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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Light-driven Molecular Motors on Surfaces for Single Molecular Imaging
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Published on: March 13, 2019

Engineering Highly Photoefficient and Function-Tunable Molecular Rotary Motors toward Sunlight Responsiveness.

Junxu Ren1, Daisy R S Pooler2,3, Heng Guo1

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Bioinspired Interfacial Materials Science & College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.

Journal of the American Chemical Society
|June 9, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed highly photoefficient molecular motors (MMs) with tunable functions. A key design principle, para-formylation, enhances their performance for smart materials and dynamic systems.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

  • Light-driven molecular rotary motors (MMs) are crucial for advanced adaptive systems and dynamic materials.
  • Key challenges include designing MMs with high photoefficiency, tunable functionality, and structural integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a molecular engineering strategy for creating highly photoefficient MMs.
  • To investigate the impact of late-stage modifications on MM performance.
  • To identify design principles for enhancing MM photoefficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesized a family of first-generation MMs via late-stage modification of a scaffold.
  • Systematically varied functional groups to tune motor properties.
  • Evaluated photoefficiency, functional properties, and rotary speed in solution and polymer matrices.

Main Results:

  • Achieved highly photoefficient MMs with diverse functional groups.
  • Demonstrated precise tuning of photoefficiency, functionality, and speed through structural modifications.
  • Identified para-formylation as a key strategy for enhancing photoefficiency.

Conclusions:

  • The presented strategy enables the creation of high-performance MMs with tailored functionalities.
  • Photoefficient MMs show excellent responsiveness to sunlight in various environments.
  • This work provides valuable insights for designing future molecular machines and dynamic molecular systems.