A mechanical actuator driven electrochemically by artificial molecular muscles

Insight from Electrochemical Analysis in the Radical Cation State of a Monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene-Based [2]Rotaxane

Mechanically interlocked molecules are a class of compounds used for controlling directional movement when barriers can be raised and lowered using external stimuli. Applied voltages can turn on redox states to alter electrostatic barriers but their use for directing motion requires knowledge of their impact on the kinetics. Herein, we make the first measurements on the movement of cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT4+) across the radical-cation state of monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene (MPTTF) in a [2]rotaxane using variable scan-rate electrochemistry. The [2]rotaxane is designed in a way that directs CBPQT4+ to a high-energy co-conformation upon oxidation of MPTTF to either the radical cation (MPTTF⋅+) or the dication (MPTTF2+). 1H NMR spectroscopic investigations carried out in acetonitrile at 298 K showed direct interconversion to the thermodynamically more stable ground-state co-conformation with CBPQT4+ moving across the oxidized MPTTF2+ electrostatic barrier. The electrochemical studies revealed that interconversion takes place by movement of CBPQT4+ across both the MPTTF•+ (19.3 kcal mol-1) and MPTTF2+ (18.7 kcal mol-1) barriers. The outcome of our studies shows that MPTTF has three accessible redox states that can be used to kinetically control the movement of the ring component in mechanically interlocked molecules.

Mechanical control of molecular machines at an air-water interface: manipulation of molecular pliers, paddles

Many artificial molecular machines have been synthesized, and various functions have been expressed by changing their molecular conformations. However, their structures are still simple compared with those of biomolecular machines, and more energy is required to control them. To design artificial molecular machines with more complex structures and higher functionality, it is necessary to combine molecular machines with simple movements such as components. This means that the motion of individual molecular machines must be precisely controlled and observed in various environments. At the air - water interface, the molecular orientation and conformation can be controlled with little energy as thermal fluctuations. We designed various molecular machines and controlled them using mechanical stimuli at the air - water interface. We also controlled the transfer of forces to the molecular machines in various lipid matrices. In this review, we describe molecular pliers with amphiphilic binaphthyl, molecular paddles with binuclear platinum complexes, and molecular rotors with julolidine and BODIPY that exhibit twisted intramolecular charge transfer.

A Tutorial Review on the Fluorescent Probes as a Molecular Logic Circuit-Digital Comparator

The rapid progress in the field of fluorescent probes and fluorescent sensing material extended this research area toward more complex molecular logic gates capable of carrying out a variety of sensing functions simultaneously. These molecules are able to calculate a composite result in which the analysis is not performed by a man but by the molecular device itself. Since the first report by de Silva of AND molecular logic gate, all possible logic gates have been achieved at the molecular level, and currently, utilization of more complicated molecular logic circuits is a major task in this field. Comparison between two digits is the simplest logic operation, which could be realized with the simplest logic circuit. That is why the right understanding of the applied principles during the implementation of molecular digital comparators could play a critical role in obtaining logic circuits that are more complicated. Herein, all possible ways for the construction of comparators on the molecular level were discussed, and recent achievements connected with these devices were presented.

A physically realizable molecular motor driven by the Landauer blowtorch effect

We propose a model for a molecular motor in a molecular electronic junction driven by a natural manifestation of Landauer's blowtorch effect. The effect emerges via the interplay of electronic friction and diffusion coefficients, each calculated quantum mechanically using nonequilibrium Green's functions, within a semiclassical Langevin description of the rotational dynamics. The motor functionality is analyzed through numerical simulations where the rotations exhibit a directional preference according to the intrinsic geometry of the molecular configuration. The proposed mechanism for motor function is expected to be ubiquitous for a range of molecular geometries beyond the one examined here.

