Thin films and monolayers of chiral spin-crossover complexes

In this project we propose to perform XAS and XMCD measurements at the FeL2,3 edges to evaluate the valence and spin-state of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and thin films on gold formed of chiral spin-crossover (SCO) complexes. Specifically, we will study chiral SCO complexes with tetradentate chiral Schiff base ligands (L) of formula [Fe(L)(NCX)2] (X = S, Se). This type of complexes is suitable for deposition on Au surfaces thanks to the presence of NCX- groups. The different structure of the two anchoring ligands and the use of solutions of the chiral complexes and racemic mixtures will provide significant insights on the role of the surface and chirality on the SCO of these complexes. This study represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first study of a spin transition in a SCO chiral SAM, paving the way for their use in chiral spintronics devices.