Molecular muscle based Nano-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (NEMS)

Abstract

Created by a bottom-up approach based on selfassembly and molecular recognition, molecular motors and muscles such as bistable rotaxanes are recognized as promising actuation materials for Micro/Nano Electro-Mechanical- Systems (MEMS/NEMS). In this work, we report a hybrid NEMS actuation device based on electrochemical activation of surface-bound bistable rotaxanes (molecular muscles). This NEMS actuator consists of a micro-cantilever coated with a selfassembled monolayer of redox-active palindromic bistable [3]rotaxane R 8+ molecules, and when subjected to oxidizing and reducing electrochemical potential undergoes controllable and reversible bending. This work represents an important step towards the practical realization of artificial molecular muscle based actuators for various NEMS/MEMS applications. ©2009 IEEE.