Spin-State Switching of Spin-Crossover Complexes on Cu(111) Evidenced by Spin-Flip Spectroscopy

Spin-crossover compounds can be switched between two stable states with different magnetic moments, conformations, electronic, and optical properties, which opens appealing perspectives for technological applications including miniaturization down to the scale of single molecules. Although control of the spin states is crucial their direct identification is challenging in single-molecule experiments. Here we investigate the spin-crossover complex [Fe(HB(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)3)2] on a Cu(111) surface with scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations. Spin crossover of single molecules in dense islands is achieved via electron injection. Spin-flip excitations are resolved in scanning tunneling spectra in a magnetic field enabling the direct identification of the molecular spin state, and revealing the existence of magnetic anisotropy in the HS molecules.

Spin-state switching of indium-phthalocyanine on Pb(100)

Indium(iii) phthalocyanine chloride deposited on Pb(100) is studied by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy at cryogenic temperatures. The Cl ions are dissociated and the remaining indium phthalocyanine (InPc) is observed in two states with the metal ion pointing to (↓) or away (↑) from the substrate. Isolated molecules and islands with a superstructure and a unit cell of four inequivalent molecules, namely one InPc↑ and three InPc↓ in different sites, are observed. Using atomic resolution images of the substrate the adsorption sites and azimuthal orientation of InPc are determined and a structure model is proposed. Conductance spectra of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital reveal differences that depend on the adsorption sites and azimuthal orientations of the complexes. Only InPc↑ molecules exhibit Shiba states, indicating the presence of a localized spin. By electron extraction isolated complexes as well as molecules in islands are converted from InPc↑ to InPc↓. At the same time, their spin state changes, as indicated by the disappearance of the Shiba states.

Tilted Spins in Chains of Molecular Switches on Pb(100)

A complex based on a Ni(II) porphyrin exhibiting spin crossover on Ag(111) is studied on Pb(100) by scanning tunneling microscopy at 0.3 K. Strong molecular interactions between the phenyl and pentafluorophenyl moieties lead to the formation of molecular chains and cause a faceting of the substrate surface. The chains are located along double and multiple substrate steps that deviate from high-symmetry directions. Tunneling spectroscopy reveals spin-flip excitations of an S = 1 system. Measurements in high magnetic fields are used to identify a tilt of the complex and its hard anisotropy axis with respect to the surface normal. Electron injection into the substrate near the molecular rows induces a transition to a state with larger inelastic cross section, leaving the spin state unchanged.

Layer-by-layer assembly of a [Fe-(pyrazine){Pd(CN)4}] spin crossover thin film

[Fe-(pyrazine){Pd(CN)4}] (pyrazine = pz) thin films were fabricated using a layer-by-layer assembly approach, a method known to be tunable, versatile, and scalable, since thin films are better-suited for industrial applications. In this study, [Fe-(pz){Pd(CN)4}] powder was synthesized, and the results obtained from a vibrating sample magnetometer verified the presence of an abrupt hysteresis loop with widths of 45 K centered around 300 K, indicating good cooperativity. Super conducting quantum interference device magnetometry results indicated a slow spin transition with temperature but with evidence of hysteresis for thin film samples. X-ray absorption analysis provided further support of the spin crossover behavior but differs from the magnetometry because the spin state transition at the surface differs from the bulk of the thin film. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy provided some insight into issues with the film deposition process and multiplex fitting was used to further support the claim that the surface of the film is different than the bulk of the film.

Cooperative spin crossover leading to bistable and multi-inert system states in an iron(III) complex

Cooperativity among spin centres has long been the royal road in spin crossover (SCO) research to impose magnetic bistability in terms of thermal hysteresis. In this work we access magnetic multi-inert states of the iron(III) compound {FeL2[B(Ph)4]} ≡ FeB at low temperature, in addition to thermal bistability. The packing of the low-spin and high-spin forms of crystalline FeB differs only marginally what ultimately leads to structural conservatism. This indicates that the SCO-immanent breathing of the complex cation is almost fully compensated by the anion matrix. The unique cooling rate dependence of the residual low-temperature magnetisation in FeB unveils continuous switching between the trapped high-spin (ON) and the relaxed low-spin state (OFF). The macroscopic ratio of the spin states (ON:OFF) can be adjusted as a simple function of the cooling rate. That is, cooperative spin crossover can be the source of bistable and multi-inert system states in the very same material.

Fano resonance in molecular junctions of spin crossover complexes

In this paper, we introduce a novel molecular switch paradigm that integrates spin crossover complexes with the Fano resonance effect. Specifically, by performing density-functional theory calculations, the feasibility of achieving Fano resonance using spin crossover complexes is demonstrated in our designed molecular junctions using the complex {Fe[H2B(pz)2]2[Bp(bipy)]} [pz = 1-pyrazolyl, Bp(bipy) = bis(phenylethynyl)(2,2'-bipyridine)]. It is further revealed that the Fano resonance, particularly the Fano dip, is most prominent in the junction with cobalt tips among all the schemes, together with the spin-filtering effect. Most importantly, this junction of cobalt tips is able to exhibit three distinct conductance states, which are controlled by the modulation of Fano resonance due to the spin-state transition of the complex and the applied gate voltage. Such a molecular switch paradigm holds potential for applications in logic gates, memory units, sensors, thermoelectrics, and beyond.

