A robust molecular platform for non-volatile memory devices with optical and magnetic responses

A Stable Chichibabin Diradicaloid with Near-Infrared Emission

Conjugated molecules with multiple radical centers such as the iconic Chichibabin diradicaloid hold promise as building blocks in materials for quantum sensing and quantum information processing. However, it is a considerable challenge to design simple analogues of the Chichibabin hydrocarbon that are chemically inert, exhibit high diradical character and emit light at a distinct wavelength that may offer an optical readout of the spin state in functional ensembles. Here we describe the serendipitous discovery of the stable TTM-TTM diradicaloid, which exhibits high diradical character, a striking sky-blue color and near-infrared (NIR) emission (in solution). This combination of properties is unique among related diradicaloids and is due to the presence of hydrogen and chlorine atoms in "just the right positions", allowing a perfectly planar, yet predominantly benzenoid bridge to connect the two sterically stabilized radical centers. In-depth studies of the optical and magnetic properties suggest that this structural motif could become a mainstay building block of organic spin materials.

Regulation of quantum spin conversions in a single molecular radical

Free radicals, generally formed through the cleavage of covalent electron-pair bonds, play an important role in diverse fields ranging from synthetic chemistry to spintronics and nonlinear optics. However, the characterization and regulation of the radical state at a single-molecule level face formidable challenges. Here we present the detection and sophisticated tuning of the open-shell character of individual diradicals with a donor-acceptor structure via a sensitive single-molecule electrical approach. The radical is sandwiched between nanogapped graphene electrodes via covalent amide bonds to construct stable graphene-molecule-graphene single-molecule junctions. We measure the electrical conductance as a function of temperature and track the evolution of the closed-shell and open-shell electronic structures in real time, the open-shell triplet state being stabilized with increasing temperature. Furthermore, we tune the spin states by external stimuli, such as electrical and magnetic fields, and extract thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the transition between closed-shell and open-shell states. Our findings provide insights into the evolution of single-molecule radicals under external stimuli, which may proof instrumental for the development of functional quantum spin-based molecular devices.

Design, Synthesis, and Characterization of Organometallic BODIPY-Ru(II) Dyads: Redox and Photophysical Properties with Singlet Oxygen Generation Capability†

A series of Ru(II)-acetylide complexes (Ru1, Ru2, and Ru1m) with alkynyl-functionalized borondipyrromethene (BODIPY) conjugates were designed by varying the position of the linker that connects the BODIPY unit to the Ru(II) metal center through acetylide linkage at either the 2-(Ru1) and 2,6-(Ru2) or the meso-phenyl (Ru1m) position of the BODIPY scaffold. The Ru(II) organometallic complexes were characterized by various spectroscopic methods, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, CHN, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analyses. The Ru(II)-BODIPY conjugates exhibit fascinating electrochemical and photophysical properties. All BODIPY-Ru(II) complexes exhibit strong absorption (εmax = 29,000-72,000 M-1 cm-1) in the visible region (λmax = 502-709 nm). Fluorescence is almost quenched for Ru1 and Ru2, whereas Ru1m shows the residual fluorescence of the corresponding BODIPY core at 517 nm. The application of the BODIPY-Ru(II) dyads as nonporphyrin-based triplet photosensitizers was explored by a method involving the singlet oxygen (1O2)-mediated photo-oxidation of diphenylisobenzofuran. Effective π-conjugation between the BODIPY chromophore and Ru(II) center in the case of Ru1 and Ru2 was found to be necessary to improve intersystem crossing (ISC) and hence the 1O2-sensitizing ability. In addition, electrochemical studies indicate electronic interplay between the metal center and the redox-active BODIPY in the BODIPY-Ru(II) dyads.

A quantum-chemical insight into SOMO-HOMO conversion in phosphorus-boron cation radicals

