Directional molecular sliding at room temperature on a silicon runway†
Abstract
The design of working nanovehicles is a key challenge for the development of new devices. In this context, 1D controlled sliding of molecules on a silicon-based surface is successfully achieved by using an optimized molecule–substrate pair. Even though the molecule and surface are compatible, the molecule–substrate interaction provides a 1D template effect to guide molecular sliding along a preferential surface orientation. Molecular motion is monitored by