Molecular Rotors
Abstract
Most mechanical machines contain rotating parts and it is likely that the nanomachines of the future will be no exception. We proposed to find out how rotors 1-2 nm in size can be synthesized and attached to surfaces, and what their fundamental properties are. We studied their equilibrium behavior and driven response, the effects of rotational barriers and friction, and mutual and environmental interactions with potential future applications in mind in areas as diverse as molecular transistors, extremely compact microwave signal processing components, and micro-fluidic devices. The projected involved the preparation, surface mounting, and characterization of single molecular rotors with both vertical and horizontal shafts, and both with and without large dipole moments. Our basic device is a surface mounted molecular dipolar rotor that has a base or bases that attach covalently to a flat insulating surface and support an axle oriented either perpendicularly to the surface by a single base, which in turn support a balanced 1 2 nm diameter rotor portion with a large in-plane electric dipole moment or support an axle oriented parallel to the surface by two bases and a similar rotor. The bearing consists of a single covalent bond, a fundamental element of molecular-scale mechanics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADB329016
Entities
People
- Charles Rogers
- John Price
- Josef Michl
- Mark Hersam
- Mark Ratner
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder