March 28, 2024

Electric Machines on a Molecular Scale: Researchers Create Molecule That Can Pave Way for Mini-Transistors

Production very small elements is a crucial obstacle in both research and advancement. Yes, maybe, is the answer from a chemistry research study team at Lund University.

” We have actually developed an easy hydrocarbon molecule that alters its form, and at the exact same time goes from insulating to conductive, when exposed to electric potential. The effective formula was to create a so-called anti-aromatic ring in a particle so that it ends up being more robust and can both receive and pass on electrons,” says Daniel Strand, chemistry researcher at Lund University.
Illustration of electrons transferred in between non-aromatic and fragrant rings in a hydrocarbon molecule. Credit: Daniel Strand/Jonas Ahlstedt
Lots of natural particles consist of aromatic benzene rings, ie flat rings made up of 6 carbon atoms. Such molecules do not change homes or shape if subjected to electric potential. If 2 electrons are injected into such a molecule, it flattens and goes from insulating to conducting– a function similar to that of a transistor changing from 0 to 1.
” A special element of the particles is that they are so simple. They just consist only of carbon and hydrogen atoms which makes them much easier to produce synthetically,” states Daniel Strand..
The discovery suggests scientists can now consider how to establish both electrical switches and brand-new mechanical systems at the single-molecule level utilizing anti-aromatic hydrocarbons..
” Molecules that change type in action to electrical prospective result in interesting possibilities. One can imagine energy-efficient computer architectures and in the future possibly electric machines on a molecular scale,” concludes Daniel Strand.
Reference: “Electro-mechanically switchable hydrocarbons based on [8] annulenes” by Magdalena Tasić, Jakov Ivković, Göran Carlström, Michaela Melcher, Paolo Bollella, Jesper Bendix, Lo Gorton, Petter Persson, Jens Uhlig and Daniel Strand, 14 February 2022, Nature Communications.DOI: 10.1038/ s41467-022-28384-8.
The study was an interdisciplinary partnership in between research groups in organic, analytical, and theoretical chemistry along with chemical physics at Lund University and the University of Copenhagen.

Yes, perhaps, is the response from a chemistry research study group at Lund University.

Many organic particles consist of aromatic benzene rings, ie flat rings made up of 6 carbon atoms. Such particles do not change residential or commercial properties or shape if subjected to electrical capacity. If two electrons are injected into such a particle, it flattens and goes from insulating to carrying out– a function comparable to that of a transistor changing from 0 to 1.