Molecular Devices and Machines: Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Structures

Title:Molecular Devices and Machines: Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Structures

Volume: 21 Issue: 27

Author(s): Margherita Venturi *, Mirela I. Iorga and Mihai V. Putz *

Affiliation:

• University of Bologna “Alma Mater Studiorum”, Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician”, Bologna,Italy

• Laboratory of Renewable Energies-Photovoltaics, R&D National Institute for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, Dr. A. Paunescu Podeanu Str. No. 144, Timisoara, RO-300569,Romania

Keywords: Supramolecular chemistry, molecular electronics and photonics, Molecular wires and switches, logic gates, rotaxanes, calixarene wheel, molecular extension -cable system, luminescent dendrimers.

Abstract: Objective: In this review we present the general principles that are at the basis of the construction of artificial molecular devices and machines and the main characteristics of these systems with a special focus for the kind of energy inputs needed to make them work.

Methodology: By the bottom-up (chemical) approach science and technology move from micro- to nanoworld, and due to the nature of inputs (light and chemical) they move from electronics to photonics and chemionics. Furthermore the chemical molecule-by-molecule bottom-up approach offers unlimited opportunities for design and construction of nanoscale supramolecular structures, by combining the high precision of the chemical synthesis and scientists with a device driven-ingenuity. Furthermore, because the ability to perform specific functions as a response to external stimuli depends directly on the chemical nature and properties of the component units, in this review, we illustrate some examples of molecular devices and machines based on specific molecular units that have been developed in the research group of one of the authors. They are systems exhibiting pseudorotaxane, rotaxane, catenane and dendrimer structures that incorporate redox- and/or photoactive moieties.

Conclusion: The future development of this kind of research will lead to more and more sophisticated artificial molecular devices and machines with better performances regarding their stability, switching, speed, and functions performed. We foresee that they will find useful applications in various fields, like energy conversion, sensoring, catalysis, and will give a great contribution in solving the present-day main problems regarding food, health, energy supply, and environment protection.

Cite this article as:

Venturi Margherita *, Iorga I. Mirela and Putz V. Mihai *, Molecular Devices and Machines: Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Structures, Current Organic Chemistry 2017; 21 (27) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1385272821666170531121733