Molecular devices
V. Balzani, P. Ceroni, and B. Ferrer
Dipartimento di Chimica �G. Ciamician�, Universit�
di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Abstract: The concept of a macroscopic device can be extended
to the molecular level by designing and synthesizing (supra)molecular
species capable of performing specific functions. Molecular devices
need energy to operate and signals to communicate with the operator.
The energy needed to make a device work can be supplied as chemical
energy, electrical energy, or light. Luminescence is one of the most
useful techniques to monitor the operation of molecular-level devices.
The extension of the concept of a device to the molecular level is of
interest, not only for basic research, but also for the growth of nanoscience
and the development of nanotechnology. In this article, some of the
most recent experiments performed in our laboratory will be reviewed.
*Plenary lecture presented at the 28th International Conference on Solution Chemistry, Debrecen, Hungary, 23-28 August 2003. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 1809-1919.
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