Analysis of Metallo‐Supramolecular Systems Using Single‐Molecule Force Spectroscopy

Abstract

Abstract Single‐molecule force spectroscopy has been used for the investigation of the rupture behavior of individual metallo‐supramolecular systems. For this purpose, a specifically designed unsymmetrical α,ω‐functionalized poly(ethylene oxide) has been employed for mono‐termination with a terpyridine ligand and subsequently for the attachment onto atomic force microscopy (AFM) tips and microscope slide substrates. Metallo‐supramolecular complexes were formed by the use of ruthenium( III )–ruthenium( II ) chemistry. Vertical stretching with the AFM cantilever ruptured the coordinative bonds. The rupture force of individual bisterpyridine ruthenium( II ) complexes was determined to be 95 pN at a force loading rate of 1 nN s –1 . Simultaneous rupturing of multiple parallel metallo‐supramolecular bonds was also observed. Monte Carlo simulations corroborated the experimental observations. The presented results lay the basis for the application of such metallo‐supramolecular systems in advanced functional nanomaterials.