NSF-EC Cooperative Activity in Materials Research: Light-Induced Motion in Nanostructured Silicate Materials

该项目旨在合成有序的纳米结构框架，其中包含在光驱动下进行大振幅运动的分子，以控制分子运动端的运动，并设计用于分子阀和通过纳米孔指导分子运动等应用的功能材料。该研究项目为研究生和本科生提供尖端教育。他们将学习有关“纳米机器”（如分子阀）的新概念，包括如何设计和组装它们，为它们提供动力，以及监控它们的运动。高中教师（在NSF RET项目的额外支持下）将把新概念带入课堂。该计划的成果将在技术上具有重大意义；纳米结构材料中光控运动的可用性将有助于许多应用，例如控制药物输送和传感器。这个项目涉及设计和组装由光能驱动的功能性纳米机器。机器的框架是自组装的，机器的运动部件，进行大幅度运动的分子，附着在框架上的所需位置。提出了两个重要的应用。第一种是纳米阀，其中通过连接在开口上的纳米机器的运动来打开和关闭容器的入口。在第二种方法中，单个分子将通过连接在纳米管壁上的机器的移动端扫过纳米管来移动。本科生、研究生和高中教师将参与机器的建设。其结果将在技术上具有重大意义；光控纳米机器的可用性将对诸如受控药物输送和传感器等应用非常有用。该项目是与阿姆斯特丹大学的De Cola教授合作完成的。该奖项由美国国家科学基金会国际科学与工程办公室共同资助。

This project aims to synthesize ordered nanostructured frameworks containing molecules that undergo large amplitude motions driven by light, to control the motion of the moving end of the molecule, and to design functional materials for applications such as molecular valves and directing the motion of molecules through nanopores. The research program offers cutting-edge education for both graduate and undergraduate students. They will learn new concepts about "nanomachines" (such as a molecular valve) including how to design and assemble them, provide power to them, and monitor their motion. High school teachers (with additional support from the NSF RET program) will take new concepts to their classrooms. The results of the program will be technologically significant; the availability of light-controlled movement in nanostructured materials will be useful for a number of applications such as controlled drug delivery and sensors. %%% This program involves the design and assembly of functional nanomachines powered by light energy. The framework of the machine is self-assembled and the moving parts of the machine, molecules that undergo large amplitude motion, are attached to desired locations on the framework. Two important applications are proposed. The first is a nano-valve, where opening and closing the entrance to a container is accomplished by the movement of the nanomachines attached to the openings. In the second, individual molecules will be moved through nano tubes by sweeping them with the moving ends of machines attached to the tube walls. Undergraduate and graduate students and high school teachers will participate in the construction of the machines. The results will be technologically significant; the availability of light-controlled nanomachines will be useful for applications such as controlled drug delivery and sensors. The project is a collaborative effort with Prof. De Cola at the University of Amsterdam. This award is co-funded by the NSF Office of International Science and Engineering.