Molecular Seesaw: A Three-Way Motion and Motion-Induced Surface Modification

Abstract

We introduce a three-way molecular motion which can be a suitable switching system in future molecule-based nanocircuits. A real-space investigation revealed that vinylferrocene adsorbs site-specifically on the Ge(100) surface and then shows a reversible tilting motion, similar to a seesaw. Unlike conventional molecular motions, it not only has three stable switching states at room temperature but also shows a motion-induced surface-structure modification, allowing surface-mediated signal transmission. Demonstrated STM-tip influence on the motion allows the feasibility of tip-induced manipulation.