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Updated: May 7, 2026
09:48
Construction and Operation of a Light-driven Gold Nanorod Rotary Motor System
Published on: June 30, 2018
Unidirectional molecular motor on a gold surface.
Richard A van Delden1, Matthijs K J ter Wiel, Michael M Pollard
1Department of Organic Chemistry, Stratingh Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
Nature
|October 28, 2005
Summary
Researchers developed a light-driven molecular motor that achieves unidirectional 360-degree rotation on gold nanoparticles. This advancement enables surface-based nanomachines for potential applications in nanotechnology.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Engineering
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Molecular motors convert energy into mechanical motion, typically in solution.
- Developing surface-mounted nanomachines is crucial for practical applications.
- Previous surface-mounted rotors showed limited directional control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a light-driven molecular motor capable of unidirectional rotation on a surface.
- To engineer a molecular motor that can be anchored to gold nanoparticles.
- To achieve controlled, repetitive rotary motion at the nanoscale.
Main Methods:
- Design of a chiral helical alkene-based molecular motor with a propeller and stator.
- Functionalization of the stator with thiol 'legs' for gold surface attachment.
- Utilizing photo-induced cis-trans isomerization and thermal helix inversion for directed rotation.
- Employing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful mounting of the molecular motor onto gold nanoparticle surfaces.
- Demonstration of repetitive, unidirectional 360-degree rotation.
- Confirmation of light-induced directional motion via controlled isomerization and inversion steps.
- The motor functions as a surface-bound rotary system.
Conclusions:
- A light-driven molecular motor can be effectively immobilized on gold nanoparticles.
- The designed motor achieves controlled, unidirectional rotation on a surface.
- This work paves the way for surface-based nanomachines and molecular devices.
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