Publication date: 11th July 2022
Magnetic two-dimensional (2D) materials have emerged recently with examples of inorganic monolayers, like CrI3 [1] or CrSBr [2].
In this work,[3-5] we explore the magnetic properties of new 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In particular, we take advantage of layered molecular magnets since, thanks to the chemical design, it is feasible to bring new magnetic scenarios as well as to overcome the present instabilities of 2D magnetic materials. We develop a pre-synthetic method based on coordination chemistry that affords the isolation of crystalline molecular monolayers. The concept is illustrated using layered coordination polymers formed by reacting various benzimidazole derivatives with ferrocene. By the election of the proper ligand and the metal source, it is possible to tune the surface properties as well as the magnetism. Moreover, the magnetic order of the flakes is probed by its integration into membranes since phase transitions can be probed mechanically via the temperature-dependent resonance frequency and quality factor of the thin-membrane [6].
In addition, we recosnider the electrical characterization of the two-dimensional MOF M3(THT)2(NH4)3, (M = Fe, Ni, Cu, Co; THT, 2,3,6,7,10,11-triphenylenehexathiol),[7] observing that some claimed metallic phases[8] may be, indeed, higly insulating ones.
Overall, we detect the magnetic order in new magnetic 2D molecular materials and reconsider their electronic characterization. The results pave the way for studying phase transitions in the 2D limit in other metal-organic frameworks.