Light-Driven Chiral Molecular Motors for Passive Agile Filters

Abstract

Abstract : As we proposed originally, the major objective of this project was to synthesize novel light-driven chiral molecular motors or switches targeted specifically for the development of large tuning range, passive agile filters as counter-DE materials. Now this project has accomplished all the proposed objectives and beyond. The team led by PI Quan Li has conceptualized the design and synthesis, and characterized many novel functional light-driven chiral molecular motors or switches using the three widely used photochromic building blocks, i.e. azobenzene, dithienylethene and spirooxazine. The world record helical twisting power of the three different types of light-driven chiral molecular switches to date has been achieved due to this AFOSR funded project. In close collaboration with the groups in Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, this project has turned out to be a game-changer in creating innovative well-defined nanostructured materials for the next generation of counter-DE agile filters, acting as smart materials that autonomously respond to a given stimulus without the need of bulky, power-draining, and heavy electronics, and has opened new avenues with tremendous opportunities and challenges for further exploration.