Adsorption Gets a New Option Novel method based on molecular machines may suit numerous applications

摘要

RESEARCHERS AT Northwestern University,Evan-ston,111,have developed what they term a fundamentally new mode of adsorption,called mechanisorption,that uses machine-like movements to attract molecules onto a solid surface.The researchers reckon the method holds broad promise,including for catalysts,energy storage and environmental remediation.The research demonstrates how artificial molecular machines-synthetic molecular components that produce machine-like movements-grafted on surfaces can lure molecules at very high concentrations,thereby storing significant amounts of energy."If chemists can work out how mechanisorption can be incorporated in active structures,the storage of gases like hydrogen,carbon dioxide and methane will enter a whole new world and become a different ball game altogether,"believes Northwestern's Fraser Stoddart,who received the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work involving the design and synthesis of molecular machines and led the research.