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Scientists have long strived to develop artificial molecular motors that can convert energy into directed motion. Researchers at LiU have now presented a solution to a challenging problem: a “molecular gear”.

Chemists at Linköping University took their inspiration from nature when designing a new molecular motor to convert light energy into motion. The motor has a minimal structure, but even so satisfies several important functional criteria.

Researchers have discovered a new way of building efficient molecular motors where weight differences between different isotopes of a hydrogen atom play a decisive role.

Researchers at LiU have used computer simulations to show that stable aromatic molecules can become reactive after absorbing light. The results may have applications in such areas as the storage of solar energy, pharmacology, and molecular machines.

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a molecule that absorbs energy from sunlight and stores it in chemical bonds. A possible long-term use of the molecule is to capture solar energy efficiently and store it for later consumption.