Organic radicals exhibiting SOMO-HOMO conversion (SHC) electronic configurations have recently garnered increasing attention due to their exceptional stability and photophysical properties. In this study, we investigate two series of phosphorus-boron cation radicals based on 1,3,5-trimethylphenyl units substituted with P and B atoms, varying numbers of P-B moieties, and π-conjugation linkers. We perform quantum-chemical calculations to systematically assess the influence of chemical substituents on the SHC electronic structural features. Our computational results demonstrate that the SHC electronic configurations of the studied complexes are primarily determined by the number of P-B moieties, specifically, phosphorus-boron cation radicals with two P-B moieties as terminal groups in π-conjugation linkers, which efficiently arrange electrons to increase HOMO energies compared to corresponding radicals with only one P-B unit. Furthermore, spin density distributions change as the size of π-conjugation linkers increases. Natural bond orbital (NBO) and atoms-in-molecules (AIM) analyses reveal strong intramolecular charge transfer between P and B atoms along with other stabilized donor-acceptor interactions and significant covalent bonds between P and B atoms. Moreover, synergistic effects resulting from 1,3,5-trimethylphenyl substitutions and enlarged π-conjugation linkers containing P-B units confer excellent photophysical properties upon these studied radicals, making them potential stable radicals in optoelectronic applications.

Radical Single-Molecule Junctions

Radicals are unique molecular systems for applications in electronic devices due to their open-shell electronic structures. Radicals can function as good electrical conductors and switches in molecular circuits while also holding great promise in the field of molecular spintronics. However, it is both challenging to create stable, persistent radicals and to understand their properties in molecular junctions. The goal of this Perspective is to address this dual challenge by providing design principles for the synthesis of stable radicals relevant to molecular junctions, as well as offering current insight into the electronic properties of radicals in single-molecule devices. By exploring both the chemical and physical properties of established radical systems, we will facilitate increased exploration and development of radical-based molecular systems.

Long-Term Degradation Mechanisms in Application-Implemented Radical Thin Films

Blatter radical derivatives are very attractive due to their potential applications, ranging from batteries to quantum technologies. In this work, we focus on the latest insights regarding the fundamental mechanisms of radical thin film (long-term) degradation, by comparing two Blatter radical derivatives. We find that the interaction with different contaminants (such as atomic H, Ar, N, and O and molecular H₂, N₂, O₂, H₂O, and NH₂) affects the chemical and magnetic properties of the thin films upon air exposure. Also, the radical-specific site, where the contaminant interaction takes place, plays a role. Atomic H and NH₂ are detrimental to the magnetic properties of Blatter radicals, while the presence of molecular water influences more specifically the magnetic properties of the diradical thin films, and it is believed to be the major cause of the shorter diradical thin film lifetime in air.

Emergent Spin Frustration in Neutral Mixed-Valence 2D Conjugated Polymers: A Potential Quantum Materials Platform

Two-dimensional conjugated polymers (2DCPs)─organic 2D materials composed of arrays of carbon sp² centers connected by π-conjugated linkers─are attracting increasing attention due to their potential applications in device technologies. This interest stems from the ability of 2DCPs to host a range of correlated electronic and magnetic states (e.g., Mott insulators). Substitution of all carbon sp² centers in 2DCPs by nitrogen or boron results in diamagnetic insulating states. Partial substitution of C sp² centers by B or N atoms has not yet been considered for extended 2DCPs but has been extensively studied in the analogous neutral mixed-valence molecular systems. Here, we employ accurate first-principles calculations to predict the electronic and magnetic properties of a new class of hexagonally connected neutral mixed-valence 2DCPs in which every other C sp² nodal center is substituted by either a N or B atom. We show that these neutral mixed-valence 2DCPs significantly energetically favor a state with emergent superexchange-mediated antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions between C-based spin-¹/₂ centers on a triangular sublattice. These AFM interactions are surprisingly strong and comparable to those in the parent compounds of cuprate superconductors. The rigid and covalently linked symmetric triangular AFM lattice in these materials thus provides a highly promising and robust basis for 2D spin frustration. As such, extended mixed-valence 2DCPs are a highly attractive platform for the future bottom-up realization of a new class of all-organic quantum materials, which could host exotic correlated electronic states (e.g., unusual magnetic ordering, quantum spin liquids).

Systematic radical species control by electron push-pull substitution in the perylene-based D-π-A compounds

Organic radical materials have been mainly reported on the stabilization of radical species because of their high energy and reactivity, while design strategies for controlling radical species beyond stabilization have remained challenging. Here, we report the electronic push-pull control spanning the neutral to the radical state of a series of perylene-based donor-π-acceptors (D-π-A). By introducing electron-withdrawing and -donating R groups to the donor of D-π-A, the observed intramolecular interactions controllable at the HOMO level led to the exploration of radical species. D-π-A with redox-active sites was transformed to (D-π-A)˙⁺ and (D-π-A)˙^- in response to an external electrical stimulus under stabilization by perylene, resulting in new absorption peaks. In particular, the increasing absorption peaks of (D-π-A)˙⁺ showed a spectral shift and intensity change according to the R group, unlike those of (D-π-A)˙^-. These experimental results support that the DFT/TD-DFT data suggests the radical cationic SOMO level variability. As a result, we provide a strategy for controlling the systematic radical species using the electron push-pull effect.

