Electric current drives helicene molecule to rotate and boost conductance
Researchers suspended a helicene molecule between electrode tips to demonstrate that applied voltage induces directional rotation and increases electrical current flow.
Voltage controls molecular direction
An applied voltage causes the suspended helicene molecule to move in cycles with 100% directional preference. Reversing the voltage polarity inverts this motion, allowing precise control over the rotor's orientation.
Current rises during rotation
Above a specific voltage threshold, the current passing through the rotating molecule increases significantly compared to its resting state. Stretching or compressing the helical structure tunes the point at which this enhancement begins.
Rotation enables new states
Calculations indicate that molecular rotation allows the system to adopt highly conducting configurations not accessible when stationary. This mechanism explains both the observed cyclic motion and the resulting current enhancement in the junction.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.