Dual-function artificial molecular motors performing rotation and photoluminescence.

Molecular machines have caused one of the greatest paradigm shifts in chemistry, and by powering artificial mechanical molecular systems and enabling autonomous motion, they are expected to be at the heart of exciting new technologies. One of the biggest challenges that still needs to be addressed is designing the involved molecules to combine different orthogonally controllable functions. Here, we present a prototype of artificial molecular motors exhibiting the dual function of rotary motion and photoluminescence. Both properties are controlled by light of different wavelengths or by exploiting motors' outstanding two-photon absorption properties using low-intensity near-infrared light. This provides a noninvasive way to both locate and operate these motors in situ, essential for the application of molecular machines in complex (bio)environments.

Synergistic interplay between photoisomerization and photoluminescence in a light-driven rotary molecular motor.

Photoactuators and photoluminescent dyes utilize light to perform mechanical motion and undergo spontaneous radiation emission, respectively. Combining these two functionalities in a single molecule would benefit the construction of advanced molecular machines. Due to the possible detrimental interaction between the two light-dependent functional parts, the design of hybrid systems featuring both functions in parallel remains highly challenging. Here, we develop a light-driven rotary molecular motor with an efficient photoluminescent dye chemically attached to the motor, not compromising its motor function. This molecular system shows efficient rotary motion and bright photoluminescence, and these functions can be addressed by a proper choice of excitation wavelengths and solvents. The moderate interaction between the two parts generates synergistic effects, which are beneficial for lower-energy excitation and chirality transfer from the motor to the photoluminescent dye. Our results provide prospects towards photoactive multifunctional systems capable of carrying out molecular rotary motion and tracking its location in a complex environment.

Diffusion-enhanced exciton dissociation in single-material organic solar cells.

Single-material organic solar cells have recently attracted research attention due to their simplicity, morphological robustness and high yield of exciton dissociation. Using α-sexithiophene as a model system, we show that the single-event probability of the exciton dissociation at the boundaries of polycrystalline domains with different molecular orientation is extremely low (∼0.5%), while a high efficiency of charge generation is gained via hundred-fold crossings of the domain boundaries due to the long exciton diffusion length (∼45 nm).

Powering rotary molecular motors with low-intensity near-infrared light.

Light-controlled artificial molecular machines hold tremendous potential to revolutionize molecular sciences as autonomous motion allows the design of smart materials and systems whose properties can respond, adapt, and be modified on command. One long-standing challenge toward future applicability has been the need to develop methods using low-energy, low-intensity, near-infrared light to power these nanomachines. Here, we describe a rotary molecular motor sensitized by a two-photon absorber, which efficiently operates under near-infrared light at intensities and wavelengths compatible with in vivo studies. Time-resolved spectroscopy was used to gain insight into the mechanism of energy transfer to the motor following initial two-photon excitation. Our results offer prospects toward in vitro and in vivo applications of artificial molecular motors.