‘Like a nanoscopic Moon lander’: scientists reveal how pyramidal molecules move across surfaces

Scientists have watched a molecule move across a graphite surface in unprecedented detail.

It turns out this particular molecule moves like a Moon lander – and the insights hold potential for future nanotechnologies.

3d image of PPH3 molecule touching down on a graphite surface

Researchers have achieved a ground-breaking understanding of molecular movement thanks to this study from the University of Surrey and the Graz University of Technology, Austria.

Studying how molecules move is crucial for understanding chemical reactions and making nano-scale devices.

Our work has only scratched the surface of the complexities behind the self-assembly of non-planar molecules on graphite.

It's a step towards unravelling the subtleties of surface chemistry and its applications in nanotechnology.

Dr Marco Sacchi, Associate Professor and Royal Society University Research Fellow in Physical and Computational Chemistry, Theme Leader in Sustainable Energy and Materials Research

To unlock these secrets, scientists studied molecules of triphenylphosphine (PPh3). These three-pointed, propeller-like structures have a range of uses, from delivering drugs into cells to lithium batteries.

Using a unique combination of neutron spectroscopy and advanced computer simulations, the scientists observed how they behaved on a graphite surface.

The team was surprised to see PPh3's remarkable motion – jumping and rotating like a spacecraft touching down on the lunar surface. This allowed them to move using surprisingly little energy.

Exploring the intricate world of molecular self-assembly on graphite surfaces has been an exciting journey.

The experimental results have unveiled a captivating dance of molecules, providing us with a deeper understanding of surface dynamics and opening up new horizons for materials science and nanotechnology. Dr Anton Tamtögl, Experimental Physicist, Graz University of Technology