Voltage-induced modulation of the magnetic exchange in binuclear Fe(III) complex deposited on Au(111) surface

We present a complete computational study devoted to the deposition of a magnetic binuclear complex on a metallic surface, aimed to obtain insight into the interaction of magnetically coupled complexes with their supporting substrates, as well as their response to external electrical stimuli applied through a surface-molecule-STM molecular junction-like architecture. Our results not only show that the deposition is favorable in two of the four studied orientations, but also, that the magnetic coupling is only slightly perturbed once the complex is adsorbed. We observe that the effects of the applied bias voltage on the magnetic coupling strongly depend on the molecule orientation with respect to the surface and the voltage polarity. Further analysis shows that this behavior is attributable to the stabilization/destabilization of the d-type singly occupied orbitals of the iron centers, reinforced by the strong local electric fields and induced charge densities only present in certain orientations of the deposited molecule and applied voltage polarity.

Resonant electron capture by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules: Effects of aza-substitution

Resonant electron capture by aza and diaza derivatives of phenanthrene (7,8-benzoquinoline and 1,10-phenanthroline) and anthracene (acridine and phenazine) at incident free electron energies (Ee) in the range of 0-15 eV was studied. All compounds except 7,8-benzoquinoline form long-lived molecular ions (M-) at thermal electron energies (Ee ∼ 0 eV). Acridine and phenazine also form such ions at epithermal electron energies up to Ee = 1.5-2.5 eV. The lifetimes (τa) of M- with respect to electron autodetachment are proportional to the extent of aza-substitution and increase on going from molecules with bent geometry of the fused rings (azaphenanthrenes) to linear isomers (azaanthracenes). These regularities are due to an increase in the adiabatic electron affinities (EAa) of the molecules. The EAa values of the molecules under study were comprehensively assessed based on a comparative analysis of the measured τa values using the Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus theory, the electronic structure analysis using the molecular orbital approach, as well as the density functional calculations of the total energy differences between the molecules and anions. The only fragmentation channel of M- ions from the compounds studied is abstraction of hydrogen atoms. When studying [M-H]- ions, electron autodetachment processes were observed, the τa values were measured, and the appearance energies were determined. A comparative analysis of the gas-phase acidity of the molecules and the EAa values of the [M-H]· radicals revealed their proportionality to the EAa values of the parent molecules.

Design and Processing as Ultrathin Films of a Sublimable Iron(II) Spin Crossover Material Exhibiting Efficient and Fast Light-Induced Spin Transition

Materials based on spin crossover (SCO) molecules have centered the attention in molecular magnetism for more than 40 years as they provide unique examples of multifunctional and stimuli-responsive materials, which can be then integrated into electronic devices to exploit their molecular bistability. This process often requires the preparation of thermally stable SCO molecules that can sublime and remain intact in contact with surfaces. However, the number of robust sublimable SCO molecules is still very scarce. Here, we report a novel example of this kind. It is based on a neutral iron(II) coordination complex formulated as [Fe(neoim)2], where neoimH is the ionogenic ligand 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-9-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline. In the first part, a comprehensive study, which covers the synthesis and magnetostructural characterization of the [Fe(neoim)2] complex as a bulk microcrystalline material, is reported. Then, in the second part, we investigate the suitability of this material to form thin films through high-vacuum sublimation. Finally, the retainment of all present SCO capabilities in the bulk when the material is processed is thoroughly studied by means of X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In particular, a very efficient and fast light-induced spin transition (LIESST effect) has been observed, even for ultrathin films of 15 nm.

Spin-Crossover and Fragmentation of Fe(neoim)2 on Silver and Gold

The neutral spin crossover complex Fe(neoim)2, neoim being the deprotonated form of the ionogenic ligand 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-9-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline (neoimH), is investigated on the (111) surfaces of Au and Ag using scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory calculations. The complex sublimates and adsorbs intact on Ag(111), where it exhibits an electron-induced spin crossover. However, it fragments on Au. According to density functional theory calculations, the adsorbed complex is drastically distorted by the interactions with the substrates, in particular by van der Waals forces. Dispersion interaction is also decisive for the relative stabilities of the low- and high-spin states of the adsorbed complex. The unexpected instability of the complex on the gold substrate is attributed to enhanced covalent bonding of the fragments to the substrate.

Defying the inverse energy gap law: a vacuum-evaporable Fe(ii) low-spin complex with a long-lived LIESST state

The novel vacuum-evaporable complex [Fe(pypypyr)2] (pypypyr = bipyridyl pyrrolide) was synthesised and analysed as bulk material and as a thin film. In both cases, the compound is in its low-spin state up to temperatures of at least 510 K. Thus, it is conventionally considered a pure low-spin compound. According to the inverse energy gap law, the half time of the light-induced excited high-spin state of such compounds at temperatures approaching 0 K is expected to be in the regime of micro- or nanoseconds. In contrast to these expectations, the light-induced high-spin state of the title compound has a half time of several hours. We attribute this behaviour to a large structural difference between the two spin states along with four distinct distortion coordinates associated with the spin transition. This leads to a breakdown of single-mode behaviour and thus drastically decreases the relaxation rate of the metastable high-spin state. These unprecedented properties open up new strategies for the development of compounds showing light-induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) at high temperatures, potentially around room temperature, which is relevant for applications in molecular spintronics, sensors, displays and the like.

