Powering Molecular Motors with Visible Light Using Quantum Dots

The mechanism of our designs rely on the unique property of QDs, which can efficiently sensitize molecular triplets. Through triplet energy transfers, the rotation of the motor can be efficiently activated using low-energy photons. Our simple yet effective approach to activating molecular motors at any desired visible light region not only expands the capabilities of visible-light-activated molecular systems to operate in a broad wavelength range but also opens numerous opportunities toward controlling dynamic functions while circumventing competing photochemical processes. Based on the above mechanism, we further control helical motion of liquid crystals with molecular motors under visible light, which further paves the way for further developments in molecular machines and smart responsive devices.