Light-driven molecular motors have been a topic of interest for scientists for nearly 25 years. The initial development of these motors by Professor Ben Feringa led to a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2016. However, challenges arose when attempting to make these motors perform practical tasks. A recent paper published in Nature Chemistry outlined a series of enhancements that aim to bring these motors closer to real-world applications.
One of the main focuses of the research was improving the efficiency of the motor molecule. Jinyu Sheng, the first author of the paper, worked on increasing the percentage of absorbed photons that drive the rotary motion of the motor. The goal was to enhance control over the motion of the molecule, as well as make the process more efficient. Through a series of experiments and modifications, Sheng and his colleagues were able to significantly improve the efficiency of the motor, opening up new possibilities for its use.
One of the key findings of the research was the ability to synchronize and control the motors at each stage of rotation. Previously, when a batch of motors was irradiated with light, they would be at various stages of the rotation cycle. However, after the modifications made by Sheng, all motors could be synchronized and controlled at specific stages. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications such as chiral dopants in liquid crystals and the control of molecular self-assembly.
The addition of an aldehyde group to the motor molecule not only improved efficiency but also shifted the absorption of light to longer wavelengths. This has important implications for medical applications and materials science, as longer wavelengths can penetrate further into living tissue or bulk material. The motors could potentially be used more effectively in these fields, utilizing light more efficiently and reaching deeper into the material. Collaborations with colleagues on various applications are already underway, signaling the potential for further advancements in the near future.
Despite the progress made in improving the efficiency of the molecular motors, questions remain about the specific mechanisms behind these enhancements. The Feringa lab is currently working to unravel the details of why the modifications led to such a significant improvement in efficiency. Understanding these underlying mechanisms will be crucial for further optimizing the performance of these motors and unlocking their full potential in a variety of applications.
The recent developments in light-driven molecular motors represent a significant step forward in the field of molecular science. The improvements in efficiency and control open up a wide range of possibilities for practical applications in various fields. With ongoing research and collaborations, the future looks promising for the continued advancement of these molecular motors.