Photoswitching activation of a ferrocenyl-stilbene analogue by its covalent grafting to gold

Until now, surface-deposited stilbenes have been much less studied than other photochromic systems. Here, an asymmetrically substituted styrene incorporating a redox-active ferrocene moiety and a terminal alkyne group has been synthesised to investigate its photoisomerization in solution, and upon the formation of chemisorbed self-assembled monolayers through a carbon-gold bond formation. Charge transport measurements across the monolayers reveal that upon chemical linkage to the gold substrate there is an alteration of the isomerization pathway, which favours the trans to cis conversion, which is not observed in solution. The experimental observations are interpreted based on quantum chemistry calculations.

Pillar[5]arene-based Neutral Radicals with Doublet Red Emissions and Stable Chiroptical Properties

Stable organic radicals with unique luminescence show great importance in photoelectromagnetic materials. We herein report two unusual radical-based systems (P5N-TTM and P5B-TTM) using the concerted effects of planar chiral pillar[5]arenes and tris(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl (TTM) radicals. The steric effect and electronic doublet-spin character of these radicals allowed the optical resolution and the first red emissions (∼650 nm) for pillar[5]arene derivatives. Notably, cross-coupling with macrocyclic pillar[5]arene, in turn, considerably enhanced the configurational stability of TTM radicals.

Multifunctional Switch Based on Spin-Labeled Gold Nanoparticles

The fabrication of multifunctional switches is a fundamental step in the development of nanometer-scale molecular spintronic devices. The anchoring of active organic radicals on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) surface is little studied and the realization of AuNPs-based switches remains extremely challenging. We report the first demonstration of a surface molecular switch based on AuNPs decorated with persistent perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radicals. The redox properties of PTM are exploited to fabricate electrochemical switches with optical and magnetic responses, showing high stability and reversibility. Electronic interaction between the radicals and the gold surface is investigated by UV-vis, showing a very broad absorption band in the near-infrared (NIR) region, which becomes more intense when PTMs are reduced to anionic phase. By using multiple experimental techniques, we demonstrate that this interaction is likely favored by the preferentially flat orientation of PTM ligands on the metallic NP surface, as confirmed by first-principles simulations.

A stable triplet diradical emitter

Molecules with luminescence have been extensively investigated, but the luminescence of a stable molecule with a triplet ground state has not been observed. Synthesis of boron-containing radicals has attracted lots of interest because of their unique electronic structures and potential applications in organic semiconductors. Though some boron-based diradicals have been reported, neutral boron-containing diradicals with triplet ground states are rare. Herein two borocyclic diradicals with different substituents (3 and 4) have been isolated. Their electronic structures were investigated by EPR and UV spectroscopy, and SQUID magnetometry, in conjunction with DFT calculations. Both experiment and calculation suggest that 3 is an open shell singlet diradical while 4 is a triplet ground state diradical with a large singlet–triplet gap (0.25 kcal mol⁻¹). Both diradicals show multi fluorescence peaks (3: 414, 431, and 470 nm; 4: 420, 433, and 495 nm). 3 displays multiple redox steps and is a potential material towards the design of high-density memory devices. 4 represents the first example of a neutral triplet boron-containing diradical with a strong ferromagnetic interaction, and also is the first stable triplet diradical emitter.

Stable borocyclic diradical emitters with a tunable ground state.

Plasmon-assisted spin transition in gold nanostar@spin crossover heterostructures

Herein we report the design of core@shell nanoparticles formed by a metallic Au nanostar core and a spin-crossover shell based on the coordination polymer [Fe(Htrz)₂(trz)](BF₄). This procedure is general and has been extended to other metallic morphologies (nanorods, nanotriangles). Thanks to the photothermal effect arising from the plasmonic properties of the Au nanostar, 60% of iron centers undergo a thermal spin transition inside the thermal hysteresis triggered by a 808 nm laser low intensity irradiation. Compared to other Au morphologies, the great advantage of the nanostar shape arises from the hot spots created at the branches of the nanostar. These hot spots give rise to large NIR absorptions, making them ideal nanostructures for efficiently converting light into heat using low energy light, like that provided by a 808 nm laser.

