Silanization of quartz, silicon and mica surfaces with light-driven molecular motors: construction of surface-bound photo-active nanolayers

The attachment of molecular rotary motors containing triethoxysilane functional groups to quartz, silicon and mica surfaces is described. Motors containing silane coupling agents in their structure form stable molecular layers on quartz and silicon surfaces. Motors attached to these surfaces were found to undergo photochemical and thermal isomerization steps similar to those observed in solution. Additionally, successful formation of molecular “carpets” on atomically flat mica extending micrometer-sized length scales is presented. These “carpets” were found to undergo morphological changes upon irradiation with UV-light.