Understanding and harnessing biomimetic molecular machines for NEMS actuation materials

作者：Huang Tony Jun^*; Flood Arnar H; Brough Branden; Liu Yi; Bonvallet Paul A; Kang Seogshin; Chu Chih Wei; Guo Tzung Fang; Lu Weixing; Yang Yang; Stoddart J Fraser; Ho Chih Ming

来源：IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering, 2006, 3(3): 254-259.

DOI：10.1109/TASE.2006.975543

• actuators
• infrared spectroscopy
• nanotechnology
• thin-film devices

This paper describes the design, assembly, fabrication, and evaluation of artificial molecular machines with the goal of implementing their internal nanoscale movements within nanoelectromechanical systems in an efficient manner. These machines, a unique class of switchable molecular compounds in the shape of bistable [2]rotaxanes, exhibit internal relative mechanical motions of their ring and dumbbell components as a result of optical, chemical, or electrical signals. As such, they hold promise as nanoactuation materials. Although micromechanical devices that utilize the force produced by switchable [3]rotaxane molecules have been demonstrated, the current prototypical devices require a mechanism that minimizes the degradation associated with the molecules in order for bistable rotaxanes to become practical actuators. We propose a modified design in which electricity, instead of chemicals, is employed to stimulate the relative movements of the components in bistable [3]rotaxanes. As an initial step toward the assembly of a wholly electrically powered actuator based on molecular motion, closely packed Langmuir-Blodgett films of an amphiphilic, bistable [2]rotaxane have been characterized and an in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic technique has been developed to monitor molecular signatures in device settings.

• 出版日期2006-7