Allocation of Ambipolar Charges on an Organic Diradical with a Vinylene-Phenylenediyne Bridge

Two redox and magnetically active perchlorotriphenylmethyl (^•PTM) radical units have been connected as end-capping groups to a bis(phenylene)diyne chain through vinylene linkers. Negative and positive charged species have been generated, and the influence of the bridge on their stabilization is discussed. Partial reduction of the electron-withdrawing ^•PTM radicals results in a class-II mixed-valence system with the negative charge located on the terminal PTM units, proving the efficiency of the conjugated chain for the electron transport between the two terminal sites. Counterintuitively, the oxidation process does not occur along the electron-rich bridge but on the vinylene units. The ^•PTM radicals play a key role in the stabilization of the cationic species, promoting the generation of quinoidal ring segments.

Conformational control over π-conjugated electron pairing in 1D organic polymers

During the past decades π-conjugated bi-radicals have attracted increasing attention, due to the existence of two close-in-energy resonant electronic configurations with very distinct characteristics: the open-shell bi-radical and the closed-shell quinoidal. The chemical design of the bi-radical structure has been shown to be very effective to shift the balance towards one, or the other, electronic distribution. Some reports have experimentally studied the analogous 1D oligomers and polymers, however, only the open-shell multi-radical configuration has been detected, and it is yet not very clear which structural and chemical parameters are relevant in such extended systems. In this work, via first principles quantum chemical simulations, we study a series of π-conjugated 1D polymers based on triarylmethyl radicals with different chemical functionalization. We find that dihedral angles of the aryl rings connecting the radical centres are the key conformational parameter determining the electronic balance. This provides a simple recipe to use chemical functionalization of aryl rings as a tool to shift the system towards either the electron paired or unpaired configurations. Additionally, we find such conformational control is also effective under the effect of thermal fluctuations, which highlights its potential technological applicability.

A Covalent Organic Framework Film for Three-State Near-Infrared Electrochromism and a Molecular Logic Gate

A Kagome structure covalent organic framework (COF) film with three-state NIR electrochromic properties was designed and synthesized. The COF_TPDA-PDA film is composed of hexagonal nanosheets with high crystallinity and has three reversible color states at different applied potentials. It has high absorption spectra changes in the NIR region, ascribed to the strong intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) interaction of the Class III mixed-valence systems of the conjugated triphenylamine species. The film showed sub-second response time (1.3 s for coloring and 0.7 s for bleaching at 1050 nm) and long retention time in the NIR region. COF_TPDA-PDA film shows superior NIR electrochromic properties in term of response time and stability, attributed to the highly ordered porous structure and the π-π stacking structure of the COF_TPDA-PDA architecture. The COF_TPDA-PDA film was applied in mimicking a flip-flop logic gate with optical memory function.

Bistable (Supra)molecular Switches on 3D-Printed Responsive Interfaces with Electrical Readout

Molecular switching memories have gained great importance in recent years because of the current sharp increase in the production of consumer electronics. Herein, 3D-printed nanocomposite carbon electrodes (3D-nCEs) have been explored as unconventional responsive interfaces to electrically readout bistable molecular switches via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as the output system. As a proof-of-concept, two different 3D-printed responsive interfaces have been devised using surface engineering for covalently anchoring (supra)molecular components that well-define two electrical states (on/off) driven by either electrical or optical stimuli. Accordingly, this work paves the way for the functionalization of 3D-nCEs through fundamental chemistry, opening up new horizons in unprecedented tailored 3D-printed responsive interfaces which could be utilized as potential (bio)sensors, (opto)electronic devices, or molecular logic gates.

Reversibly Switchable Fluorescent Molecular Systems Based on Metallacarborane-Perylenediimide Conjugates