Adaptive 2D and Pseudo-2D Systems: Molecular, Polymeric, and Colloidal Building Blocks for Tailored Complexity

Two-dimensional and pseudo-2D systems come in various forms. Membranes separating protocells from the environment were necessary for life to occur. Later, compartmentalization allowed for the development of more complex cellular structures. Nowadays, 2D materials (e.g., graphene, molybdenum disulfide) are revolutionizing the smart materials industry. Surface engineering allows for novel functionalities, as only a limited number of bulk materials have the desired surface properties. This is realized via physical treatment (e.g., plasma treatment, rubbing), chemical modifications, thin film deposition (using both chemical and physical methods), doping and formulation of composites, or coating. However, artificial systems are usually static. Nature creates dynamic and responsive structures, which facilitates the formation of complex systems. The challenge of nanotechnology, physical chemistry, and materials science is to develop artificial adaptive systems. Dynamic 2D and pseudo-2D designs are needed for future developments of life-like materials and networked chemical systems in which the sequences of the stimuli would control the consecutive stages of the given process. This is crucial to achieving versatility, improved performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Here, we review the advancements in studies on adaptive, responsive, dynamic, and out-of-equilibrium 2D and pseudo-2D systems composed of molecules, polymers, and nano/microparticles.

Radical Pairing Interactions and Donor-Acceptor Interactions in Cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) Inclusion Complexes

Understanding molecular interactions in mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) is challenging because they can be either donor-acceptor interactions or radical pairing interactions, depending on the charge states and multiplicities in the different components of the MIMs. In this work, for the first time, the interactions between cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (abbreviated as CBPQTn+ (n = 0-4)) and a series of recognition units (RUs) were investigated using the energy decomposition analysis approach (EDA). These RUs include bipyridinium radical cation (BIPY•+), naphthalene-1,8:4,5-bis(dicarboximide) radical anion (NDI•-), their oxidized states (BIPY2+ and NDI), neutral electron-rich tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and neutral bis-dithiazolyl radical (BTA•). The results of generalized Kohn-Sham energy decomposition analysis (GKS-EDA) reveal that for the CBPQTn+···RU interactions, correlation/dispersion terms always have large contributions, while electrostatic and desolvation terms are sensitive to the variation in charge states in CBPQTn+ and RU. For all the CBPQTn+···RU interactions, desolvation terms always tend to overcome the repulsive electrostatic interactions between the CBPQT cation and RU cation. Electrostatic interaction is important when RU has the negative charge. Moreover, the different physical origins of donor-acceptor interactions and radical pairing interactions are compared and discussed. Compared to donor-acceptor interactions, in radical pairing interactions, the polarization term is always small, while the correlation/dispersion term is important. With regard to donor-acceptor interactions, in some cases, polarization terms could be quite large due to the electron transfer between the CBPQT ring and RU, which responds to the large geometrical relaxation of the whole systems.

Using supramolecular machinery to engineer directional charge propagation in photoelectrochemical devices

Molecular photoelectrochemical devices are hampered by electron-hole recombination after photoinduced electron transfer, causing losses in power conversion efficiency. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, we demonstrate the use of supramolecular machinery as a strategy to inhibit recombination through an organization of molecular components that enables unbinding of the final electron acceptor upon reduction. We show that preorganization of a macrocyclic electron acceptor to a dye yields a pseudorotaxane that undergoes a fast (completed within ~50 ps) 'ring-launching' event upon electron transfer from the dye to the macrocycle, releasing the anionic macrocycle and thus reducing charge recombination. Implementing this system into p-type dye-sensitized solar cells yielded a 16-fold and 5-fold increase in power conversion efficiency compared to devices based on the two control dyes that are unable to facilitate pseudorotaxane formation. The active repulsion of the anionic macrocycle with concomitant reformation of a neutral pseudorotaxane complex circumvents recombination at both the semiconductor-electrolyte and semiconductor-dye interfaces, enabling a threefold enhancement in hole lifetime.

