Application of Host−Guest Chemistry in Nanotube-Based Device Fabrication: Photochemically Controlled Immobilization of Azobenzene Nanotubes on Patterned α-CD Monolayer/Au Substrates via Molecular Recognition

Abstract

Azobenzene-functionalized nanotubes recognized and attached onto well-defined complementary regions of thiolated α-CD SAM/Au substrates via host−guest molecular recognition. The binding between the azobenzene nanotubes and the α-CD SAM/Au substrates was controlled by UV irradiation. The light-induced attachment−detachment of the azobenzene nanotubes on the α-CD SAMs was reversible. Some of the nanotubes were capable of interconnecting two Au substrates. This smart building block may be applied to build photoactive nanometer-sized mechanical switches in electronics.