The Influence of the Substrate on the Functionality of Spin Crossover Molecular Materials

Spin crossover complexes are a route toward designing molecular devices with a facile readout due to the change in conductance that accompanies the change in spin state. Because substrate effects are important for any molecular device, there are increased efforts to characterize the influence of the substrate on the spin state transition. Several classes of spin crossover molecules deposited on different types of surface, including metallic and non-metallic substrates, are comprehensively reviewed here. While some non-metallic substrates like graphite seem to be promising from experimental measurements, theoretical and experimental studies indicate that 2D semiconductor surfaces will have minimum interaction with spin crossover molecules. Most metallic substrates, such as Au and Cu, tend to suppress changes in spin state and affect the spin state switching process due to the interaction at the molecule-substrate interface that lock spin crossover molecules in a particular spin state or mixed spin state. Of course, the influence of the substrate on a spin crossover thin film depends on the molecular film thickness and perhaps the method used to deposit the molecular film.

Computational demonstration of isomer- and spin-state-dependent charge transport in molecular junctions composed of charge-neutral iron(II) spin-crossover complexes

Chemistry offers a multitude of opportunities towards harnessing functional molecular materials with application propensity. One emerging area of interest is molecular spintronics, in which charge and spin degrees of freedom have been used to achieve power-efficient device architectures. Herein, we show that, with the aid of state-of-the-art quantum chemical calculations on designer molecular junctions, the conductance and spin filtering capabilities are molecular structure-dependent. As inferred from the calculations, structural control over the transport can be achieved by changing the position of the thiomethyl (SMe) anchoring groups for Au(111) electrodes in a set of isomeric 2,2'-bipyridine-based metal coordinating ligand entities L1 and L2. The computational studies on heteroleptic iron(II) coordination complexes (1 and 2) composed of L1 and L2 reveal that switching the spin-state of the iron(II) centers, from the low-spin (LS) to high-spin (HS) state, by means of an external electric field stimulus, could, in theory, be performed. Such switching, known as spin-crossover (SCO), renders charge transport through single-molecule junctions of 1 and 2 spin-state-dependent, and the HS junctions are more conductive than the LS junctions for both complexes. Additionally, the LS and HS junctions based on complex 1 are more conductive than those featuring complex 2. Moreover, it is predicted that the spin filtering efficiency (SFE) of the HS junctions strongly depends on the bridging complex geometry, with 1 showing a voltage-dependent SFE, whereas 2 exhibits an SFE of practically 100% over all the studied voltage range. To be pragmatic towards applications, the ligands L1 and L2 and complex 1 have been successfully synthesized, and the spin-state switching propensity of 1 in the bulk state has been elucidated. The results shown in this study might lead to the synthesis and characterization of isomeric SCO complexes with tuneable spin-state switching and charge transport properties.

Dynamics of Spin Crossover Molecular Complexes

We review the current understanding of the time scale and mechanisms associated with the change in spin state in transition metal-based spin crossover (SCO) molecular complexes. Most time resolved experiments, performed by optical techniques, rely on the intrinsic light-induced switching properties of this class of materials. The optically driven spin state transition can be mediated by a rich interplay of complexities including intermediate states in the spin state transition process, as well as intermolecular interactions, temperature, and strain. We emphasize here that the size reduction down to the nanoscale is essential for designing SCO systems that switch quickly as well as possibly retaining the memory of the light-driven state. We argue that SCO nano-sized systems are the key to device applications where the “write” speed is an important criterion.

Toward High-Temperature Light-Induced Spin-State Trapping in Spin-Crossover Materials: The Interplay of Collective and Molecular Effects

Spin-crossover (SCO) materials display many fascinating behaviors including collective phase transitions and spin-state switching controlled by external stimuli, e.g., light and electrical currents. As single-molecule switches, they have been fêted for numerous practical applications, but these remain largely unrealized-partly because of the difficulty of switching these materials at high temperatures. We introduce a semiempirical microscopic model of SCO materials combining crystal field theory with elastic intermolecular interactions. For realistic parameters, this model reproduces the key experimental results including thermally induced phase transitions, light-induced spin-state trapping (LIESST), and reverse-LIESST. Notably, we reproduce and explain the experimentally observed relationship between the critical temperature of the thermal transition, T_1/2, and the highest temperature for which the trapped state is stable, T_LIESST, and explain why increasing the stiffness of the coordination sphere increases T_LIESST. We propose strategies to design SCO materials with higher T_LIESST: optimizing the spin-orbit coupling via heavier atoms (particularly in the inner coordination sphere) and minimizing the enthalpy difference between the high-spin (HS) and low-spin (LS) states. However, the most dramatic increases arise from increasing the cooperativity of the spin-state transition by increasing the rigidity of the crystal. Increased crystal rigidity can also stabilize the HS state to low temperatures on thermal cycling yet leave the LS state stable at high temperatures following, for example, reverse-LIESST. We show that such highly cooperative systems offer a realistic route to robust room-temperature switching, demonstrate this in silico, and discuss material design rationale to realize this.

