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Using light to induce energy and electron transfer or molecular motions in multicomponent systems

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Abstract

Light-induced processes are at the basis of fundamental natural phenomena as well as of a variety of applications. Since the functions that can arise from the interaction between light and matter depend on the degree of complexity and organization of the receiving ‘matter’, the research on these processes has progressively moved from molecular to supramolecular (multicomponent) systems, thereby originating the field of supramolecular photochemistry. In this context, examples of photochemical molecular devices and machines—that is, multicomponent chemical systems capable to perform specific functions under light stimulation—have been developed. Here we report examples of molecular devices in solution, where light is employed (i) to create and transport electronic energy, (ii) to displace electrons, and (iii) to set molecular components in motion, mimicking the operation of mechanical machines and motors. These studies are of interest not only for increasing the basic understanding and testing of current theoretical treatments of photoinduced processes but also eventually for the growth of nanoscience.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istituto ISOF-CNR, via Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy

    Roberto Ballardini

  2. Dipartimento di Chimica “G. Ciamician”, Università di Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy

    Alberto Credi, Maria Teresa Gandolfi, Filippo Marchioni, Serena Silvi & Margherita Venturi

Authors
  1. Roberto Ballardini
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  2. Alberto Credi
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  3. Maria Teresa Gandolfi
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  4. Filippo Marchioni
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  5. Serena Silvi
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  6. Margherita Venturi
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Alberto Credi or Margherita Venturi.

Additional information

This paper was published as part of the special issue to commemorate the 70th birthday of Vincenzo Balzani.

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Ballardini, R., Credi, A., Gandolfi, M.T. et al. Using light to induce energy and electron transfer or molecular motions in multicomponent systems. Photochem Photobiol Sci 6, 345–356 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1039/b613411d

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