# Stabilized ferrocene molecules result in the world's smallest electrically controlled molecular machine

**URL:** <https://community.materialssquare.com/t/stabilized-ferrocene-molecules-result-in-the-worlds-smallest-electrically-controlled-molecular-machine/1040>\
**Category:** News\
**Created:** [December 13, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://community.materialssquare.com/t/stabilized-ferrocene-molecules-result-in-the-worlds-smallest-electrically-controlled-molecular-machine/1040 "2024-12-13T16:27:03Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![gabriele1](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex003/user_avatar/community.materialssquare.com/gabriele1/32/20_2.png) [@gabriele1](https://community.materialssquare.com/u/gabriele1)\
**Post date:** [December 13, 2024, 4:27pm UTC](https://community.materialssquare.com/t/stabilized-ferrocene-molecules-result-in-the-worlds-smallest-electrically-controlled-molecular-machine/1040/1 "2024-12-13T16:27:03Z")

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This article highlights the development of the world’s smallest electrically controlled molecular machine by researchers at Chiba University in Japan. Utilizing ferrocene molecules, which are known for their unique ability to undergo rotational motion due to electronic state changes, the team overcame decomposition issues by stabilizing these molecules with ammonium salts and anchoring them onto a crown ether molecular film. This innovative approach allowed ferrocene to be securely fixed on a copper substrate without degradation. By applying electrical signals via scanning tunneling microscopy, the researchers triggered reversible rotational and lateral sliding motions in the molecules. This groundbreaking work opens avenues for molecular-level applications in fields such as precision medicine, molecular electronics, and advanced manufacturing, demonstrating the potential of controlled nanoscale motion to revolutionize science and industry.

For more details, please continue reading the full article under the following link:

> **[Stabilized ferrocene molecules result in the world's smallest electrically...](https://phys.org/news/2024-12-stabilized-ferrocene-molecules-result-world.html)**
>
> Artificial molecular machines, nanoscale machines consisting of a few molecules, offer the potential to transform fields involving catalysts, molecular electronics, medicines, and quantum materials. These machines operate by converting external...

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In general, if you enjoy reading this kind of scientific news articles, I would also be keen to connect with fellow researchers based on common research interests in materials science, including the possibility to discuss about any potential interest in the Materials Square cloud-based online platform ( [www.matsq.com](http://www.matsq.com) ), designed for streamlining the execution of materials and molecular modelling simulations!

Best regards,

Dr. Gabriele Mogni  
Technical Consultant and EU Representative of Virtual Lab Inc., the parent company of the Materials Square platform  
Website: [Home | Virtual Lab Inc.](http://www.virtuallab.co.kr/en/)  
Email: gabriele@simulation.re.kr

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