Single Molecule Mechanics on Surface


Thesis type: PhD thesis
Author: Kwan Ho Au-Yeung
1. Supervisor: Dr. Francesca Moresco
Defense date: Dec. 19, 2023
Access tde thesis: physical copy

This thesis explores the mechanics of single molecule machines on a surface, aiming to understand the principles underlying synthetic single molecular machines. The study utilizes scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at ultra-low temperatures and high vacuum conditions to investigate individual small molecules adsorbed on a substrate. In the first part, the transmission of rotation between single molecule-gears is examined, employing a star-shaped pentaphenylcyclopentadiene molecule manipulated by STM. The second part focuses on a zwitterionic and chiral molecule's dual functionality as a molecule-rotor or a molecule-vehicle (nanocar), with motion driven by tunneling electrons. The third part explores the origin of unidirectional rotation in a single molecule-rotor, analyzing the effects of thermal and electronic excitations on rotation dynamics. Overall, this work contributes to the fundamental understanding of nanoscale mechanical molecular devices and their potential applications.



Single Molecule Mechanics on Surface


Thesis type: PhD thesis
Author: Kwan Ho Au-Yeung
1. Supervisor: Dr. Francesca Moresco
Defense date: Dec. 19, 2023
Access tde thesis: physical copy

This thesis explores the mechanics of single molecule machines on a surface, aiming to understand the principles underlying synthetic single molecular machines. The study utilizes scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) at ultra-low temperatures and high vacuum conditions to investigate individual small molecules adsorbed on a substrate. In the first part, the transmission of rotation between single molecule-gears is examined, employing a star-shaped pentaphenylcyclopentadiene molecule manipulated by STM. The second part focuses on a zwitterionic and chiral molecule's dual functionality as a molecule-rotor or a molecule-vehicle (nanocar), with motion driven by tunneling electrons. The third part explores the origin of unidirectional rotation in a single molecule-rotor, analyzing the effects of thermal and electronic excitations on rotation dynamics. Overall, this work contributes to the fundamental understanding of nanoscale mechanical molecular devices and their potential applications.