Icosahedral metallacarboranes are θ-shaped anionic molecules in which two icosahedra share one vertex that is a metal center. The most remarkable of these compounds is the anionic cobalt-based metallacarborane [Co(C₂ B₉ H₁₁ )₂ ]^- , whose oxidation-reduction processes occur via an outer sphere electron process. This, along with its low density negative charge, makes [Co(C₂ B₉ H₁₁ )₂ ]^- very appealing to participate in electron-transfer processes. In this work, [Co(C₂ B₉ H₁₁ )₂ ]^- is tethered to a perylenediimide dye to produce the first examples of switchable luminescent molecules and materials based on metallacarboranes. In particular, the electronic communication of [Co(C₂ B₉ H₁₁ )₂ ]^- with the appended chromophore unit in these compounds can be regulated upon application of redox stimuli, which allows the reversible modulation of the emitted fluorescence. As such, they behave as electrochemically-controlled fluorescent molecular switches in solution, which surpass the performance of previous systems based on conjugates of perylendiimides with ferrocene. Remarkably, they can form gels by treatment with appropriate mixtures of organic solvents, which result from the self-assembly of the cobaltabisdicarbollide-perylendiimide conjugates into 1D nanostructures. The interplay between dye π-stacking and metallacarborane electronic and steric interactions ultimately governs the supramolecular arrangement in these materials, which for one of the compounds prepared allows preserving the luminescent behavior in the gel state.

Manipulation of Molecular Spin State on Surfaces Studied by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

The adsorbed magnetic molecules with tunable spin states have drawn wide attention for their immense potential in the emerging fields of molecular spintronics and quantum computing. One of the key issues toward their application is the efficient controlling of their spin state. This review briefly summarizes the recent progress in the field of molecular spin state manipulation on surfaces. We focus on the molecular spins originated from the unpaired electrons of which the Kondo effect and spin excitation can be detected by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM and STS). Studies of the molecular spin-carriers in three categories are overviewed, i.e., the ones solely composed of main group elements, the ones comprising 3d-metals, and the ones comprising 4f-metals. Several frequently used strategies for tuning molecular spin state are exemplified, including chemical reactions, reversible atomic/molecular chemisorption, and STM-tip manipulations. The summary of the successful case studies of molecular spin state manipulation may not only facilitate the fundamental understanding of molecular magnetism and spintronics but also inspire the design of the molecule-based spintronic devices and materials.

A Pure-Red Doublet Emission with 90 % Quantum Yield: Stable, Colorless, Iodinated Triphenylmethane Solid

Red luminescence is found in off-white tris(iodoperchlorophenyl)methane (3I-PTM^H ) crystals which is characterized by a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY 91 %) and color purity (CIE coordinates 0.66, 0.34). The emission originates from the doublet excited state of the neutral radical 3I-PTM^R , which is spontaneously formed and becomes embedded in the 3I-PTM^H matrix. The radical defect can also be deliberately introduced into 3I-PTM^H crystals which maintain a high PLQY with up to 4 % radical concentration. The immobilized iodinated radical demonstrates excellent photostability (estimated half-life >1 year under continuous irradiation) and intriguing luminescent lifetime (69 ns). TD-DFT calculations demonstrate that electron-donating iodine atoms accelerate the radiative transition while the rigid halogen-bonded matrix suppresses the nonradiative decay.

Understanding the g-tensors of perchlorotriphenylmethyl and Finland-type trityl radicals

The 285 GHz EPR spectra of perchlorotriphenylmethyl and tetrathiatriarylmethyl radicals in frozen solution have been accurately measured. The relationship between their molecular structures and their g-tensors has been investigated with the aid of DFT calculations, revealing that the degree of spin density delocalization away from the central methylene carbon is an important determining factor of the g-anisotropy. In particular, the small amount of spin densities on the Cl or S heteroatoms at the 2 and 6 positions with respect to the central carbon have the strongest influence. Furthermore, the amount of spin densities on these heteroatoms and thus the anisotropy can be modulated by the protonation (esterification) state of the carboxylate groups at the 4 position. These results provide unique insights into the g-anisotropy of persistent trityl radicals and how it can be tuned.

Electric-field-driven dual-functional molecular switches in tunnel junctions

To avoid crosstalk and suppress leakage currents in resistive random access memories (RRAMs), a resistive switch and a current rectifier (diode) are usually combined in series in a one diode-one resistor (1D-1R) RRAM. However, this complicates the design of next-generation RRAM, increases the footprint of devices and increases the operating voltage as the potential drops over two consecutive junctions¹. Here, we report a molecular tunnel junction based on molecules that provide an unprecedented dual functionality of diode and variable resistor, resulting in a molecular-scale 1D-1R RRAM with a current rectification ratio of 2.5 × 10⁴ and resistive on/off ratio of 6.7 × 10³, and a low drive voltage of 0.89 V. The switching relies on dimerization of redox units, resulting in hybridization of molecular orbitals accompanied by directional ion migration. This electric-field-driven molecular switch operating in the tunnelling regime enables a class of molecular devices where multiple electronic functions are preprogrammed inside a single molecular layer with a thickness of only 2 nm.

