Towards dynamic control of wettability by using functionalized altitudinal molecular motors on solid surfaces

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Surface Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Molecular motors offer potential for dynamic control of surface properties.
• Introducing functional groups to molecular motors can tune their behavior.
• Surface attachment methods are crucial for creating functional materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize molecular motors with functional groups in the rotor.
• To investigate the impact of these functional groups on rotary motion.
• To explore the attachment of functionalized molecular motors to quartz surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of molecular motors with perfluorobutyl and cyano groups.
• Attachment to quartz surfaces via interfacial 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions.
• Photochemical and thermal isomerization studies in solution and on surfaces.

Main Results:

• Functionalized molecular motors were successfully synthesized and surface-attached.
• Substituents did not significantly affect thermal or photochemical isomerization.
• Rotary function was preserved in both solution and on the quartz surface.

Conclusions:

• Functionalized molecular motors retain their rotary capabilities after surface attachment.
• The introduced functional groups did not impede motor performance.
• These findings support the use of functionalized molecular motors for surface modification.