Chiral Molecular Electronics: Helicenes-Functionalized Surfaces for Spin Selectivity – CHIRELECMOL

The Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) in helical molecules has become a fascinating area of research in chiral nanotechnology. This effect is related to the spin-filtering of electrons through a chiral molecule; it enables a new technology for injection of large spin polarized current without any permanent magnetic layer and should allow to attain relatively large magnetoresistance at room temperature. Herein, we propose to design and prepare new families of organometallic helicenes (i) to create self-assembled monolayers and (ii) for electrode modifications in order to reach new chiral electronic devices. The CISS effects will be measured for the first time in Rennes, by using a diversity of techniques, i.e. either known ones (classical cyclic voltammetry) or new ones (Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy, SECM) and at IEMN in Lille through magnetic Conducting-Probe Atomic Force Microscopy. Introduction of photochromic units will enable to perform modulation of CISS effects through light irradiation. An ad hoc consortium mainly localized within the same institute in Rennes, in Lille and in Marseille together with external collaborators (theory) has been established to achieve all these goals.