Radical-Induced Changes in Transition-Metal Interfacial Properties

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Maria Benedetta Casu
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Molecules, Liquids and Interfaces, Biophysical Chemistry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 549447529

The goal of this project is to study the interface obtained by depositing a monolayer of a radical derivative on polycrystalline/single-crystal transition metals (TM), such as cobalt and platinum. By examining the occupied and unoccupied states at the interface, using soft X-ray techniques (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy) I intend to simultaneously determine the electronic structure of both the molecular and ferromagnetic sides of the interface and consequently, to fully understand the interfacial magnetic properties. If the radical is strongly hybridized with the surface, changes in the core level spectra reflect the modification of the molecule and the TM electronic structures. This is expected to induce changes in the magnetic moment of the TM atoms bonded to the molecules. Also, a method based on the accurate analysis of the obtained data is proposed to screen, beforehand, organic/ferromagnetic interfaces given their potential applications in spintronics.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants