Abstract
A better grip on novel molecular switches opens up new avenues in material science, medicine and molecular machines.
Materials shape the world around us. In this century, scientists have started to create novel materials that have the potential to reshape our future. Instead of using static materials to create functional tools, the materials themselves are becoming responsive. Early signs of such approaches are glasses that automatically darken with higher intensity of light, smart surfaces and polymers that can respond to electric signals. At the heart of this revolution are molecules that can form such materials. In order to be successful, chemists need to create new molecules with properties that have never been seen before, and they need to know how to properly handle them.
This thesis helps us to better understand and make use of a novel class of molecules that was discovered only three years ago by the group of Prof. Read de Alaniz at UC Santa Barbara: the so-called DASAs. This molecule changes its structure upon illumination, which has enabled the creation of surfaces that can change their properties with light or it helps building molecular machines. Researchers from the University of Groningen, under the guidance of Prof. Feringa and in cooperation with an international network of scientists, have uncovered the processes that happen when light hits the molecule. This knowledge helps modifying the existing molecules in order to reduce decomposition, improve color fastness, and overall quality and performance of these responsive materials. Subsequent research will take the lessons learned from this work and directly translate them to the development of new tools and materials for the future.
Materials shape the world around us. In this century, scientists have started to create novel materials that have the potential to reshape our future. Instead of using static materials to create functional tools, the materials themselves are becoming responsive. Early signs of such approaches are glasses that automatically darken with higher intensity of light, smart surfaces and polymers that can respond to electric signals. At the heart of this revolution are molecules that can form such materials. In order to be successful, chemists need to create new molecules with properties that have never been seen before, and they need to know how to properly handle them.
This thesis helps us to better understand and make use of a novel class of molecules that was discovered only three years ago by the group of Prof. Read de Alaniz at UC Santa Barbara: the so-called DASAs. This molecule changes its structure upon illumination, which has enabled the creation of surfaces that can change their properties with light or it helps building molecular machines. Researchers from the University of Groningen, under the guidance of Prof. Feringa and in cooperation with an international network of scientists, have uncovered the processes that happen when light hits the molecule. This knowledge helps modifying the existing molecules in order to reduce decomposition, improve color fastness, and overall quality and performance of these responsive materials. Subsequent research will take the lessons learned from this work and directly translate them to the development of new tools and materials for the future.
| Original language | English |
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| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
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| Award date | 1-Jun-2018 |
| Place of Publication | [Groningen] |
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| Print ISBNs | 978-94-034-0565-0 |
| Electronic ISBNs | 978-94-034-0566-7 |
| Publication status | Published - 2018 |