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Nanotechnology Breakthrough Enhances Control Over Chemical Reactions
Recent advancements in nanotechnology led by physicists at the University of Bath represent a significant leap forward in manipulating matter at the atomic level.
This remarkable progress holds considerable implications for our fundamental scientific understanding and is poised to usher in vital practical applications, particularly in the field of drug development.
While researchers have successfully achieved control over single-outcome single-molecule reactions in laboratories worldwide, many faced challenges with multi-outcome chemical reactions. This is critical because, in many instances, only a subset of possible outcomes from these reactions is valuable.
For example, in the drug development process, reactions that result in ‘cyclisation’ yield the desired therapeutic compound, while ‘polymerisation’ might produce unwanted byproducts. The ability to steer reactions towards favorable outcomes while minimizing undesirable ones holds significant promise for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Exploring the Potential of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
The latest research, published in the journal Nature Communications, illustrates how scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) can be utilized to influence competing chemical reaction outcomes at an atomic level.
Unlike traditional microscopes that use light to magnify objects, STM operates on a different principle. These sophisticated tools employ a fine tip that can detect atomic-scale features. Similar to a record player, this tip glides over a material’s surface, measuring electric current to create a detailed map.
Instead of making contact like a record needle, the STM tip hovers just above the surface, allowing electrons to traverse the minute gap. The strength of the electric current varies with the distance from the surface, providing critical information that helps in visualizing and interacting with atomic structures that remain invisible with conventional optical techniques.
Advancements in Single-Molecule Reactions
With STM’s atomic precision, scientists are no longer limited to merely imaging molecules; they can now alter the positions of individual atoms and molecules while simultaneously influencing the probabilities of their chemical reactions.
Dr. Kristina Rusimova, who led the investigation, explained, “STM technology is typically used to relocate atoms and molecules, fostering targeted chemical interactions. However, directing reactions with multiple possible outcomes poses a significant challenge, largely due to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics.”
She detailed that the research demonstrated how STM could manipulate charge states and molecular resonances by strategically injecting energy, thus controlling the likelihood of different reaction outcomes.
Co-author Dr. Peter Sloan added, “By injecting electrons into toluene molecules via the STM tip, we induced the breaking of chemical bonds, leading to either a shift to a neighboring site or desorption. The energy of the injected electrons played a crucial role in determining the ratio of these outcomes.”
PhD student Pieter Keenan emphasized that maintaining controlled conditions allowed the team to isolate variables, adjusting outcomes solely based on the energy used in electron injection. This meticulous approach enabled the team to ‘load the molecular dice,’ enhancing specific reaction probabilities.
Professor Tillmann Klamroth from Potsdam University remarked that combining advanced theoretical models with experimental techniques has laid the groundwork for a nuanced understanding of reaction probabilities in relation to molecular energy landscapes, further advancing the field of nanotechnology.
Future Implications
Looking forward, Dr. Rusimova expressed optimism regarding the potential applications in both fundamental research and practical disciplines. She highlighted that this work signifies an important stride toward fully programmable molecular systems, potentially transforming areas such as medicine and clean energy.
The full research is detailed in the journal Nature Communications, supported by The Royal Society and the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC).
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