Two-layer molecular rotors: A zinc dimer rotating over planar hypercoordinate motifs

Multi-layer molecular rotors represent a class of unique combination of topology and bonding, featuring a barrier-free rotation of one layer with respect to other layers. This emerging fluxional behavior has been found in a few doped boron clusters. Herein, we strongly enrich this intriguing family followed by an effective design strategy, summarized as essential factors: i) considerable electrostatic interactions originated from a strong charge transfer between layers; ii) the absence of strong covalent bonds between layers; and iii) fully delocalized σ/π electrons from at least one layer. We found that planar hypercoordinate motifs consisting of monocyclic boron rings and metals with σ + π dual aromaticity can be regarded as one promising layer, which can support the suspended X₂ (X = Zn, Cd, Hg) dimers. By detailed investigations of thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of 60 species, eventually, MB₇ X₂ ^- and MB₈ X₂ (X = Zn, Cd; M = Be, Ru, Os; Be works only for Zn-based cases) clusters were verified to be the global-minimum two-layer molecular rotors. Especially, their electronic structure analyses vividly confirm the practicability of the electronic structure requirements mentioned above for designing multi-layer molecular rotors.

The Story of the Little Blue Box: A Tribute to Siegfried Hünig

The tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene), also known as the little blue box, constitutes a modular receptor that has facilitated the discovery of many host-guest complexes and mechanically interlocked molecules during the past 35 years. Its versatility in binding small π-donors in its tetracationic state, as well as forming trisradical tricationic complexes with viologen radical cations in its doubly reduced bisradical dicationic state, renders it valuable for the construction of various stimuli-responsive materials. Since the first reports in 1988, the little blue box has been featured in over 500 publications in the literature. All this research activity would not have been possible without the seminal contributions carried out by Siegfried Hünig, who not only pioneered the syntheses of viologen-containing cyclophanes, but also revealed their rich redox chemistry in addition to their ability to undergo intramolecular π-dimerization. This Review describes how his pioneering research led to the design and synthesis of the little blue box, and how this redox-active host evolved into the key component of molecular shuttles, switches, and machines.

Controlling dynamics in extended molecular frameworks

Molecular machines are essential dynamic components for fuel production, cargo delivery, information storage and processing in living systems. Scientists have demonstrated that they can design and synthesize artificial molecular machines that operate efficiently in isolation - for example, at high dilution in solution - fuelled by chemicals, electricity or light. To organize the spatial arrangement and motion of these machines within close proximity to one another in solid frameworks, such that useful macroscopic work can be performed, remains a challenge in both chemical and materials science. In this Review, we summarize the progress that has been made during the past decade in organizing dynamic molecular entities in such solid frameworks. Emerging applications of these dynamic smart materials in the contexts of molecular recognition, optoelectronics, drug delivery, photodynamic therapy and water desalination are highlighted. Finally, we review recent work on a new non-equilibrium adsorption phenomenon for which we have coined the term mechanisorption. The ability to use external energy to drive directional processes in mechanized extended frameworks augurs well for the future development of artificial molecular factories.

Molecular Pumps and Motors

Pumps and motors are essential components of the world as we know it. From the complex proteins that sustain our cells, to the mechanical marvels that power industries, much we take for granted is only possible because of pumps and motors. Although molecular pumps and motors have supported life for eons, it is only recently that chemists have made progress toward designing and building artificial forms of the microscopic machinery present in nature. The advent of artificial molecular machines has granted scientists an unprecedented level of control over the relative motion of components of molecules through the development of kinetically controlled, away-from-thermodynamic equilibrium chemistry. We outline the history of pumps and motors, focusing specifically on the innovations that enable the design and synthesis of the artificial molecular machines central to this Perspective. A key insight connecting biomolecular and artificial molecular machines is that the physical motions by which these machines carry out their function are unambiguously in mechanical equilibrium at every instant. The operation of molecular motors and pumps can be described by trajectory thermodynamics, a theory based on the work of Onsager, which is grounded on the firm foundation of the principle of microscopic reversibility. Free energy derived from thermodynamically non-equilibrium reactions kinetically favors some reaction pathways over others. By designing molecules with kinetic asymmetry, one can engineer potential landscapes to harness external energy to drive the formation and maintenance of geometries of component parts of molecules away-from-equilibrium, that would be impossible to achieve by standard synthetic approaches.

