Subprogram 1: Molecular Nanoscience

In molecular nanotechnology and supramolecular chemistry, control of dynamics, i.e. translational and rotational motion, is one of the most fundamental problems and challenging goals. Inspiration for this research is taken both from nature, where molecular motors are integral to nearly every key biological process, as well as daily life where motors and machines are ubiquitous. Early research in the Feringa group on molecular switches cumulated in the design and synthesis of the first light-driven unidirectional rotary motor in 1999, and the first translational nanocar moving on a surface in 2011. Both discoveries constitute groundbreaking milestones in the field of molecular nanoscience. Current interests include:

Light-driven molecular motors

Molecular photoswitches

Redox switches and chemically fuelled motors

Smart materials

Computational chemistry

Liquid Crystals