred to other devices. In the future, we hope these tiny engines will power more nanodevices and nanobots.â€
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