Nitride Cluster Fullerene Spin Shuttle: the role of cluster composition for single molecule magnet behavior

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Bernd Büchner, since 11/2013; Professor Dr. Lothar Dunsch, until 11/2013 (†)
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation ; Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 237010132

The quest for the best single molecule magnet shall be concerted for the new family of the rare earth (R) containing R3N@C80 nitride cluster endofullerenes. Such carbon cages that contain 3 trivalent rare earth ions and one nitrogen N3- anion may be considered as "spin shuttles" where the spin of the endohedral unit is protected by a diamagnetic carbon shell. Trimetal nitride cluster endofullerenes are known to be very stable and radiation hard, which allows them to be sublimed and self assembled on surfaces, and investigated with x-rays. Based on a recent breakthrough [Westerström et al. (2012)] where extraordinary long spin relaxation times for DySc2N@C80 molecules have been found, IFW Dresden (D) will synthesize and isolate nitride cluster fullerenes, and the group at PSI and UZH (CH) will investigate the magnetic properties by means of x-ray circular dichroism and magnetometry, with special emphasis on longevity of the orientation of the magnetic moments. Based on the "educated" feedback of CH, D will synthesize new molecules out of the many possible combinations of rare earth clusters. The added value for the single molecule magnet community will be the experimental exploration of the new family of molecular magnets which bears unique properties due to its relative simplicity and tunability of the structural parameters.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Switzerland
• Participating Person: Dr. Alexey A. Popov