Soft actuators by electrochemical oxidation of liquid metal surfaces

The surface energy of liquid metals can be electrochemically controlled over a wide range of values - from near zero to 500 mJ m^-2- using a low voltage potential (∼1 V). This enables the ability to create soft-matter actuators that exhibit a high work density on small scales. We demonstrate that a liquid metal (LM) meniscus wetted between two copper pads can function as an electrochemical soft actuator whose force and shape are controllable by tuning the LM surface energy. Energy minimization models are presented in order to predict the actuator performance as a function of LM droplet and Cu pad dimensions. The results suggest that the electrochemical LM actuator has a unique combination of high work density, biologically-relevant activation frequency, and low operational voltage that stands out from other classes of soft-matter actuators.

Hydrazone exchange: a viable route for the solid-tethered synthesis of [2]rotaxanes

Using a hydrazone exchange methodology, resin beads were functionalised with [2]rotaxanes at up to 80% efficiency—higher than using other dynamic or irreversible synthetic approaches to form self-assembled structures on solid supports.

Helicity Manipulation of a Double-Paddled Binaphthyl in a Two-Dimensional Matrix Field at the Air-Water Interface

Molecular behavior and functionality are affected by their prevailing immediate environment. Molecular machines function according to conformational variations and have been studied largely in solution states. In order to access more highly complex functional molecular machines, it is necessary to analyze and control them in various environments. We have designed and synthesized a bisbinaphthyldurene (BBD) molecule that has two binaphthyl groups connected through a central durene moiety, allowing for the formation of several conformers. In density functional theory (DFT) calculations, BBD has five major conformers, denoted anti-1/anti-2/syn-1/syn-2/flat. It has been demonstrated that BBD exhibits different conformations in solution (anti-1 and syn-1) than on a gold surface (syn dimer and flat). In this work, the ratio of BBD conformations has been controlled in mixed monolayers with several different lipids at an air-water interface in order to compare conformational activity under different conditions. The conformations of BBD in transferred films obtained by using Langmuir-Blodgett techniques were estimated from circular dichroism spectra and DFT calculations. It has been found that the conformation of BBD in the mixed monolayer depends on its aggregated state, which has been controlled here by the mechanical properties and miscibility. In mixed monolayers with "hard" lipids having less miscibility with BBD as well as in cast film, BBD is self-aggregated and mostly forms stable anti-1 and syn-1 conformations, while unstable anti-2 and syn-2 conformers dominated in the more dispersed states involving "soft" lipids, which show good miscibility with BBD. Conformational changes in BBD are due to the formation of different aggregated states in each mixed monolayer according to the miscibility. Overall, BBD molecular conformations (and the resulting spectra) could be tuned by controlling the environment whether in solution, on a solid substrate, or in an admixture with lipids at the air-water interface.

A molecular assembler that produces polymers

Molecular nanotechnology is a rapidly developing field, and tremendous progress has been made in developing synthetic molecular machines. One long-sought after nanotechnology is systems able to achieve the assembly-line like production of molecules. Here we report the discovery of a rudimentary synthetic molecular assembler that produces polymers. The molecular assembler is a supramolecular aggregate of bifunctional surfactants produced by the reaction of two phase-separated reactants. Initially self-reproduction of the bifunctional surfactants is observed, but once it reaches a critical concentration the assembler starts to produce polymers instead of supramolecular aggregates. The polymer size can be controlled by adjusting temperature, reaction time, or introducing a capping agent. There has been considerable debate about molecular assemblers in the context of nanotechnology, our demonstration that primitive assemblers may arise from simple phase separated reactants may provide a new direction for the design of functional supramolecular systems.

The Future of Molecular Machines

Artificial molecular machines have captured the imagination of scientists and nonscientists alike for decades now, given their clear potential to transform and enhance all aspects of human life. In this Outlook, I use a bicycle as an analogy to explain what a molecular machine is, in my opinion, and work through a representative selection of case studies to specify the significant accomplishments made to date, and the obstacles that currently stand between these and the field's fulfillment of its great potential. The hope of this intentionally sober account is to sketch a path toward a rich and exciting research trajectory that might challenge current practitioners and attract junior scientists into its fold. Considering the progress we have witnessed in the past decade, I am positive that the future of the field is a rosy one.

