Determining the ground state of strongly coupled metal-organic magnets

Metal organic framework magnets (MOFMs) are a promising class of magnetic materials due to their tunability and flexibility in comparison to traditional magnetic materials. The large organic linkers can reduce 'magnetic dimensionality' which provides a useful model system for studying the fundamental physics of magnetism. However, organic linkers often produce weak magnetic interactions, limiting the capability of these materials. We have syntehsised and characterised a new MOFM, CrCl2(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole), which exhibits the signature behaviour of low-dimensional magnetism with unusually strong magnetic interactions. The neutron diffraction studies we propose will allow us the understand the origin of these unusually strong magnetic interaction and design next generation magnetic materials to further our understanding of the fundmental physics of magnetism.