This technology describes crystals made from a tetrahedral isocyanoazobenzene copper complex, which can convert broad spectrum white light, including sunlight, into continuous mechanical motion.
Direct conversion of solar energy into mechanical motion is a more efficient method as compared to multistep green energy sources and can be achieved through the cis-trans isomerization of azobenzene. However, this movement is limited in range and typically requires harmful ultraviolet light as the irradiation source.
These crystals are comprised of a tetrahedral isocyanoazobenzene copper complex that can roll continuously with no mechanical fatigue, photobleaching, or slowing, under broad spectrum light irradiation. The motion can be controlled by adjusting the light wavelength. The crystals can be easily synthesized and customized using inexpensive commercially available materials and existing manufacturing techniques. This technology demonstrates the ability to achieve direct conversion of solar energy to physical motion using easily-accessed molecular systems.
Patent Pending
IR CU22086
Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel
