Single-walled carbon nanotubes：nano-generators and nano-motors

The discovery and recent studies of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are briefly reviewed, and our work on a new technique to fabricate an individual suspended SWNT device with open ends is described in detail. Based on this kind of device, we have demonstrated experimentally that water molecules can enter into the hydrophobic inner channel of an SWNT. Because of the interaction and coupling of water dipoles with the carriers in the SWNT, a current can drive the directional motion of the water molecules inside the SWNT (nanomotor). Meanwhile, this motion can induce an electromotive force along the SWNT (nanogenerator). Thus, a water-filled SWNT can be used as both a nano-motor and a nano-generator.