Analysis of Metallo-Supramolecular Systems utilizing Single-Molecule Force Spectroscopy
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Kudera, Michael; Eschbaumer, Christian; Gaub, Hermann E.; Schubert, Ulrich S.
- Abstract:
- Single-molecule force spectroscopy has been used for the investigation of the rupture behavior of individual metallo-supramolecular systems. For this purpose, a specifically designed unsymmetrical ,-functionalized poly(ethylene oxide) has been employed for mono-termination with a terpyridine ligand and subsequently for the attachment onto atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips and microscope slide substrates. Metallo-supramolecular complexes were formed by the use of ruthenium(III)-ruthenium(II) chemistry. Vertical stretching with the AFM cantilever ruptured the coordinative bonds. The rupture force of individual bisterpyridine ruthenium(II) complexes was determined to be 95 pN at a force loading rate of 1 nN s-1. Simultaneous rupturing of multiple parallel metallo-supramolecular bonds was also observed. Monte Carlo simulations corroborated the experimental observations. The presented results lay the basis for the application of such metallo-supramolecular systems in advanced functional nanomaterials.
- Year:
- 2003
- Type of Publication:
- Article
- Journal:
- Advanced Functional Materials
- Volume:
- 13
- Pages:
- 615 – 620