Spin-Crossover in Supramolecular Iron(II)-2,6-bis(1H-Pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine Complexes: Toward Spin-State Switchable Single-Molecule Junctions

Spin-crossover (SCO) active iron(II) complexes are an integral class of switchable and bistable molecular materials. Spin-state switching properties of the SCO complexes have been studied in the bulk and single-molecule levels to progress toward fabricating molecule-based switching and memory elements. Supramolecular SCO complexes featuring anchoring groups for metallic electrodes, for example, gold (Au), are ideal candidates to study spin-state switching at the single-molecule level. In this study, we report on the spin-state switching characteristics of supramolecular iron(II) complexes 1 and 2 composed of functional 4-([2,2'-bithiophen]-5-ylethynyl)-2,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (L1) and 4-(2-(5-(5-hexylthiophen-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)ethynyl)-2,6-di(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (L2) ligands, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) studies revealed stretching-induced spin-state switching in a molecular junction composed of complex 1, taken as a representative example, and gold electrodes. Single-molecule conductance traces revealed the unfavorable orientation of the complexes in the junctions to demonstrate the spin-state dependence of the conductance.

Spin Crossover in a Cobalt Complex on Ag(111)

The Co-based complex [Co(H2 B(pz)(pypz))2 ] (py=pyridine, pz=pyrazole) deposited on Ag(111) was investigated with scanning tunneling microscopy at ≈5 K. Due to a bis(tridentate) coordination sphere the molecules aggregate mainly into tetramers. Individual complexes in these tetramers undergo reversible transitions between two states with characteristic image contrasts when current is passed through them or one of their neighbors. Two molecules exhibit this bistability while the other two molecules are stable. The transition rates vary linearly with the tunneling current and exhibit an intriguing dependence on the bias voltage and its polarity. We interpret the states as being due to S=1 /2 and 3 /2 spin states of the Co2+ complex. The image contrast and the orders-of-magnitude variations of the switching yields can be tentatively understood from the calculated orbital structures of the two spin states, thus providing first insights into the mechanism of electron-induced excited spin-state trapping (ELIESST).

Evidence for surface effects on the intermolecular interactions in Fe(II) spin crossover coordination polymers

From X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), it is evident that the spin state transition behavior of Fe(II) spin crossover coordination polymer crystallites at the surface differs from the bulk. A comparison of four different coordination polymers reveals that the observed surface properties may differ from bulk for a variety of reasons. There are Fe(II) spin crossover coordination polymers with either almost complete switching of the spin state at the surface or no switching at all. Oxidation, differences in surface packing, and changes in coordination could all contribute to making the surface very different from the bulk. Some Fe(II) spin crossover coordination polymers may be sufficiently photoactive so that X-ray spectroscopies cannot discern the spin state transition.

A complementary characterisation technique for spin crossover materials; the application of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for future device applications

Spin crossover (SCO) materials have long been studied for their inherent electronic switchability, which has been well investigated for potential application in electronic and switching devices. As the technologies for the fabrication of thin films and monolayers continue to develop at an exceedingly rapid pace, an emerging challenge for the SCO community has become the characterisation of spin transitions in the surface layers of a material, as well as understanding the origins of discrepancies observed between SCO in thin films and that of the bulk material. For the manufacture of such devices to become a reality, it is crucial to understand how spin crossover is affected by interactions with the substrate material and within thin films. As such, detailed analysis of the surface layers without interference from the substrate material emerged as a critical area of characterisation for future developments in SCO devices. In this regard, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) has emerged as a complementary technique for the analysis of SCO in the surface layers of a material, becoming an essential part of a multi-technique protocol that is driving advances in the field. Here we describe the complementary application of XPS to a variety of SCO materials, review major developments and provide illustrative examples of innovations made through surface analysis with XPS.

Molecular Approach to Engineer Two-Dimensional Devices for CMOS and beyond-CMOS Applications

Two-dimensional materials (2DMs) have attracted tremendous research interest over the last two decades. Their unique optical, electronic, thermal, and mechanical properties make 2DMs key building blocks for the fabrication of novel complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) and beyond-CMOS devices. Major advances in device functionality and performance have been made by the covalent or noncovalent functionalization of 2DMs with molecules: while the molecular coating of metal electrodes and dielectrics allows for more efficient charge injection and transport through the 2DMs, the combination of dynamic molecular systems, capable to respond to external stimuli, with 2DMs makes it possible to generate hybrid systems possessing new properties by realizing stimuli-responsive functional devices and thereby enabling functional diversification in More-than-Moore technologies. In this review, we first introduce emerging 2DMs, various classes of (macro)molecules, and molecular switches and discuss their relevant properties. We then turn to 2DM/molecule hybrid systems and the various physical and chemical strategies used to synthesize them. Next, we discuss the use of molecules and assemblies thereof to boost the performance of 2D transistors for CMOS applications and to impart diverse functionalities in beyond-CMOS devices. Finally, we present the challenges, opportunities, and long-term perspectives in this technologically promising field.

