Electronically Transduced Molecular Mechanical and Information Functions on Surfaces

• Published in: Accounts of chemical research Vol. 34; no. 6; pp. 421 - 432
• Main Authors: Shipway, Andrew N., Willner, Itamar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 01-06-2001
• Subjects: Electrodes; Energy Transfer; Models, Molecular; Molecular Motor Proteins - chemistry; Oxidation-Reduction
• ISSN: 0001-4842; 1520-4898
• DOI: 10.1021/ar000180h

Supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology, along with their use in the construction of functional assemblies and devices, have merged into a challenging field of study. The development of methodologies for the integration and interfacing of molecular building blocks with solid supports and electronic transducers is essential for this research. We address recent applications of molecular, macromolecular, and biomolecular substances in the organization of signal-activated, electronically transduced molecular architectures on electrode surfaces. Photonic, electronic, magnetic, and chemical stimuli are used to trigger the switchable functions of these systems, which demonstrate either mechanical (e.g., translocation) or computational (e.g., memory) functions and provide enlightening insight and directions for the future evolution of the field.