Atomically Precise Imprinting π-Magnetism in Nanographenes via Probe Chemistry

Abstract

The precise generation and harnessing of carbon magnetism at the single-molecule level have been captivating areas of research in chemistry and nanotechnology. However, the realization of magnetic nanographenes, also known as single-molecule π-magnets, through solution-based synthesis has proven challenging because of their high reactivity and insolubility tendency. Recent advancements in on-surface chemistry and scanning probe techniques have significantly propelled the fabrication of carbon-based magnetic nanostructures to offer a rich platform to probe quantum π-magnetism at the single-molecule level. Atomic manipulation, also referred to as probe chemistry, stands as an exciting and essential approach in the toolbox of on-surface chemistry. This approach enables site-selective chemical reactions, thereby allowing for the atomically precise imprinting and tailoring π-magnetism in a variety of nanographenes. This review highlights the recent achievements in the precise synthesis of single-molecule π-magnets using atomic manipulation. Furthermore, we also provide an outlook on the future of probe chemistry in the fabrication of this intriguing class of magnetic nanographenes, featuring designer quantum magnetism.

Mapping the phase-separated state in a 2D magnet

“…[1][2][3] The research field is rather young but is being actively developed. One of the reasons is the ubiquity of the phenomenon as many 2D materials exhibit magnetic properties: d-element, [5][6][7] f-element, 8,9 and more exotic p-element 10,11 compounds. Another reason is that the magnetic states in 2D magnets are highly amenable to external stimuli.…”