MaECENAS: Nano-scale Optical-to-Mechanical Energy Conversion: Coupling Nano-Objects with Light-Powered Molecular Lifters

We aim to demonstrate that is possible to move vertically and horizontally nano-objects by coupling them to photoactive self assembled monolayers (SAMs) of molecular rods incorporating azo units, and to use the reversible azo SAMs light induced molecular movements to express controlled mechanical work. We have recently reported that a large area azo SAM can act as a reversible light-powered cargo lifter (Figure 1). Now, by using a vriety of techniques, we intend to determine the maximum force expressed by the azo SAMs under irradiation, by increasing the weight of the coupled nano-object. The experimental data will be interpreted by theoretical models, to estimate the effect of the environment on the strength of the molecular cargo lifter. A periodic and laterally moving interference pattern can be generated optically triggering the cis-trans isomerization of the azo SAM (Figure 2). In such an environment a nanoscale object should in principle display a lateral movement on the SAM surface.