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

Created by a bottom-up approach based on self-assembly 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 self-assembled monolayer of redox-active palindromic bistable [3]rotaxane R⁸⁺ 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.