Graphene supported 2D supramolecular networks

The combination of molecular linkers and metallic atoms in supramolecular networks gives rise to assemblies with high flexibility, which allows the engineering of their fundamental properties. This enables the design of materials for applications in fields as sensing, magnetism, optics, and catalysis. More specifically, low dimensional supramolecular networks based on metal-ligand coordination are promising candidates for the development of devices for application on molecular electronics, spintronics and quantum computing. These materials can be synthesized by on-surface synthesis on different substrates. Graphene substrates are particularly interesting since graphene is a low interacting material that allows the preservation of the intrinsic properties of the supported systems. In this proposal we aim to further advance in the understanding of nanoscale supramolecular systems investigating the fundamental properties of networks based on Fe/Co atoms coordinated with 4,4′-dicyanobiphenyl and [1,4-bis(4-pyridyl)-biphenyl] molecules prepared by on-surface synthesis on graphene/Ir(111). We intend to get insights into the chemical state, charge anisotropy, magnetic anisotropy, orientation of spin axis and quantum numbers. The chemical, electronic and magnetic properties of the supramolecular networks will be measured by X-ray absorption (XAS), linear dichroism (XLD) and magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD).