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Towards Powering Nanometer‐Scale Devices with Molecular Motors: Single Molecule Engines
Author(s) -
Butt HansJürgen
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
macromolecular chemistry and physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.57
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1521-3935
pISSN - 1022-1352
DOI - 10.1002/macp.200600059
Subject(s) - interfacing , molecular motor , polymer , materials science , nanotechnology , cantilever , molecular machine , nanometre , daisy chain , electrode , bioelectronics , chemistry , electrical engineering , computer science , composite material , biosensor , engineering , computer hardware
Summary: Future nanodevices such as levers, valves, pumps, and other functional parts will require molecular motors to generate mechanical work. Electrochemically switchable single polymer chains are possible candidates for such motors. The proof of principle that such a single macromolecular motor can work has been achieved using poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PFS). PFS can reversibly be oxidized and reduced by an external potential. This leads to changes in its mechanical properties, which can be used to drive a cyclic molecular engine. Such a system is compatible with a high density array of individually addressable molecular motors, e.g. by interfacing with electrodes smaller than the diffraction limit of light.Cycle of the molecular motor consisting of a polymer chain between a surface and the end of an AFM cantilever.