When push comes to shove

The adsorption of molecules onto a surface from solution generally proceeds spontaneously by means of an equilibrium process. Now, it has been shown that macrocycles can be pumped onto a MOF substrate through the formation of mechanical bonds in a ratcheting mechanism that results in an out-of-equilibrium state.

Automated summary

Molecules are usually adsorbed onto a surface from a solution through a spontaneous equilibrium process. However, it has been discovered that macrocycles can be mechanically pumped onto a MOF substrate, leading to an out-of-equilibrium state.