Robust Magnetic Properties of a Sublimable Single-Molecule Magnet

ACS Nano. 2016 Jun 28;10(6):5663-9. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.6b01817. Epub 2016 May 10.

Abstract

The organization of single-molecule magnets (SMMs) on surfaces via thermal sublimation is a prerequisite for the development of future devices for spintronics exploiting the richness of properties offered by these magnetic molecules. However, a change in the SMM properties due to the interaction with specific surfaces is usually observed. Here we present a rare example of an SMM system that can be thermally sublimated on gold surfaces while maintaining its intact chemical structure and magnetic properties. Muon spin relaxation and ac susceptibility measurements are used to demonstrate that, unlike other SMMs, the magnetic properties of this system in thin films are very similar to those in the bulk, throughout the full volume of the film, including regions near the metal and vacuum interfaces. These results exhibit the robustness of chemical and magnetic properties of this complex and provide important clues for the development of nanostructures based on SMMs.

Keywords: dysprosium; low-energy muon spin relaxation; quantum tunneling of the magnetization; single-molecule magnets; thin films.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't