Snap connectors
From apm
Even very small crystolecule clips already have such high activation energies that
random thermal fluctuations do not accidentally open them up anymore.
Even if there a many mols worth of such snap connectors present and observed over a very long time.
(TODO: redo the math and add it here)
So usage of shape locking chains to guard against accidental thermal opening is most likely not necessary.
Holding chains together by clips or only VdW force can fully suffice.
Nanoscale clips could be designed such that they allow energy recuperation.
Same for VdW suck-in.
Related
External links
- Wikipedia: [Brownian ratchet]