Last update: 14 Dec 2021 @ 09:43am
PI: Aurelian ROTARU
Contract no. 8BM/2021
Switchable molecular materials have become very attractive with the miniaturization of silicon-based materials and conventional magnetic storage devices which approach their technological and physical limits. In this context, the field of molecular electronics could offer innovative solutions through the use of molecular switches. In this class of materials, spin crossover (SCO) complexes are of particular interest due to their wide range of potential applications. The proposed project includes an experimental and theoretical study on the synthesis, nano-structuration, and characterization of bistable molecular units. We will consider: (i) the synthesis and characterization of a new series of hybrid molecular materials based on fluorescent complexes containing Fe (II) and Co (II) ions operating at room temperature (UCLouvain); (ii) analysis and modeling of their switching properties under external stimuli such as temperature, pressure, and light irradiation (USV); (iii) analysis of charge transport properties and evaluation of their performance to be integrated into switchable electronic devices; (iv) analysis of the dependence of interactions between spin carriers and their organization in elastic domains. This research is a major stake in understanding the commutation mechanisms and the switching dynamics of these materials.