Green light powered molecular state motor enabling eight-shaped unidirectional rotation
Gerwien A, Mayer P, Dube H (2019)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2019
Journal
Book Volume: 10
Article Number: 4449
Journal Issue: 1
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12463-4
Abstract
Molecular motors convert external energy into directional motions at the nano-scales. To date unidirectional circular rotations and linear motions have been realized but more complex directional trajectories remain unexplored on the molecular level. In this work we present a molecular motor powered by green light allowing to produce an eight-shaped geometry change during its unidirectional rotation around the central molecular axis. Motor motion proceeds in four different steps, which alternate between light powered double bond isomerizations and thermal hula-twist isomerizations. The result is a fixed sequence of populating four different isomers in a fully unidirectional trajectory possessing one crossing point. This motor system opens up unexplored avenues for the construction and mechanisms of molecular machines and will therefore not only significantly expand the toolbox of responsive molecular devices but also enable very different applications in the field of miniaturized technology than currently possible.
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Gerwien, A., Mayer, P., & Dube, H. (2019). Green light powered molecular state motor enabling eight-shaped unidirectional rotation. Nature Communications, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12463-4
MLA:
Gerwien, Aaron, Peter Mayer, and Henry Dube. "Green light powered molecular state motor enabling eight-shaped unidirectional rotation." Nature Communications 10.1 (2019).
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