‘Moon lander’ molecule caught on the move
28 Apr 2024
A combination of spectroscopy and computer simulations have revealed how pyramidal molecules are able to move over surfaces.
Researchers from the University of Surrey combined with Switzerland’s Graz University of Technology likened the movement to that of a “nanoscopic Moon lander”.
The focus of their observations was a molecule of triphenylphosphine (PPh3) traversing a graphite surface.
Using a unique combination of neutron spectroscopy and advanced computer simulation, the researchers, writing in Communications Chemistry reported the molecule jumped and rotated in a manner likened to a spacecraft touching down while employing very little energy
A pyramidal molecule – characterised by one atom at its apex and three at the corners of a triangular base – PPh3’s uses include drug delivery to cells.
It is hoped that better understanding of its movement could help with the creation of new advanced materials and more efficient medicine and nanotechnology explained Dr Anton Tamtögl, experimental physicist at Graz University .
"The experimental results have unveiled a captivating dance of molecules, providing us with a deeper understanding of surface dynamics and opening up new horizons for materials science and nanotechnology," he said.
His collaborator, associate professor in Physical and Computational Chemistry at the University of Surrey Dr Marco Sacchi described the study of molecule movement as crucial for understanding chemical reactions and making nano-scale devices.
He explained: "Our work has only scratched the surface of the complexities behind the self-assembly of non-planar molecules on graphite. It's a step towards unravelling the subtleties of surface chemistry and its applications in nanotechnology."
