Nano-molecular springs: How high will it jump?

► A bent polyyne rod placed vertically on a surface, when released, will propel itself upwards. ► Part of the initial potential energy (IPE) stored in bending will be lost to vibrations. ► MD simulations show that ca. half of the energy can be used for propulsion. ► The energy fraction available for propulsion decreases with the increase in the (IPE) and the length of the rod. ► The synchronicity between “push” and “pull” detachment mechanism seems to determine the efficiency of the propulsion.