Tuning rotation axes of single molecular rotors by a combination of single-atom manipulation and single-molecule chemistry

Defining the axis of a molecular rotation is vital for the bottom-up design of molecular rotors. The rotation of tin-phthalocyanine molecules on the Ag(111) surface is studied by scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic/molecular manipulation at 4 K. Tin-phthalocyanine acts as a molecular rotor that binds to Ag adatoms and the substrate. Four different rotation axes are constructed at positions from the center to the periphery of the molecule. Furthermore, using the asymmetric appearance of the modified molecule, the rotation direction of the molecules is identified. This work provides a new approach for designing molecular rotors or motors with definable rotation radii and functions.

Dynamic covalent synthesis of [2]- and [3]rotaxanes both in solution and on solid supports

Here we demonstrate the application of a dynamic covalent chemistry methodology for the synthesis of [2]- and [3]-rotaxanes not only in solution, but also on solid supports with 65% rotaxane functionalisation of the polymer resins observed.

A dual redox-responsive supramolecular polymer driven by molecular recognition between bisporphyrin and trinitrofluorenone

A dual redox-responsive supramolecular polymer driven by molecular recognition between bisporphyrin (bisPor) and trinitrofluorenone (TNF) has been developed.

Nitroxide polymer gels for recyclable catalytic oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes

A physically crosslinked nitroxide polymer gel has been synthesized and used as a recyclable catalyst to convert alcohols to aldehydes in air.

Design of Collective Motions from Synthetic Molecular Switches, Rotors, and Motors

Precise control over molecular movement is of fundamental and practical importance in physics, biology, and chemistry. At nanoscale, the peculiar functioning principles and the synthesis of individual molecular actuators and machines has been the subject of intense investigations and debates over the past 60 years. In this review, we focus on the design of collective motions that are achieved by integrating, in space and time, several or many of these individual mechanical units together. In particular, we provide an in-depth look at the intermolecular couplings used to physically connect a number of artificial mechanically active molecular units such as photochromic molecular switches, nanomachines based on mechanical bonds, molecular rotors, and light-powered rotary motors. We highlight the various functioning principles that can lead to their collective motion at various length scales. We also emphasize how their synchronized, or desynchronized, mechanical behavior can lead to emerging functional properties and to their implementation into new active devices and materials.

Grab and Heat: Highly Responsive and Shape Adaptive Soft Robotic Heaters for Effective Heating of Objects of Three-Dimensional Curvilinear Surfaces

Soft actuators have received great research attention because of the recent rise of soft robotics. However, these actuators could perform only relatively simple deformations (such as bending, twisting, etc.) for manipulation, limiting their functionality. Here, we develop highly responsive and shape adaptive soft robotic heaters which not only can achieve large degree of deformation but also can grab and heat objects of three-dimensional (3D) curvilinear surfaces. With intentionally synthesized and selected materials for device fabrication, a U-shaped soft robotic heater exhibits a deformation angle of more than 860° and a curvature of 4.0 cm^-1 at a very low voltage of 2 V, and its curvature can quickly reach 1.31 cm^-1 within 6 s. Moreover, the device can also function as a stable heat source with temperature of 203 °C upon actuation, demonstrating a maximum energy efficiency of 7.44% as a heater. Importantly, the soft robotic heaters can deform to enclose 3D curvilinear surfaces with pressure to enable intimate contact for more effective heat transfer. The unique utility of the soft robotic heaters is illustrated through the heating of objects of various 3D shapes, showcasing their potential applications in soft robotics, advanced thermal therapy, food handling and processing, etc.

