AVS 53rd International Symposium
    Nanometer-scale Science and Technology Tuesday Sessions
       Session NS2-TuM

Paper NS2-TuM3
Investigating the Motion of Molecular Machines on Surfaces: Driving Nanocars

Tuesday, November 14, 2006, 8:40 am, Room 2020

Session: Nanoscale Manipulation and Assembly
Presenter: K.F. Kelly, Rice University
Authors: K.F. Kelly, Rice University
A.J. Osgood, Rice University
J. Zhang, Rice University
Y. Shirai, Rice University
T. Sasaki, Rice University
J.-F. Morin, Rice University
J.M. Tour, Rice University
Correspondent: Click to Email
We have investigated by STM the controlled molecular motion of individual molecules on surfaces through the rational design of fullerene- and carborane-based nanostructures. The NanoCar molecule (four fullerene wheels connected by rotating alkyne axles to a central chassis) and the related molecular structures are designed and fabricated specifically for nanoscale manipulation. Our work has consisted of characterizing by variable-temperature microscopy and manipulating these molecules using the STM tip to probe the effects of surface-molecule interactions on the direction and speed of motion. This family of molecules is all built from a similar set of "molecular tinker toys" that includes interchangeable components for "chassis," "axles," and "wheels." The results of these studies underscore the ability to control directional motion in molecular-sized nanostructures through precise molecular synthesis with possible applications to surface catalysis and nanoscale tribology.