Single Molecule Spintronics
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bristol
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Most information processing devices, including state of the art microchips, rely on the movement of charge. However, electrons as well as possessing charge also have the quantum mechanical property called spin, which is responsible for magnetic phenomena, for example. Devices which rely on the movement of spin to perform their function are known as magnetoelectronic or spintronic devices. Spintronic applications could include ultra-fast switches or combined logic / storage devices.Recent theoretical studies predict that organic molecules would make excellent components for spintronic devices (Rocha et al., Nature Materials, 2005). Therefore, to measure the spin transport properties of organic molecules is an extremely important goal. We have recently shown that a high resolution probe microscope (a scanning tunnelling microscope or 'STM') can be used to measure the electrical properties of single molecules in a wide variety of environments, including solutions. We propose to adapt these methods to measure the spintronic properties of organic molecular wires down to the single molecule level for the first time. This will contribute to the scientific understanding of how spin is transported through molecules.
People |
ORCID iD |
Walther Schwarzacher (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Kay N
(2011)
Ionic Liquids As a Medium for STM-Based Single Molecule Conductance Determination: An Exploration Employing Alkanedithiols
in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Sadler JE
(2011)
Surface functionalization of electro-deposited nickel.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Description | This project enabled us to develop the necessary experimental techniques for single-molecule measurements using the STM break-junction approach. These will be exploited in future research. The project also found a new in-situ electrochemical method of functionalizing an oxide-free Ni surface with octanethiol. Initial adsorption results in a multilayer molecular film, which blocks both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and re-oxidation of the Ni by ambient oxygen . However, excess octanethiol can be removed by rinsing with ethanol, leaving behind a monolayer that continues to protect against re-oxidation but gives rise to an unexpected enhancement in the HER, with a greater enhancement for longer film formation times |
Exploitation Route | The findings were taken forward in a subsequent EPSRC grant 'In-situ Electrochemical Fabrication of Single Molecule Spintronic Junctions' which has generated exciting results. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software) Electronics Energy Environment Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | The results of this project have underpinned subsequent research which will contribute to the development of molecular electronic devices, probably on a 10-year plus timescale. It also led directly to a scientific exchange with Argentina. |
Impact Types | Cultural Societal |
Description | International Joint Project: Self-assembled monolayers on ferromagnetic Ni |
Amount | £11,900 (GBP) |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 07/2006 |
End | 01/2011 |
Description | UK/China Nanospintronics: In-situ Electrochemical Fabrication of Single Molecule Spintronic Junctions |
Amount | £191,291 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/H002227/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2010 |
End | 02/2014 |
Description | Argentina thiols |
Organisation | University of La Plata |
Country | Argentina |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Preparation of electrodeposited Ni films |
Collaborator Contribution | Complementary experimental work and characterization by XPS |
Impact | Publication, reported elsewhere |
Start Year | 2007 |