Objetivo
In this project, we will develop new single-molecule magnets (SMMs) that combine the strong magnetic anisotropy of lanthanide ions with a series of novel radical ligands. Highly unusual di- and tri-metallic Ln-SMMs are proposed in which the metals are bridged by radicals with heavy Group 15 donor atoms (i.e. the pnictogens, phosphorus-bismuth). The SMM field is dominated by systems with diamagnetic ligands: our radical ligands are novel, hence their applications in single-molecule magnetism will be unprecedented. We will exploit the rich electrochemistry of the proposed ligands: our DFT calculations show that the target heavy pnictogen radical anions have huge spin densities on the donor atoms, hence the diffuse unpaired spin of the radicals will provide a way of switching off the quantum tunnelling mechanisms that otherwise prevent hysteresis. Ultimately, this project introduces the potential for creating SMMs that show hysteresis at unprecedentedly high temperatures.
Ámbito científico
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinador
M13 9PL Manchester
Reino Unido