Nanotechnological tools built on synthetic light-driven nanomotors

PhD ceremony: Mr. A. Kulago, 11.00 uur, Aula Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Nanotechnological tools built on synthetic light-driven nanomotors

Promotor(s): prof. B.L. Feringa

Faculty: Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Motors are core components for many devices designed to convert energy into mechanical motion. These devices are widely used in various machines and serve as the key elements that enable mobility. In contrast to regular motors, the design of their nano-analogs represents a current challenge to modern nanoscience. In particular, the operating conditions for achievement motion of the regular objects has no relevance with the conditions at nano-dimensions, where all objects are moved randomly by itself. Thus, the major challenge in designing and application of nanomotors is not based on achieving motion, but in the regulation of their operation, especially their directionality.

This thesis presents the design, synthesis, and study of new rotary molecular motors based on overcrowded alkenes. The unidirectional rotation inside these molecules is induced by light. These nanomotors were developed in order to incorporate them and their rotary function in multicomponent systems, which would function like existing machines. Many important properties and current limitations of such light-driven molecular motors in the different systems were identified. The most significant issue deals with the undesired energy transfer process, which can reduce efficiency or even fully inhibit the rotational motion. These systems might form the basis of future applications of the molecular motors included construction of more complex dynamic molecular devices and motorized nanovehicles.