Integration of artificial molecular switches in catalytic systems

Supramolecular chemistry has become a crucial field for creating a wide range of materials with customized functionalities, drawing inspiration from the complex structures found in nature and living systems. Artificial molecular machines offer the advantage of being remotely modified and controlled by external stimuli, such as light, making them suitable as building blocks. These molecules possess the ability to be triggered like switches, transitioning between different stable states, each of which possesses its distinct features. This enables the creation of responsive systems that may adapt their characteristics in reaction to external stimuli.
This thesis explores the use of photo-responsive ligands to manipulate atoms at the molecular level, resulting in building precise architectures with tailored functionalities. We investigated the power of artificial switches and light as tools for bottom-up construction of precise structures from nanomaterial components, offering new avenues for advancements in catalysis and beyond.