Ferrocene on Insulator: Silane Coupling to a SiO2 Surface and Influence on Electrical Transport at a Buried Interface with an Organic Semiconductor Layer

A silane coupling-based procedure for decoration of an insulator surface containing abundant hydroxy groups by constructing redox-active self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) is described. A newly synthesized ferrocene (Fc) derivative containing a triethoxysilyl group designated FcSi was immobilized on SiO₂/Si by a simple operation that involved immersing the substrate in a toluene solution of the Fc silane coupling reagent and then rinsing the resulting substrate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements confirmed that the Fc group was immobilized on SiO₂/Si in the Fe(II) state. Cyclic voltammetry measurements showed that the Fc groups were electrically insulated from the Si electrode by the SiO₂ layer. The FcSi on SiO₂/Si structures were found to serve as a good scaffold for formation of organic semiconductor thin films by vacuum thermal evaporation of C8-BTBT (2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene), which is well-known as an organic field-effect transistor (OFET) material. The X-ray diffraction profile indicated that the conventional standing-up conformation of the C8-BTBT molecules perpendicular to the substrates was maintained in the thin films formed on FcSi@SiO₂/Si. Further vacuum thermal evaporation of Au provided an FcSi-based OFET structure with good transfer characteristics. The FcSi-based OFET showed pronounced source-drain current hysteresis between the forward and backward scans. The degree of this hysteresis was varied reversibly via gate bias manipulation, which was presumably accompanied by trapping and detrapping of hole carriers at the Fc-decorated SiO₂ surface. These findings provide new insights into application of redox-active SAMs to nonvolatile OFET memories while also creating new interfaces through junctions with functional thin films, in which the underlying redox-active SAMs play supporting roles.

Neutral Organic Radical Formation by Chemisorption on Metal Surfaces

Organic radical monolayers (r-MLs) bonded to metal surfaces are potential materials for the development of molecular (spin)electronics. Typically, stable radicals bearing surface anchoring groups are used to generate r-MLs. Following a recent theoretical proposal based on a model system, we report the first experimental realization of a metal surface-induced r-ML, where a rationally chosen closed-shell precursor 3,5-dichloro-4-[bis(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methylen]cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-one (1) transforms into a stable neutral open-shell species (1^•) via chemisorption on the Ag(111) surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that the >C═O group of 1 reacts with the surface, forming a C-O-Ag linkage that induces an electronic rearrangement that transforms 1 to 1^•. We further show that surface reactivity is an important factor in this process whereby Au(111) is inert towards 1, whereas the Cu(111) surface leads to dehalogenation reactions. The radical nature of the Ag(111)-bound monolayer was further confirmed by angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and electronic structure calculations, which provide evidence of the emergence of the singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO) of 1^•.

Electronic Properties of Oxidized Cyclometalated Diiridium Complexes: Spin Delocalization Controlled by the Mutual Position of the Iridium Centers

Four cyclometalated diiridium complexes, with IrCp*Cl (Cp*=η⁵ -C₅ Me₅ ^- ) termini bridged by 1,4- and 1,3-bis(p-tolyliminoethyl)benzene (1, 2), or 1,4- and 1,3-bis(2-pyridyl)benzene (3, 4), were prepared and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (complexes 1, 2, and 4). The two iridium centers in complexes 1 and 3 are thus bound at the central benzene ring in the para-position (trans-Ir2), whereas those in complexes 2 and 4 are in the meta-position (cis-Ir2). Cyclic voltammograms of all four complexes show two consecutive one-electron oxidations. The potential difference between the two anodic steps in 1 and 3 is distinctly larger than that for 2 and 4. The visible-near-infrared (NIR)-short-wave infrared (SWIR) absorption spectra of trans-Ir2 monocations 1⁺ and 3⁺ are markedly different from those of cis-Ir2 monocations 2⁺ and 4⁺ . Notably, strong near-infrared electronic absorption appears only in the spectra of 1⁺ and 3⁺ whereas 2⁺ and 4⁺ absorb only weakly in the NIR-SWIR region. Combined DFT and TD-DFT calculations have revealed that (a) 1⁺ and 3⁺ (the diiridium-benzene trans-isomers) display the highest occupied spin-orbitals (HOSO) and the lowest unoccupied spin-orbital (LUSO) evenly delocalized over both molecule halves, and (b) their electronic absorptions in the NIR-SWIR region are attributed to mixed metal-to-ligand and ligand-to-ligand charge transfers (MLCT and LLCT). In contrast, cis-isomers 2⁺ and 4⁺ do not feature this stabilizing π-delocalization but a localized mixed-valence state showing a weak intervalence charge-transfer (IVCT) absorption in the SWIR region.

