Terbium(iii) bis-phthalocyaninato single-molecule magnet encapsulated in a single-walled carbon nanotube

Abstract

In this study, terbium(III) bis-phthalocyaninato single-molecule magnets (TbPc₂ SMMs) were encapsulated in the internal nano space of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) for the first time. The magnetic and electronic properties of the TbPc₂ SMM–SWCNT hybrids were investigated in detail by using dc and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements, TEM, SEM, STM, STS, etc. By arranging the TbPc₂ SMMs in the one-dimensional internal nano spaces of SWCNTs, it is possible to investigate the essential SMM characteristics of TbPc₂ without considering ligand field (LF) effects. In addition, it appears that the electron correlation between TbPc₂ and the SWCNT can affect the electrotransport and/or electromagnetic properties. Furthermore, since the stable internal nano space of SWCNTs is used, it is thought that the density of SMMs in the SMM–SWCNT hybrid material can be controlled, and the hybrids should be usable as spin valves. Our strategy may pave the way for the construction of SMM–SWCNT hybrid materials.