Switchable molecules for nanoelectronics and spintronics – SwitchElec

Based on the complementarity of the two research groups of the present proposal, we plan to perform a systematic analysis of the spin state dependence of electrical properties, at different size scales. To this end, we will use state-of-the art nanotechnology to integrate various spin crossover nano-objects into nanoelectronic devices with the aim to explore the electrical properties of the material from the bulk to the nanometer scale. We plan to study electrical properties under static (dc) and dynamic (ac) regimes in order to better understand the charge transport mechanism. We intend to explore for the first time the magneto-transport properties as well. In each case a careful complementary chemical and structural analysis will be carried out.

- We have provided for the first time clear experimental evidence (as well as mechanistic details) for the link between the magnetic and charge transport properties in spin crossover materials.
- We elaborated the first nanoelectronic devices with spin crossover nano-objects displaying robust conductivity switching properties .

In addition to generate new knowledge, we expect to explore new concepts that will enable manufacturing of new nanotechnology-based products with an enhanced performance, with particular relevance in the fields of nanoelectronics and «molecular spintronics«.

Phys. Status Solidi RRL 8 (2014) 191-193.

The two research teams of the present consortium, led by Azzedine Bousseksou (LCC-CNRS, Toulouse, France) and Aurelian Rotaru (Stefan cel Mare University, Suceava, Roumania), respectively, propose to work together on a multidisciplinary joint project at the interface of chemistry, physics, nanotechnology and theory that will support the scientific collaboration between France and Romania around the very hot topic of molecular spintronics. This project focuses on the investigation of charge transport and magneto-transport properties of new molecular spin transition systems at the nanoscale. Indeed, while magnetic and optical properties of these compounds have been extensively studied, their electrical properties remain largely unexplored. Very recently, a few encouraging results in the literature have indicated spin-state dependent charge transport behavior in spin crossover molecules and spin crossover nanoparticles. However, in all these studies the characterization of the device remains extremely poor leading to many uncertainties in the interpretation of the observations. In particular, there is a strong discrepancy with the bulk properties. Nevertheless, all these results are remarkably important from a fundamental point of view on the international stage and suggest exciting perspectives for applications in the fields of molecular nanoelectronics and spintronics. Based on the complementarity of the two research groups of the present proposal, we plan to perform a systematic analysis of the spin state dependence of electrical properties, at different size scales. To this end, we will use state-of-the art nanotechnology to integrate various spin crossover nano-objects into nanoelectronic devices with the aim to explore the electrical properties of the material from the bulk to the nanometer scale. We plan to study electrical properties under static (dc) and dynamic (ac) regimes in order to better understand the charge transport mechanism. We intend to explore for the first time the magneto-transport properties as well. In each case a careful complementary chemical and structural analysis will be carried out. The main interest of this family of molecules is that their spin state can be changed using various parameters such as temperature, pressure or light irradiation. Here, for the first time, we will add a new parameter (gate voltage), which is expected to act as a novel driving force within the bistability region. In addition to generate new knowledge, we expect to explore new concepts that will enable manufacturing of new nanotechnology-based products with an enhanced performance, with particular relevance in the fields of nanoelectronics and molecular spintronics.