A Redox-Switchable Molecular Zipper

The design and synthesis of artificial molecular switches (AMSs) displaying architectures of increased complexity would constitute significant progress in meeting the challenging task of realizing artificial molecular machines (AMMs). Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a molecular shuttle composed of a cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene) cyclophane ring and a dumbbell incorporating a cyclobis(paraquat-m-phenylene) cyclophane "head" and a bifurcated, tawse-like "tail" composed of two oligoether chains, each containing a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene ring. In its reduced state the ring-in-ring recognition motif, between the meta and para bisradical dicationic cyclophanes (rings), defines the [2]rotaxane, whereas in the oxidized state, the cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene) cyclophane encircles the two 1,5-dioxynaphthalene rings in the bifurcated "tail". The redox-controlled molecular shuttling, which can be likened to the action of a zipper in the macroscopic world, exhibits slow kinetics dampened by the opening and closing of the bifurcated "tail" of the molecular shuttle. Cyclic voltammetry reveals that this slow shuttling is associated with electrochemical hysteresis.

Drastic Change of Mechanical Properties of Polyrotaxane Bulk: ABA-BAB Sequence Change Depending on Ring Position

Polyrotaxane (PR), consisting of many ring molecules and an axis polymer, is a typical supramolecular structure with unique topological characteristics. In this study, we demonstrated the drastic change of the macroscopic mechanical properties depending on the ring position of PR in bulk. Poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock copolymer was employed as an axis polymer to control the position of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). To transfer the β-CD positions, hydroxypropyl groups (HPPR) and hydrophobic trimethyl silyl groups (TMS-HPPR), which have hydrophilic and hydrophobic β-CD, respectively, were synthesized. β-CDs in HPPR were localized on a central PPO segment and formed crystal domains. The axis polymer of HPPR could not bridge β-CD crystal domains, resulting in a melt state at high temperature. On the other hand, β-CDs in TMS-HPPR were transferred to both PEO segments and formed crystal domains. The axis polymer in TMS-HPPR could bridge the β-CD crystal domains, resulting in an elastic state even at high temperature. We succeeded in demonstrating the potential ability of PR: the macroscopic mechanical properties of PR can be changed from a melt state to an elastic one by manipulating the ring positions.

Tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole: a versatile synthetic receptor for electron-deficient planar and spherical guests

The chemistry of tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole is reviewed with focus on conformational behavior, receptor properties and ionically controlled electron transfer processes.

The development of a rapid self-healing semiconducting monoethanolamine-based Mg(OH)2 metallogel for a Schottky diode application with a high ON/OFF ratio

A rapid self-healing Mg(OH)₂ metallogel developed by mixing monoethanolamine and an Mg(ii) salt offers a Schottky barrier diode device with a high ON/OFF ratio.

[3]rotaxanes composed of two dibenzo-24-crown-8 ether wheels and an azamacrocyclic complex

The azamacrocyclic complex was used as a platform for the construction of [3]rotaxanes containing two DB24C8 macrocycles per molecule. The complex unit incorporates two electron deficient π-bond systems and two N-H hydrogen bond donating groups which facilitated the formation of a 1 : 2 interlocked structure. Synthesis and properties of such compounds are presented. Structures of the obtained compounds were confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both [3]rotaxanes containing two DB24C8 macrocycles per molecule crystallise in P1[combining macron] and P21/n space groups. They have different counterions (PF6- and Cl- anions, respectively) and mostly disordered solvent molecules such as water, methanol and acetone. Both [3]rotaxanes have a flexible axle in which the Cl- salt takes the shape closer to the "S"-letter, while in the PF6- case the axle is more linear. The shape results from respective packing and intra-, and intermolecular interactions among the moieties in the rotaxane and the crystal lattice.

