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Volume 1 Issue 12, December 2017

The four step sequence that leads to unidirectional rotation of a light-driven molecular motor based on a sterically crowded alkene is depicted. In their Perspective article, Ben Feringa, Sander Wezenberg and co-workers describe how this concept has been exploited to dynamically control the function of molecular systems. Applications in catalysis, chirality transfer, co-operative action and the control of biological properties are described. The article highlights future challenges that will be necessary in order to fully exploit the molecular motor blueprint. 

See: van Leeuwen, T., Lubbe, A. S., Štacko, P. Wezenberg S. J. & Feringa, B. L. Dynamic control of function by light-driven molecular motorsw. Nat. Rev. Chem. 1, 0096 (2017).

Image: Sander Wezenberg Design: Rachael Tremlett

Volume 1 Issue 12

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Down to Business

  • Stephen Caddick discusses the role of technology transfer offices and their future in translating research

    • Stephen Caddick
    Down to Business

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Reviews

  • The tunable bandgap of perovskites and their combination in multi-junction solar cells can afford highly efficient photovoltaic technologies. This Review reports the latest developments in tandem multi-junction perovskite solar cells and discusses prospects for this technology to achieve energy conversion efficiencies well beyond those attained by silicon-based cells.

    • Giles E. Eperon
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    • Henry J. Snaith
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  • Light-driven artificial molecular switches and motors afford dynamic control of various molecular systems, ranging from catalytic to biological. This Perspective provides insight into the challenges that must be addressed to transition the field from the proof-of-concept stage to realization of its myriad applications.

    • Thomas van Leeuwen
    • Anouk S. Lubbe
    • Ben L. Feringa
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  • Electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction are important components of energy technologies such as fuel cells. The study of molecular catalysts affords mechanistic insights that further the development of robust, active and energy-efficient systems. This Review describes state-of-the-art metal complexes that operate either in solution or immobilized on an electrode.

    • Subal Dey
    • Biswajit Mondal
    • Abhishek Dey
    Review Article
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