Junjie Liu

Abstract:

The serendipitous self-assembly of the complex [Mn(III)(2)Zn(II)(2)(Ph-sao)(2)(Ph-saoH)(4)(hmp)(2)] (1),whose magnetic core consists solely of two symmetry equivalent Mn(iii) ions linked by two symmetry equivalent -N-O- moieties, provides a relatively simple model complex with which to study the magneto-structural relationship in oxime-bridged Mn(III) cluster compounds. Dc magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal ferromagnetic (J = +2.2 cm(-1)) exchange resulting in an S = 4 ground state. Magnetisation measurements performed at low temperatures and high fields reveal the presence of significant anisotropy, with ac measurements confirming slow relaxation of the magnetisation and Single-Molecule Magnetism behaviour. Simulations of high field, high frequency EPR data reveal a single ion anisotropy, D((Mn(III))) = -3.83 cm(-1). DFT studies on a simplified model complex of 1 reveal a pronounced dependence of the exchange coupling on the relative twisting of the oxime moiety with respect to the metal ion positions, as suggested previously in more complicated [Mn(III)(3)] and [Mn(III)(6)] clusters.

Abstract:

The synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of a ligand-modified Mn(4) dicubane single-molecule magnet (SMM), [Mn(4)(Bet)(4)(mdea)(2)(mdeaH)(2)](BPh(4))(4), are presented, where the cationic SMM units are significantly separated from neighboring molecules in the crystal lattice. There are no cocrystallized solvate molecules, making it an ideal candidate for single-crystal magnetization hysteresis and high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance studies. Increased control over intermolecular interactions in such materials is a crucial factor in the future application of SMMs.

Abstract:

A Mn(4) single-molecule magnet displays asymmetric Berry-phase interference patterns in the transverse-field (H(T)) dependence of the magnetization tunneling probability when a longitudinal field (H(L)) is present, contrary to symmetric patterns observed for H(L)=0. Reversal of H(L) results in a reflection of the transverse-field asymmetry about H(T)=0, as expected on the basis of the time-reversal invariance of the spin-orbit Hamiltonian which is responsible for the tunneling oscillations. A fascinating motion of Berry-phase minima within the transverse-field magnitude-direction phase space results from a competition between noncollinear magnetoanisotropy tensors at the two distinct Mn sites.