title: Molecular switches and motors on surfaces.
abstract: Molecular switches and motors respond structurally, electronically, optically, and/or mechanically to external stimuli, testing and potentially enabling extreme miniaturization of optoelectronic devices, nanoelectromechanical systems, and medical devices. The assembly of motors and switches on surfaces makes it possible both to measure the properties of individual molecules as they relate to their environment and to couple function between assembled molecules. In this review, we discuss recent progress in assembling molecular switches and motors on surfaces, measuring static and dynamic structures, understanding switching mechanisms, and constructing functional molecular materials and devices. As demonstrative examples, we choose a representative molecule from three commonly studied classes including molecular switches, photochromic molecules, and mechanically interlocked molecules. We conclude by offering perspectives on the future of molecular switches and motors on surfaces.
authors: California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
authors: Bala Krishna
authors: BK
authors: Pathem
authors: Shelley A
authors: SA
authors: Claridge
authors: Yue Bing
authors: YB
authors: Zheng
authors: Paul S
authors: PS
authors: Weiss
mesh_terms: D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004581:Electronics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008904:Miniaturization / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D010777:Photochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; C473966:poly(phenylene ethynylene)