Simultaneous Optical Tuning of Hole and Electron Transport in Ambipolar WSe2 Interfaced with a Bicomponent Photochromic Layer: From High-Mobility Transistors to Flexible Multilevel Memories

The interfacing of 2D materials (2DMs) with photochromic molecules provides an efficient solution to reversibly modulate their outstanding electronic properties and offers a versatile platform for the development of multifunctional field-effect transistors (FETs). Herein, optically switchable multilevel high-mobility FETs based on few-layer ambipolar WSe₂ are realized by applying on its surface a suitably designed bicomponent diarylethene (DAE) blend, in which both hole and electron transport can be simultaneously modulated for over 20 cycles. The high output current modulation efficiency (97% for holes and 52% for electrons) ensures 128 distinct current levels, corresponding to a data storage capacity of 7 bit. The device is also implemented on a flexible and transparent poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate, rendering 2DM/DAE hybrid structures promising candidates for flexible multilevel nonvolatile memories.

Manipulating On/Off Single-Molecule Magnet Behavior in a Dy(III)-Based Photochromic Complex

Exploitation of room temperature (RT) photochromism and photomagnetism to induce single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior has potential applications toward optical switches and magnetic memories, and remains a tremendous challenge in the development of new bulk magnets. Herein, a series of chain complexes [Ln₃(H-HEDP)₃(H₂-HEDP)₃]·2H₃-TPT·H₄-HEDP·10H₂O (QDU-1; Ln = Dy (QDU-1(Dy)), Gd (QDU-1(Gd)), and Y (QDU-1(Y)); HEDP = hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate; TPT = 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine) were synthesized by solvothermal reactions. All the compounds exhibited reversible photochromic and photomagnetic behaviors via UV light irradiation at RT, induced by the photogenerated radicals via a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. More importantly, the PET process induced significant variations in magnetic interactions for the Dy(III) congener. Strong ferromagnetic coupling with remarkably slow magnetic relaxation without applied dc fields was observed between Dy^III ions and photogenerated O^• radicals, showing SMM behavior after RT illumination. For the first time, we observed the reversible RT photochromism and photomagnetism in the lanthanide-based materials. This work realized the radicals-actuated on/off SMM behavior via RT light irradiation, providing a new strategy for constructing the light-induced SMMs.

Self-assembly of a terbium(III) 1D coordination polymer on mica

The terbium(III) ion is a particularly suitable candidate for the creation of surface-based magnetic and luminescent devices. In the present work, we report the epitaxial growth of needle-like objects composed of [Tb(hfac)₃·2H₂O] _n (where hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate) polymeric units on muscovite mica, which is observed by atomic force microscopy. The needle-like shape mimics the structure observed in the crystalline bulk material. The growth of this molecular organization is assisted by water adsorption on the freshly air-cleaved muscovite mica. This deposition technique allows for the observation of a significant amount of nanochains grown along three preferential directions 60° apart from another. The magnetic properties and the luminescence of the nanochains can be detected without the need of surface-dedicated instrumentation. The intermediate value of the observed luminescence lifetime of the deposits (132 µs) compared to that of the bulk (375 µs) and the CHCl₃ solution (13 µs) further reinforces the idea of water-induced growth.

Exploiting the versatile alkyne-based chemistry for expanding the applications of a stable triphenylmethyl organic radical on surfaces

The incorporation of terminal alkynes into the chemical structure of persistent organic perchlorotriphenylmethyl (PTM) radicals provides new chemical tools to expand their potential applications. In this work, this is demonstrated by the chemical functionalization of two types of substrates, hydrogenated SiO₂-free silicon (Si-H) and gold, and, by exploiting the click chemistry, scarcely used with organic radicals, to synthesise multifunctional systems. On one hand, the one-step functionalization of Si-H allows a light-triggered capacitance switch to be successfully achieved under electrochemical conditions. On the other hand, the click reaction between the alkyne-terminated PTM radical and a ferrocene azide derivative, used here as a model azide system, leads to a multistate electrochemical switch. The successful post-surface modification makes the self-assembled monolayers reported here an appealing platform to synthesise multifunctional systems grafted on surfaces.

