Researchers from the University of Copenhagen, the Weizmann Institute of Science, and the University of Augsburg collaborated to build the device. Suspended between two metal electrodes, the motor allows its rotational direction to be reversed simply by switching the polarity of the applied voltage. Quantum mechanical simulations and experiments revealed that rotation forces the molecule through specific orientations that it normally avoids at rest. Consequently, this dynamic motion increases the motor's electrical conductivity by up to 100 times compared to its stationary state.
Key points
This device marks the first electrically powered molecular motor attached between metal e…: This device marks the first electrically powered molecular motor attached between metal electrodes that achieves controllable directional rotation.
Rotation forces the molecule through unusual physical orientations that are typically avo…: Rotation forces the molecule through unusual physical orientations that are typically avoided when the system is stationary.
Active spinning dramatically enhances performance by increasing the molecular device's el…: Active spinning dramatically enhances performance by increasing the molecular device's electrical conductivity by up to 100 times.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Date:
- November 1, 2026
- Source:
- University of Augsburg
- Summary:
- Scientists have built a groundbreaking molecular motor that spins in either direction using electricity, inspired by a machine invented more than 2,000 years ago. Even more remarkably, its rotation can boost electrical conductivity by up to 100 times, potentially transforming the future of molecular electronics.
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Scientists have developed a remarkable new molecular motor that spins when electricity passes through it. Inspired by an ancient invention, the tiny machine can even reverse its direction when the electrical voltage is switched. The achievement marks an important step toward creating working machines at the smallest possible scale.
Molecular machines are widely seen as a promising next frontier in miniaturization. Nature already provides examples inside living cells, where molecular motors use energy to produce movement. Researchers have spent decades trying to recreate these remarkable biological systems artificially, and progress in this field was recognized with the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
An Ancient Invention Inspires a Molecular Motor
Scientists first developed molecular motors powered directly by electricity…
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