Magnetic states of high TB dimetallofullerenes addressed at molecular scale

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Mikhail Fonin; Dr. Alexey A. Popov
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 568738812

The investigation and control of the spin configuration of individual single molecule magnets (SMMs) represents one of the ultimate goals for nanoscale materials science and device engineering. Molecular spintronic devices are not only anticipated to have radically novel properties, but also add particular benefits, i.e. ultimate scalability and chemical tunability as well as inexpensive fabrication through self-assembly. The class of lanthanide based endohedral metallofullerene SMMs is of a particular interest owing to exceptionally high blocking temperatures (up to 30 K) observed in these materials, combined with their outstanding chemical robustness. In the frame of this project, we implement a unique combination of chemical synthesis methods and investigation techniques aiming to gain a detailed understanding of the electronic states and spin properties of well-defined adsorbed lanthanide dimetallofullerenes on functional substrates as well as to tune their electronic properties to controllably modify their magnetic behavior. In particular, we will address the chemical synthesis of di-EMFs with different metals and exohedral groups as well as their electrospray-assisted surface deposition and local electronic properties. Further on, we will perform investigation of the magnetic properties of bulk samples by means of SQUID magnetometry. We will further address the spin states of individual complexes and manipulate their magnetic properties by low-temperature STM. Our work will open up a route to probe and controllably manipulate the spin state of the 4f -metal-based SMMs aiming at realization of molecule-based spintronic units.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants