Metal-organic frameworks as platforms for air-stable organometallic single-molecule magnets

2024年，全球数据存储行业的估值预计将超过1000亿美元。目前支撑数据存储的技术是基于相对较大的磁性粒子的存储特性：社会需要处理越来越大的数据量，同时减少存储介质的物理尺寸，这就需要发现创新的存储方法。使用亚纳米分子存储磁性信息为开发性能优于传统技术的数据存储材料带来了潜力，以响应数据密集型世界的需求。最大的问题是，可用于这一挑战的最好的磁性分子在极低的温度下工作，它们与空气接触时会分解。我们现在建议通过将世界领先的合成化学能力与独特的物理专业知识和仪器相结合来解决这两个问题，这是一个极具冒险精神的新地平线项目。通过开发一种制造和测量分子磁性材料的新方法，我们的目标是为基于前所未有的金属-有机复合材料(由单分子磁体和金属-有机骨架或SMM@MOF材料组成)的纳米级磁性器件的早期制造开辟一条灵活的道路。我们还将进行概念验证实验，旨在制备选定的SMM@MOF复合材料的薄膜。如果我们证明SMM@MOF薄膜具有类磁体行为，这一结果将为未来旨在制造基于分子的磁性器件的研究奠定基础。该项目的成功将有助于推动第二次量子革命，并提供一个发现创新量子技术的平台。

In 2024, the global data storage industry is predicted to be valued at more than one hundred billion dollars. The technology that currently underpins data storage is based on the memory properties of relatively large magnetic particles: society's need to handle increasingly large amounts of data whilst decreasing the physical size of the storage medium necessitates the discovery of innovative storage methods.Using sub-nanometre molecules to store magnetic information introduces potential for developing data storage materials that could out-perform conventional technology, responding to the needs of a data-intensive world. The big problems are that the best magnetic molecules available for this challenge function at extremely low temperatures and they decompose on contact with air. We now propose to solve both problems by combining world-leading capability in synthetic chemistry with unique physics expertise and instrumentation in a highly adventurous New Horizons project. By developing a novel approach to making and measuring molecular magnetic materials, we aim to chart a flexible path to the early-stage fabrication of nanoscale magnetic devices based on an unprecedented type of metal-organic composite material, which will consist of single-molecule magnets and metal-organic frameworks, or SMM@MOF materials.We will also undertake proof-of-concept experiments aimed at preparing thin films of selected SMM@MOF composites. Should we show that SMM@MOF thin films have magnet-like behaviour, the results will form the basis of future research aimed at the fabrication of molecule-based magnetic devices. Success with this project will help to drive the second quantum revolution and provide a platform on which to discover innovative quantum technologies.