Air-Stable Thin Films with High and Anisotropic Electrical Conductivities Composed of a Carbon-Centered Neutral π-Radical

Air-stable thin films (50-720 nm thickness) composed of a carbon-centered neutral π-radical with high and anisotropic electrical conductivities were fabricated by vapor deposition of 4,8,12-trioxotriangulene (TOT). The thin films were air-stable over 15 months and were the aggregate of TOT microcrystals, in which a one-dimensional π-stacking column was formed through the strong singly occupied molecular orbital (SOMO)-SOMO interaction with two-electron-multicenter bond among the spin-delocalized π-planes. The orientations of the one-dimensional column of TOT were changed depending on the deposition rate and substrates, where face-on-oriented thin films were epitaxially grown on the graphite 0001 surface, and edge-on-oriented thin films were grown on glass, SiO2, and indium tin oxide substrates under a high-deposition rate condition. The films showed high electrical conductivities of 2.5 × 10-2 and 5.9 × 10-5 S cm-1 along and perpendicular to the π-stacking column, respectively, for an edge-on oriented thin film.

High stability and luminescence efficiency in donor-acceptor neutral radicals not following the Aufbau principle

With their unusual electronic structures, organic radical molecules display luminescence properties potentially relevant to lighting applications; yet, their luminescence quantum yield and stability lag behind those of other organic emitters. Here, we designed donor-acceptor neutral radicals based on an electron-poor perchlorotriphenylmethyl or tris(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)methyl radical moiety combined with different electron-rich groups. Experimental and quantum-chemical studies demonstrate that the molecules do not follow the Aufbau principle: the singly occupied molecular orbital is found to lie below the highest (doubly) occupied molecular orbital. These donor-acceptor radicals have a strong emission yield (up to 54%) and high photostability, with estimated half-lives reaching up to several months under pulsed ultraviolet laser irradiation. Organic light-emitting diodes based on such a radical emitter show deep-red/near-infrared emission with a maximal external quantum efficiency of 5.3%. Our results provide a simple molecular-design strategy for stable, highly luminescent radicals with non-Aufbau electronic structures.

In situ reversible redox switching of first hyperpolarizability of bimetallic ruthenium complexes

In this article we report the reversible redox switching of first hyperpolarizability of bimetallic ruthenium complexes bridged by bipyridyl tetrazine (bptz) ligands by second harmonic light scattering experiments (SHLS). We have synthesised [RuII(acac)₂(CH₃CN)₂] and [(acac)₂Ru-bptz-Ru(acac)₂] complexes and measured their first hyperpolarizabilities as a function of in situ electrochemical oxidation/reduction of the metal centres. As a result of the oxidation of ruthenium centre from Ru(ii) to Ru(iii), the molecular hyperpolarizability of the complexes went up. The mixed-valence intermediate bimetallic complex and not the fully oxidized complex exhibit the highest β value of 780 × 10^-30 esu. We also demonstrated that the hyperpolarizability is reversible with the change of the oxidation state of the metal and both the complexes are stable for several cycles of redox switching. The experimental results are also supported by calculations.

The supramolecular structure and van der Waals interactions affect the electronic structure of ferrocenyl-alkanethiolate SAMs on gold and silver electrodes

Understanding the influence of structural properties on the electronic structure will pave the way for optimization of charge transport properties of SAM devices. In this study, we systematically investigate the supramolecular and electronic structures of ferrocene (Fc) terminated alkanethiolate (SC _n Fc) SAMs on both Au and Ag substrates with n = 1-15 by using a combination of synchrotron based near edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAFS), photoemission spectroscopy (PES), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Odd-even effects in the supramolecular structure persist over the entire range of n = 1-15, which, in turn, explain the odd-even effects in the onset energy of the highest occupied molecular (HOMO) orbital. The orientation of the Fc moieties and the strength of Fc-substrate coupling, which both depend on n, affects the work function (WF). The variation of WF shows an odd-even effect in the weak electrode-Fc coupling regime for n ≥ 8, whereas the odd-even effect diminishes for n < 8 due to hybridization between Fc and the electrode (n < 3) or van der Waals (vdW) interactions between Fc and the electrode (n = 3-7). These results confirm that subtle changes in the supramolecular structure of the SAMs cause significant electronic changes that have a large influence on device properties.