Molecule magnets within the pores of metal-organic framework thin films: magnetic properties of guests, hosts, and their mutual influence

Well-controlled spatial organization of small magnetic units, which would preserve their useful properties and enable integration in spintronic devices, is a critical requirement for development of functional magnetic materials. In this project, we will study magnetic properties of a hybrid material composed of fullerene-based single-molecule magnets (SMMs) incarcerated inside the pores of surface-grown metal-organic frameworks (SURMOFs). The material combines excellent SMM performance of fullerenes with high blocking temperature and broad magnetic hysteresis, and the perfect control of the number if layers and spatial control of guest molecules offered by SURMOF matrix. Thin films of SMM@SURMOFs will be studied by XAS and XMCD techniques at different temperatures to determine how incarceration and interaction with the matrix will affect the SMM behavior of guest molecules. At the same time, element-specificity of XMCD technique will enable the study of the mutual influence of magnetic fullerenes and magnetic hosts units in SURMOFs. It is anticipated that fullerene@SURMOF platform will combine excellent SMM behavior and perfect structural organization, making it ideal for device integration.