Molecule‐Sized Gates Based on Surface‐Confined Dendrimers

Abstract

Behavior as single-molecule gates for certain ions is demonstrated by dendrimers confined on surfaces and within thiol monolayers (see picture). The permeability depends on the chemical state of the dendrimer and the charge on the ion. These composite structures are models of biological membranes in that mass transfer occurs through the interior of the dendrimer in analogy to ion motion through membrane proteins.