Phys.org April 13, 2022
Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) are molecules that can retain magnetic polarization in the absence of an external magnetic field and embody the ultimate size limit for spin-based information storage and processing. An international team of researchers (USA – Michigan State University, UK) synthesized two bismuth-cluster-bridged lanthanide complexes via a solution organometallic approach. The neutral heterometallocubane core features lanthanide centers that are bridged by a rare Bi66− Zintl ion, which supports strong ferromagnetic interactions between lanthanides. This afforded the rare observation of magnetic blocking and open hysteresis loops for superexchange-coupled SMMs comprising solely lanthanide ions. The small scale of molecular magnets offers technological opportunities, such as improving the storage capacity of magnetic hard drives. There are also emerging applications where conventional magnets may simply be too large to contribute, such as in processors for quantum computers…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Credit: Chem, December 02, 2021