Project description
Naturally chiral carbon nanostructures for advanced molecular motors
Biological molecular machines show how nanoscale motion controls function. Researchers aim to create artificial motors that respond to visible light while maintaining efficiency and tunability. But this remains a challenge. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the NEMO project will develop next-generation motors that operate under visible light without relying on stereogenic carbons for unidirectional rotation. By integrating overcrowded-alkene molecular motors with chiral helical bilayer nanographenes and π-extended chiral nanohoops, the project will explore new stereoelements based on axial chirality and establish key principles affecting motor performance. These advancements will enable dynamic modulation of materials, enabling smart applications (responsive membranes, functional surfaces and circularly polarised OLEDs), expanding the use of molecular motors in nanotechnology.
Objective
Biological molecular machines demonstrate how precise control of motion at the nanoscale defines function. Inspired by these natural systems, artificial molecular motors have been developed, yet simultaneously achieving visible-light responsiveness, high photoefficiency, and tunable dynamic properties remains a major challenge. This project proposes an unexplored strategy: integrating overcrowded-alkene molecular motors with inherently chiral helical bilayer nanographenes and π-extended chiral nanohoops. By combining the exceptional optoelectronic and chiroptical properties of these carbon nanostructures with controlled molecular motion, we aim to design next-generation motors—ranging from second to fifth generation—that operate under visible light and no longer require stereogenic carbons for unidirectional rotation. Through systematic synthesis and evaluation, we will investigate new stereoelements based on axial chirality and establish fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic principles governing motor performance. These breakthroughs will enable dynamic modulation of optoelectronic and chiroptical properties, opening pathways for the development of smart functional materials such as responsive membranes, functional surfaces and responsive circularly polarized OLEDs. The project’s high-risk, high-gain approach promises to push the frontiers of molecular motor design and broaden their application scope in nanotechnology and materials science.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
9712CP Groningen
Netherlands
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