Molecular Gears (IMAGE)

Georgia Institute of Technology

Molecular Gears

Caption

This figure shows the arrangement of nanoparticles in two neighboring layers of the superlattice, with configurations on the left corresponding to the equilibrium state of the superlattice at ambient conditions, and the ones on the right recorded at the end of the volume compression process. Comparison of the configurations reveals flexure of the ligands and gear-like rotations of the nanoparticles, with the hydrogen-bonds between ligands anchored to adjacent nanoparticles serving as "molecular hinges."

Credit

Courtesy Uzi Landman

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.