Addressing single-molecule magnets via 1D nanoframeworks

A single-molecule magnet (SMM) is a molecule that behaves solely as a magnet. In contrast to conventional bulk magnets, SMMs are capable of displaying magnetic hysteresis and other complex magnetic phenomena of purely molecular origin. This makes SMMs prime candidates as the smallest building blocks for applications such as magnetic recording and quantum computing. One of the challenges for the implementation of SMMs into devices is to individually address and control SMMs in solid states. The proposed project aims to make SMMs controllable and addressable by encapsulating them into various 1D nanostructures, such as single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), conducting polymers, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent-organic frameworks (COFs). To this aim, we will investigate impacts of nanoscale confinements on magnetism of SMMs using various experimental techniques combined with density-functional theory calculations. We will explore uniquely arranged SMMs inside 1D pores in SWCNTs, MOFs and COFs, and exploit their advanced magnetism. Host-guest interactions between SMMs and the 1D nanostructure depend largely on the optical and electrical properties of the 1D host. With a variety of optical gaps in the UV-Vis-IR range and electrical conductivity (metal, semiconductor and insulator) of the nanostructure hosts, host-guest interactions will provide the basis for addressing SMMs. With insulator and semiconductor hosts, such as MOFs and COFs, we will study magneto-optical properties of the host and their response to the magnetic state of SMMs. With conducting hosts, such as SWCNTs, we will study electrical transport in the host, and seek magneto-electrical addressing and control of SMMs.