Now organometallic compound crystals are the future hope of synthesising up approach of nanotechnology. Albrecht- and coworkers have worked out a reversible chemical reaction in an orders solid crystal. It is a 3D ordering process, which brings the nanotechnology and macroscopic technology to gather. Such reversible binding of oxygen to cytochrome (which is a cell as well as crystal) was observed earlier in bio-systems. Within a few years time organic materials (with the advent of conducting plastics) and organometallic compounds most of the electro-mechanical control systems, devices etc are destined to be replaced by organic materials. Even the silicon and silicon compounds may be replaced by carbon and carbon compounds for such electronic devices. Hugo Theorells work in Sweden on cytochromes in earlier part of 20th century revealed that iron sitting in the central part of home type molecule commands the electron/ energy transfer. Cytochrome plays important role in breathing animals right from
an amoeba to a human being. Cytochrome may also be superconducting. Reversible redox systems or breathing type molecular systems are indicative of molecular electronic switching devices. Recently Albrecht and co-workers of Utrecht University, Netherlands have developed organo-platinum crystals for gas-triggered switches. In general; molecular machines, motor and switches operating in solutions were made earlier. For applications in electronic devices crystalline materials with high degree of order and regularity is required. They have developed a well-controlled and fully reversible crystalline-state reaction of SO2 composting of organo-platinum molecules. Soon efficient crystalline switches at nano-scale would be easily available. The on/off position may be defined by either change in size or colour. These could be used in optoelectronic devices such as data processing a nano-linear optical technology. Crystalline transportation that occur in crystalline material or in other words crystalline-state reactions are very rare, because most chemical reaction cause considerable stress and intermolecular reorganization. As shown in Figure 2 there is colour change as well as the structural (volume) change when the organo-platinum compound absorbs SO2. The property of colour change could be used in optoelectronic devices and switching. Where as the 3D change could be used in other electronic devices. This organo platinum system is insensitive to oxidation thus has high potential as gas sensor, as photo chemical switches in optoelectronic devices in data processing or non-linear optical technology. This is an important development as microscopic gas sensor and switches could be developed soon and work could be extended for search of other such organometallic compounds, which may act as breather compounds.
According to Street, Kings College London, it is the 3D ordering of the process, bringing together nanotechnology and macroscopic systems, which is unique about these organoplatinum crystals. These futuristic switching devices can also be leveraged for maintenance, security and general upkeep of the systems.
In Indian context, the industrialists should form a consortium to realty finance the hard ware technology development at various places throughout India using the students physical as well as intellectual force to the fullest extent. Universities and technology institutes could include practical training in all subjects as compulsory requirement for getting degrees. For, proper maintenance safety and upkeep of variety of systems; disciplined people are needed. Instead of competition, cooperation and inherent efforts and true achievements should be valued more.
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