Three-dimensional molecular structures: new challenges of nanotechnology
For the first time ever, scientists in the United Kingdom have shown that it is possible to construct a structure Molecular three-dimensional (3D) on a surface. The experiments, described in the journal Nature Chemistry, represent a huge step forward in research to develop innovative nano-devices, such as a new optical and electronic technology and even computer molecular.
The EU supported this work through the project COORDSPACE (“Chemistry of coordination space: extraction, storage, activation and Catalysis”), by a grant from Advanced Grant of the European Research Council (ERC) of 2.49 million awarded to Martin Schröder University of Nottingham, under the “Ideas” of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7).
Scientists have already managed to build structures molecular two-dimensional (2D) self-assembling on a surface. These 2D arrays contain pores which can become trapped in the so-called “guest molecules. In addition, the guest molecules do not simply remain stationary in the matrices in 2D, in some cases mean that the scheme will transform the guest two different configurations in 2D.
For this study, physicists and chemists at the University of Nottingham have created a 2D array of tetracarbossilico acid molecules on a surface. They then introduced a molecule guests: fullerene, Also called “buckyball,” a molecule shaped like a soccer ball made of 60 carbon atoms.
Due to their spherical shape, the molecules of fullerene are positioned above the 2D matrix. This promotes the growth of a second layer of acid molecules tetracarbossilico above the first layer, which extends the structure self-assembling to the third dimension.
“It’s the molecular equivalent of throwing a pile of bricks in the air as they fall like a house built spontaneously,” said Professor Neil Champness, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Nottingham.
“Until now it was possible to obtain this result only in 2D, where, to continue the analogy, the bricks molecular formed a driveway or patio, but our advances allow us to start building the third dimension. It is a major step forward in the field of nanotechnology. ”
The newly discovered system is reversible when the coronene (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) is added as a second molecule host, the double-layer network with fullerene is replaced by a single layer network with coronene tetracarbossilico acid immobilized between the pores.
The scientists conclude: “The system provides an example of a reversible transformation between a plane and a supramolecular network is not planar, an important step towards controlled self-assembly of supramolecular architectures and functional three-dimensional surfaces.”
