Boskovic Research Group:
Polynuclear Metal Complexes and Molecular Nanomagnets
Molecular nanomagnets are polynuclear complexes of paramagnetic transition metals that manifest slow relaxation and quantum tunnelling of the magnetisation at low temperature. The slow relaxation implies a tremendous potential for applications in data storage, where a single molecule could act as the smallest possible unit of magnetic memory. In addition, species that display quantum tunnelling may ultimately find applications in the field of quantum computing.
We are interested in the synthesis of polynuclear complexes of paramagnetic transition metals that are new molecular nanomagnets or possess other interesting magnetic properties. The detailed physical characterisation of these species affords an understanding of the magnetic behaviour and allows correlation with the molecular structure. To this end we perform magnetic measurements on the synthesised materials in collaboration with Prof Keith Murray (Monash University), Prof Paul Kögerler (Aachen University, Germany) and Dr Rodolphe Clérac (CNRS Bordeaux, France) in addition to inelastic neutron scattering studies in collaboration with Prof Hans Güdel (University of Berne, Switzerland). Single crystal X-ray crystallography is carried out in collaboration with .
Our recent research has focused on the application of polydentate ligands bearing O and N donor atoms in the synthesis of polynuclear complexes of Fe, Mn and Ni. To date complexes of nuclearity up to 12 have been achieved. In particular, Mn4 and Fe5 complexes are new molecular nanomagnets. Moreover, a detailed magnetic and inelastic neutron scattering study of a Ni4 complex has provided insight into the molecular origin of the rapid quantum tunnelling of the magnetisation that is manifest.
As part of our programme to develop new synthetic approaches for molecular nanomagnets, we have recently begun to explore reactions performed under autogeneous pressure using solvothermal methods. An initial outcome is a novel and highly symmetric Fe7 complex with a wheel-like structure, which cannot be achieved using standard synthetic methods.
Last updated 23.6.08
Created and maintained by Colette Boskovic
