Scientists Unveil World’s Smallest Molecular Machine

Researchers from Chiba University have developed the world’s smallest electrically controlled molecular machine, marking a significant breakthrough in molecular technology, SciTech Daily reported.

The team, led by Associate Professor Toyo Kazu Yamada, successfully stabilized ferrocene molecules on a flat copper surface, enabling controlled mechanical motion at the molecular level.

Ferrocene, a drum-shaped molecule with an iron atom between two carbon rings, can rotate 36° when its electronic state changes. However, previous attempts to use ferrocene in practical applications were hindered by its tendency to decompose on surfaces. The researchers overcame this by modifying ferrocene with ammonium salts and adsorbing it onto a crown ether-coated substrate.

Using scanning tunneling microscopy, they demonstrated that applying an electrical voltage could induce a lateral sliding motion in the ferrocene molecules, showcasing precise control. This advancement opens new possibilities for applications in catalysis, molecular electronics, and smart materials, potentially revolutionizing various scientific and industrial fields.