Voltage-Induced Bistability of Single Spin-Crossover Molecules in a Two-Dimensional Monolayer

Bistable spin-crossover molecules are particularly interesting for the development of innovative electronic and spintronic devices as they present two spin states that can be controlled by external stimuli. In this paper, we report the voltage-induced switching of the high spin/low spin electronic states of spin-crossover molecules self-assembled in dense 2D networks on Au(111) and Cu(111) by scanning tunneling microscopy at low temperature. On Au(111), voltage pulses lead to the nonlocal switching of the molecules from any─high or low─spin state to the other followed by a spontaneous relaxation toward their initial state within minutes. On the other hand, on Cu(111), single molecules can be addressed at will. They retain their new electronic configuration after a voltage pulse. The memory effect demonstrated on Cu(111) is due to an interplay between long-range intermolecular interaction and molecule/substrate coupling as confirmed by mechanoelastic simulations.

Spin-crossover complexes in nanoscale devices: main ingredients of the molecule-substrate interactions

Spin-crossover complexes embedded in nanodevices experience effects that are absent in the bulk that can modulate, quench and even suppress the spin-transition. In this work we explore, by means of state-of-the-art quantum chemistry calculations, different aspects of the integration of SCO molecules on active nanodevices, such as the geometry and energetics of the interaction with the substrate, extension of the charge transfer between the substrate and SCO molecule, impact of the applied external electric field on the spin-transition, and sensitivity of the transport properties on the local conditions of the substrate. We focus on the recently reported encapsulation of Fe(II) spin-crossover complexes in single-walled carbon nanotubes, with new measurements that support the theoretical findings. Even so our results could be useful to many other systems where SCO phenomena take place at the nanoscale, the spin-state switching is probed by an external electric field or current, or the substrate is responsible for the quenching of the SCO mechanism.

Halogenation affects driving forces, reorganization energies and "rocking" motions in strained [Fe(tpy)2]2+ complexes

Controlling the energetics of spin crossover (SCO) in Fe(II)-polypyridine complexes is critical for designing new multifunctional materials or tuning the excited-state lifetimes of iron-based photosensitizers. It is well established that the Fe-N "breathing" mode is important for intersystem crossing from the singlet to the quintet state, but this does not preclude other, less obvious, structural distortions from affecting SCO. Previous work has shown that halogenation at the 6 and 6'' positions of tpy (tpy = 2,2';6',2''-terpyridine) in [Fe(tpy)₂]²⁺ dramatically increased the lifetime of the excited MLCT state and also had a large impact on the ground state spin-state energetics. To gain insight into the origins of these effects, we used density functional theory calculations to explore how halogenation impacts spin-state energetics and molecular structure in this system. Based on previous work we focused on the ligand "rocking" motion associated with SCO in [Fe(tpy)₂]²⁺ by constructing one-dimensional potential energy surfaces (PESs) along the tpy rocking angle for various spin states. It was found that halogenation has a clear and predictable impact on ligand rocking and spin-state energetics. The rocking is correlated to numerous other geometrical distortions, all of which likely affect the reorganization energies for spin-state changes. We have quantified trends in reorganization energy and also driving force for various spin-state changes and used them to interpret the experimentally measured excited-state lifetimes.

Designing a mechanically driven spin-crossover molecular switch via organic embedding

Among spin-crossover complexes, Fe-porphyrin (FeP) stands out for molecular spintronic applications: an intricate, yet favourable balance between ligand fields, charge transfer, and the Coulomb interaction makes FeP highly manipulable, while its planar structure facilitates device integration. Here, we theoretically design a mechanical spin-switch device in which external strain triggers the intrinsic magneto-structural coupling of FeP through a purely organic embedding. Exploiting the chemical compatibility and stretchability of graphene nanoribbon electrodes, we overcome common reliability and reproducibility issues of conventional inorganic setups. The competition between the Coulomb interaction and distortion-induced changes in ligand fields requires methodologies beyond the state-of-the-art: combining density functional theory with many-body techniques, we demonstrate experimentally feasible tensile strain to trigger a low-spin (S = 1) to high-spin (S = 2) crossover. Concomitantly, the current through the device toggles by over an order of magnitude, adding a fully planar mechanical current-switch unit to the panoply of molecular spintronics.

Electron-Induced Spin-Crossover in Self-Assembled Tetramers

The spin crossover compound Fe(H₂B(pyrazole)(pyridylpyrazole))₂ was investigated in detail on Ag(111) with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). A large fraction of the deposited molecules condenses into gridlike tetramers. Two molecules of each tetramer may be converted between two states by current injection. We attribute this effect to a spin transition. This interpretation is supported by control experiments on the analogous, magnetically passive Zn compound that forms virtually identical tetramers but exhibits no switching. The switching yields were studied for various electron energies, and the resulting values exceed those reported from other SCO systems by 2 orders of magnitude. The other two molecules of a tetramer were immutable. However, they may be used as contacts for current injection that leads to conversion of one of their neighbors. This "remote" switching is fairly efficient with yields reduced by only one to two orders of magnitude compared to direct excitation of a switchable molecule. We present a model of the tetramer structure that reproduces key observations from the experiments. In particular, sterical blocking prevents spin crossover of two molecules of a tetramer. Density functional theory calculations show that the model indeed represents a minimum energy structure. They also reproduce STM images and corroborate a remote-switching mechanism that is based on electron transfer between molecules.

