A bistable poly[2]catenane forms nanosuperstructures.

ABSTRACT: Side-chain poly[2]catenanes at the click of a switch! A bistable side-chain poly[2]catenane has been synthesized and found to form hierarchical self-assembled hollow superstructures of nanoscale dimensions in solution. Molecular electromechanical switching (see picture) of the material is demonstrated, and the ground-state equilibrium thermodynamics and switching kinetics are examined as the initial steps towards processible molecular-based electronic devices and nanoelectromechanical systems.

SUBMITTER: Olson MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3930346 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature