Extraction of mechanical work from stimuli- responsive molecular systems and materials

Molecular switches and advanced molecular motors, which are the elementary building blocks for the construction of molecular machines, have been recently integrated into soft materials to generate macroscopic actuation under various types of external stimulation. However, to produce continuous work from these materials, and therefore to potentially achieve more advanced tasks, important structural and dynamic aspects should be considered at all length scales. Here, we discuss the implementation of thermodynamic, photodynamic, and dissipative molecular switches and motors in such stimuli-responsive materials. We also highlight the different ratcheting strategies that can be implemented in these actuators to confer on them the capacity of achieving unidirectional cyclic motion and to increase their work output continuously and autonomously.

Automated summary

The implementation of molecular switches and motors in soft materials to generate macroscopic actuation under external stimulation requires consideration of important structural and dynamic aspects at all length scales. Different ratcheting strategies are highlighted for these actuators to enable unidirectional cyclic motion and continuous increase in work output.