Synthesis, Structure, and Surface Adsorption Characteristics of a Polynuclear MnII,IV-YbIII Complex

The controlled adsorption of polynuclear coordination compounds with specific structural and electronic characteristics on surfaces is crucial for the prospective implementation of molecule-surface interfaces into practical electronic devices. From this perspective, a neutral 3d,4f-coordination cluster [Mn^II₃Mn^IVYb₃O₃(OH)(L·SMe)₃(OOCMe)₉]·2MeCN·3EtOH (1·2MeCN·3EtOH), where L·SMe^- is a Schiff base, has been synthesized and fully characterized and its adsorption on two different solid substrates, gold and graphite, has been studied. The mixed-valence compound with a bilayered metal core structure and the structurally exposed thioether groups exhibits a substantially different surface bonding to metallic gold and semimetallic graphite substrates. While on graphite the adsorption takes place only on distinguished attraction points with a locally increased number of potential bonding sites such as terrace edges and other surface defects, on gold the molecules were found to adsorb rather weakly on randomly distributed adsorption sites of the surface terraces. This entirely different behavior provides important information for the development of advanced surface materials that may enable well-distributed ordered molecular assemblies.

Spin-Crossover Molecules on Surfaces: From Isolated Molecules to Ultrathin Films

Molecular spintronics seeks to use single or few molecules as functional building blocks for spintronic applications, directly relying on molecular properties or properties of interfaces between molecules and inorganic electrodes. Spin-crossover molecules (SCMs) are one of the most promising classes of candidates for molecular spintronics due to their bistability deriving from the existence of two spin states that can be reversibly switched by temperature, light, electric fields, etc. Building devices based on single or few molecules would entail connecting the molecule(s) with solid surfaces and understanding the fundamental behavior of the resulting assemblies. Herein, the investigations of SCMs on solid surfaces, ranging from isolated single molecules (submonolayers) to ultrathin films (mainly in the sub-10 nm range) are summarized. The achievements, challenges and prospects in this field are highlighted.

Sublimable Spin-Crossover Complexes: From Spin-State Switching to Molecular Devices

Spin-crossover (SCO) active transition metal complexes are an important class of switchable molecular materials due to their bistable spin-state switching characteristics at or around room temperature. Vacuum-sublimable SCO complexes are a subclass of SCO complexes suitable for fabricating ultraclean spin-switchable films desirable for applications, especially in molecular electronics/spintronics. Consequently, on-surface SCO of thin-films of sublimable SCO complexes have been studied employing spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, and results of fundamental and technological importance have been obtained. This Review provides complete coverage of advances made in the field of vacuum-sublimable SCO complexes: progress made in the design and synthesis of sublimable functional SCO complexes, on-surface SCO of molecular and multilayer thick films, and various molecular and thin-film device architectures based on the sublimable SCO complexes.

Spin-state-dependent electrical conductivity in single-walled carbon nanotubes encapsulating spin-crossover molecules

Spin crossover (SCO) molecules are promising nanoscale magnetic switches due to their ability to modify their spin state under several stimuli. However, SCO systems face several bottlenecks when downscaling into nanoscale spintronic devices: their instability at the nanoscale, their insulating character and the lack of control when positioning nanocrystals in nanodevices. Here we show the encapsulation of robust Fe-based SCO molecules within the 1D cavities of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). We find that the SCO mechanism endures encapsulation and positioning of individual heterostructures in nanoscale transistors. The SCO switch in the guest molecules triggers a large conductance bistability through the host SWCNT. Moreover, the SCO transition shifts to higher temperatures and displays hysteresis cycles, and thus memory effect, not present in crystalline samples. Our results demonstrate how encapsulation in SWCNTs provides the backbone for the readout and positioning of SCO molecules into nanodevices, and can also help to tune their magnetic properties at the nanoscale.

Nonvolatile Voltage Controlled Molecular Spin-State Switching for Memory Applications

Nonvolatile, molecular multiferroic devices have now been demonstrated, but it is worth giving some consideration to the issue of whether such devices could be a competitive alternative for solid-state nonvolatile memory. For the Fe (II) spin crossover complex [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)], where pz = tris(pyrazol-1-yl)-borohydride and bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, voltage-controlled isothermal changes in the electronic structure and spin state have been demonstrated and are accompanied by changes in conductance. Higher conductance is seen with [Fe{H2B(pz)2}2(bipy)] in the high spin state, while lower conductance occurs for the low spin state. Plausibly, there is the potential here for low-cost molecular solid-state memory because the essential molecular thin films are easily fabricated. However, successful device fabrication does not mean a device that has a practical value. Here, we discuss the progress and challenges yet facing the fabrication of molecular multiferroic devices, which could be considered competitive to silicon.

Solid state mononuclear divalent nickel spin crossover complexes

Spin crossover complexes containing 3d⁴-3d⁷ transition metal ions with tunable electronic configurations in appropriate ligand field environments have been extensively investigated. In contrast, the development of 3d⁸ divalent nickel complexes displaying such a spin crossover behavior is far behind. The increasing number of X-ray single crystal structures along with magnetic evidence and thermodynamic equilibrium indicate that bistable divalent nickel complexes are gradually recognized to be a formal member of the "spin crossover family". Unfortunately, the rarity of nickel spin crossover complexes is occasionally mentioned. This Perspective article highlights examples of mononuclear 3d⁸ nickel spin crossover complexes in dynamic rearrangements with characterized solid state structures from the viewpoint of types of ligands utilized.

