Molecular bearings of finite carbon nanotubes and fullerenes in ensemble rolling motion

Abstract

A carbonaceous bearing of a minimal form has been assembled using a finite carbon nanotube molecule and a functionalised fullerene molecule. With the van der Waals attraction, the bearing holds the fullerene journal tightly to prevent its run-out motion, and the journal with a shaft rolls anisotropically in the bearing despite the tight holding constraint. Ensemble motion has been revealed spectroscopically at the molar quantity level.