Micromechanical Redox Actuation by Self-Assembled Monolayers of Ferrocenylalkanethiolates: Evens Push More Than Odds

Microcantilever transducers can be valuable tools for the investigation of physicochemical processes in organized molecular films. Gold-coated cantilevers are used here to investigate the electrochemomechanics of redox-active self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of ferrocenylalkanethiolates (Fc(CH₂) _nS) of different alkyl chain lengths. A significant odd-even effect is observed in the surface stress and cantilever movement generated by the oxidation of the SAM-confined ferrocenes as the number of methylene units n in the SAM backbone is varied. We demonstrate that stronger alkyl chain-chain interactions are at the origin of the larger surface stresses generated by SAMs with an even versus odd n. The findings highlight the impact of subtle structural effects and weak van der Waals interactions on the mechanical actuation produced by redox reactions in self-assembled systems.

Electrochemically controlled winding and unwinding of substrate-supported carbon nanoscrolls

Carbon nanoscrolls (CNSs) formed spontaneously on the basal plane of highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) show winding and unwinding movements when potential steps from 0 V to -0.5 V, -0.6 V and -0.9 V are applied on HOPG immersed in an aqueous electrolyte solution (0.1 M H₂SO₄). Reversible changes in CNS radial dimensions exceeding 10 nm in the axial direction and 50 nm in the lateral direction are ascribed to variations in the surface tension and electric double-layer structure under applied potentials. Radial motion is observed exclusively on scrolled tube-shaped nanostructures, while other parts of the HOPG surface including planar areas, simple bended and lifted step edges, and kinks remain intact. The mechanism explaining the observed phenomenon is proposed and its significance for prospective applications in electrochemically controlled nanomechanical actuators is outlined.

Artificial Molecular Machines in Nanotheranostics

Due to their dynamic nature and excellent stimuli-responsiveness resulting from noncovalent driving forces, artificial molecular machines (AMMs) show great promise in cancer theranostics. In this Perspective, we introduce the potential applications of AMMs in controlled drug delivery, bioorthogonal catalysis, imaging, and cell membrane permeabilization, with the goal of enhancing cancer diagnosis and therapy. We expect this preliminary discussion will garner multidisciplinary interest from scientists to advance AMMs and to expand their future clinical applications.

Impact of mechanical bonding on the redox-switching of tetrathiafulvalene in crown ether-ammonium [2]rotaxanes

Switchable crown ether-ammonium [2]rotaxanes with a redox-active tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit implemented in their wheels were synthesised and fully characterised. Reversible operation in two modes is possible, in which the [2]rotaxane's axle is either charged or neutral. Cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal the effects of mechanical bonding on the electrochemical properties of TTF and show the [2]rotaxanes to perform a distinct function in both modes. In the charged mode, redox-switching is dominated by strong electrostatic repulsion in the [2]rotaxane which subsequently leads to a macrocycle translation along the axle. In the non-charged mode, a selective energetic stabilisation of TTF radical cations is observed, which can be attributed to an interplay of weak electrostatic interactions between wheel and axle.

Redox-Responsive Molecular Systems and Materials

Redox reactions can alter the electronic, optical, and magnetic properties of molecules and their ensembles by adding or removing electrons. Here, the developments made over the past 10 years using molecular events are discussed, such as assembly/disassembly, transformation of ensembles, geometric changes, and molecular motions that are designed to be redox-responsive. Considerable progress has occurred in the application of these events to the realization of electronic memory, color displays, actuators, adhesives, and drug delivery. In these cases, systems behave in either a highly or a poorly correlated manner depending on the number of redox-active units involved, based on the method of integration. One of the great advantages of redox-responsive devices and materials is that they have the potential to be readily integrated into existing electronic technologies.

Surface-Assembled Mechanically Interlocked Architectures

Since the advent of supramolecular chemistry, there has been keen interest in the synthesis of interlocked molecules, given their unique potential to act as receptors, molecular machines and even motors. Despite advances in the complexity of molecular machines that can be synthesised and operated in solution, reports of the operation or even attachment of complex supramolecular systems on solid surfaces are less common. Synthetic challenges and a lack of adequate characterisation techniques to monitor the thermodynamic and kinetic influences governing assembly at the solution-surface interface has slowed progress in this area of research. This Review looks at the developments in the field of covalently assembled interlocked architectures on gold, silica and polymer surfaces, highlighting the differences observed between solution and surface assembly of these unique structures.