Hexakis-adducts of [60]fullerene as molecular scaffolds of polynuclear spin-crossover molecules

A family of hexakis-substituted [60]fullerene adducts endowed with the well-known tridentate 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (bpp) ligand for spin-crossover (SCO) systems has been designed and synthesized. It has been experimentally and theoretically demonstrated that these molecular scaffolds are able to form polynuclear SCO complexes in solution. UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy studies have allowed monitoring of the formation of up to six Fe(ii)–bpp SCO complexes. In addition, DFT calculations have been performed to model the different complexation environments and simulate their electronic properties. The complexes retain SCO properties in the solid state exhibiting both thermal- and photoinduced spin transitions, as confirmed by temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility and Raman spectroscopy measurements. The synthesis of these complexes demonstrates that [60]fullerene hexakis-adducts are excellent and versatile platforms to develop polynuclear SCO systems in which a fullerene core is surrounded by a SCO molecular shell.

Polynuclear spin-crossover molecules showing both thermal and photoinduced spin transitions have been prepared using a [60]fullerene hexakis-adduct endowed with Fe(ii) complexes of tridentate 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (bpp) ligand.

Quantitative Study of the Energy Changes in Voltage-Controlled Spin Crossover Molecular Thin Films

Voltage-controlled nonvolatile isothermal spin state switching of a [Fe{H₂B(pz)₂}₂(bipy)] (pz = tris(pyrazol-1-1y)-borohydride, bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine) film, more than 40 to 50 molecular layers thick, is possible when it is adsorbed onto a molecular ferroelectric substrate. Accompanying this high-spin and low-spin state switching, at room temperature, we observe a remarkable change in conductance, thereby allowing not only nonvolatile voltage control of the spin state ("write") but also current sensing of the molecular spin state ("read"). Monte Carlo Ising model simulations of the high-spin state occupancy, extracted from X-ray absorption spectroscopy, indicate that the energy difference between the low-spin and high-spin state is modified by 110 meV. Transport measurements demonstrate that four terminal voltage-controlled devices can be realized using this system.

Collective Spin Manipulation in Antiferroelastic Spin-Crossover Metallo-Supramolecular Chains

Coupled spin-crossover complexes in supramolecular systems feature rich spin phases that can exhibit collective behaviors. Here, we report on a molecular-level exploration of the spin phase and collective spin-crossover dynamics in metallo-supramolecular chains. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations, we identify an antiferroelastic phase in the metal-organic chains, where the Ni atoms coordinated by deprotonated tetrahydroxybenzene linkers on Au(111) are at a low-spin (S = 0) or a high-spin (S = 1) state alternately along the chains. We demonstrate that the spin phase is stabilized by the combined effects of intrachain interactions and substrate commensurability. The stability of the antiferroelastic structure drives the collective spin-state switching of multiple Ni atoms in the same chain in response to electron/hole tunneling to a Ni atom via a domino-like magnetostructural relaxation process. These results provide insights into the magnetostructural dynamics of the supramolecular structures, offering a route toward their spintronic manipulations.

Iron in a Cage: Fixation of a Fe(II)tpy2 Complex by Fourfold Interlinking

The coordination sphere of the Fe(II) terpyridine complex 1 is rigidified by fourfold interlinking of both terpyridine ligands. Profiting from an octa-aldehyde precursor complex, the ideal dimensions of the interlinking structures are determined by reversible Schiff-base formation, before irreversible Wittig olefination provided the rigidified complex. Reversed-phase HPLC enables the isolation of the all-trans isomer of the Fe(II) terpyridine complex 1, which is fully characterized. While temperature independent low-spin states were recorded with superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements for both, the open precursor 8 and the interlinked complex 1, evidence of the increased rigidity of the ligand sphere in 1 was provided by proton T2 relaxation NMR experiments. The ligand sphere fixation in the macrocyclized complex 1 even reaches a level resisting substantial deformation upon deposition on an Au(111) surface, as demonstrated by its pristine form in a low temperature ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscope experiment.

Spin-Crossover Complexes in Direct Contact with Surfaces

The transfer of the inherent bistability of spin crossover compounds to surfaces has attracted considerable interest in recent years. The deposition of the complexes on surfaces allows investigating them individually and to further understand the microscopic mechanisms at play. Moreover, it offers the prospect of engineering switchable functional surfaces. We review recent progress in the field with a particular focus on the challenges and limits associated with the dominant experimental techniques used, namely near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). One of the main difficulties in NEXAFS-based experiments is to ascertain that the complexes are in direct contact with the surfaces. We show that molecular coverage determination based on the amplitude of the edge-jump of interest is challenging because the latter quantity depends on the substrate. Furthermore, NEXAFS averages the signals of a large number of molecules, which may be in different states. In particular, we highlight that the signal of fragmented molecules is difficult to distinguish from that of intact and functional ones. In contrast, STM allows investigating individual complexes, but the identification of the spin states is at best done indirectly. As quite some of the limits of the techniques are becoming apparent as the field is gaining maturity, their detailed descriptions will be useful for future investigations and for taking a fresh look at earlier reports.

