Local investigations of switchable rotaxane molecules at interfaces using atomic force microscopy

Abstract

Rotaxane molecules (interlocked molecules consisting of two parts bonded mechanically) have an inherent multi-stability. The relative positions of the submolecular components can be altered through external stimuli, a functionality that has been proven in solution-phase experiments. There has however, been no local, molecular-scale demonstration that the functionality of these molecules can be retained if the molecules are fixed to a surface.