Anomalous Pressure Effects on the Electrical Conductivity of the Spin Crossover Complex [Fe(pyrazine){Au(CN)2}2]

We studied the spin-state dependence of the electrical conductivity of two nanocrystalline powder samples of the spin crossover complex [Fe(pyrazine){Au(CN)2}2]. By applying an external pressure (up to 3 kbar), we were able to tune the charge transport properties of the material from a more conductive low spin state to a crossover point toward a more conductive high spin state. We rationalize these results by taking into account the spin-state dependence of the activation parameters of the conductivity.

The emergence of the local moment molecular spin transistor

Local moment molecular systems have now been used as the conduction channel in gated spintronics devices, and some of these three terminal devices might even be considered molecular spin transistors. In these systems, the gate voltage can be used to tune the molecular level alignment, while applied magnetic fields have an influence on the spin state, altering the magnetic properties, and providing insights to the magnetic anisotropy. More recently, the use of molecular spin crossover complexes, as the conduction channel, has led to devices that are both nonvolatile and have functionality at higher temperatures. Indeed, some devices have now been demonstrated to work at room temperature. Here, several molecular transistors, including those claiming to use single molecule magnets (SMM), are reviewed.

Site selective adsorption of the spin crossover complex Fe(phen)2(NCS) on Au(111)

The iron(II) spin crossover complex Fe(1,10-phenanthroline)2(NCS)2, dubbed Fe-phen, has been studied with scanning tunneling microscopy, after adsorption on the 'herringbone' reconstructed surface of Au(111) for sub-monolayer coverages. The Fe-phen molecules attach, through their NCS-groups, to the Au atoms of the fcc domains of the reconstructed surface only, thereby lifting the herringbone reconstruction. The molecules stack to form 1D chains, which run along the Au[110] directions. Neighboring Fe-phen molecules are separated by approximately 2.65 nm, corresponding to 9 atomic spacings in this direction. The molecular axis, defined by the two phenanthroline groups, is aligned perpendicular to the chain axis, along the Au221¯direction, thereby bridging over 5 atomic spacings, in this direction. Experimental evidence suggests that the molecular spins are locked in a mixed state in the sub-monolayer regime at temperatures between 100 K and 300 K.

Spin-crossover in iron(II)-phenylene ethynylene-2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl) pyridine hybrids: toward switchable molecular wire-like architectures

Luminescent oligo(p-phenylene ethynylene) (OPE) and spin-crossover (SCO) active Fe(II)-2,6-di(pyrazol-1-yl) pyridine (BPP) systems are prominent examples proposed to develop functional materials such as molecular wires/memories. A marriage between OPE and Fe(II)-BPP systems is a strategy to obtain supramolecular luminescent ligands capable of metal coordination useful to produce novel spin-switchable hybrids with synergistic coupling between spin-state of Fe(II) and a physical property associated with the OPE skeleton, for example, electronic conductivity or luminescence. To begin in this direction, two novel ditopic ligands, namely L¹ and L², featuring OPE-type backbone end-capped with metal coordinating BPP were designed and synthetized. The ligand L² tailored with 2-ethylhexyloxy chains at the 2 and 5 positions of the OPE skeleton shows modulated optical properties and improved solubility in common organic solvents relative to the parent ligand L¹. Solution phase complexation of L¹ and L² with Fe(BF₄)₂·6H₂O resulted in the formation of insoluble materials of the composition [Fe(L¹)] _n (BF₄)_2n and [Fe(L²)] _n (BF₄)_2n as inferred from elemental analyses. Complex [Fe(L¹)] _n (BF₄)_2n underwent thermal SCO centred at T _1/2  =  275 K as well as photoinduced low-spin to high-spin transition with the existence of the metastable high-spin state up to 52 K. On the other hand, complex [Fe(L²)] _n (BF₄)_2n , tethered with 2-ethylhexyloxy groups, showed gradual and half-complete SCO with 50% of the Fe(II)-centres permanently blocked in the high-spin state due to intermolecular steric interactions. The small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) pattern of the as-prepared solid complex [Fe(L¹)] _n (BF₄)_2n revealed the presence of nm-sized crystallites implying a possible methodology towards the template-free synthesis of functional-SCO nanostructures.

Spin crossover in Fe(triazole)-Pt nanoparticle self-assembly structured at the sub-5 nm scale

A main goal of molecular electronics is to relate the performance of devices to the structure and electronic state of molecules. Among the variety of possibilities that organic, organometallic and coordination chemistries offer to tune the energy levels of molecular components, spin crossover phenomenon is a perfect candidate for elaboration of molecular switches. The reorganization of the electronic state population of the molecules associated to the spin crossover can indeed lead to a significant change in conductivity. However, molecular spin crossover is very sensitive to the environment and can disappear once the molecules are integrated into devices. Here, we show that the association of ultra-small 1.2 nm platinum nanoparticles with Fe^II triazole-based spin crossover coordination polymers leads to self-assemblies, extremely well organized at the sub-3 nm scale. The quasi-perfect alignment of nanoparticles observed by transmission electron microscopy, in addition to specific signature in infrared spectroscopy, demonstrates the coordination of the long-chain molecules with the nanoparticles. Spin crossover is confirmed in such assemblies by X-ray absorption spectroscopic measurements and shows unambiguous characteristics both in magnetic and charge transport measurements. Coordinating polymers are therefore ideal candidates for the elaboration of robust, well-organized, hybrid self-assemblies with metallic nanoparticles, while maintaining sensitive functional properties, such as spin crossover.