Molecular spintronics: a web themed issue

David A. Shultz

David A. Shultz is a Professor of Chemistry at North Carolina State University. His research group is interested in design, synthesis and characterization of open-shell molecules and materials for the purpose of developing structure property relationships that link electron spin–spin exchange coupling with mixed-valence, electron transfer and electron transport. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son and motorcycling.

Martin L. Kirk

Martin L. Kirk is Professor of Chemistry at The University of New Mexico. His research program focuses on (1) electronic structure contributions to reactivity in pyranopterin molybdenum enzymes, and (2) electronic structure studies of spin-containing molecular systems in the context of molecular electronics. When not engaged in research and teaching, he and his wife enjoy the beauty of New Mexico and the High Desert.

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The emerging field of Molecular Spintronics (Spin Transport Electronics) combines key elements of electron transport and electron spin. The effects of electron spin introduce new and interesting complexities to the molecular electronics field, and provide an attractive platform for the exploitation of new opportunities toward the control of electron transfer and charge transport phenomena, spin delocalization, spin polarization, molecular rectification and spin injection. The exquisite degree of molecular-level synthetic control in the design of organic, inorganic and hybrid organic/inorganic molecules and materials allows researchers to manipulate open-shell electronic structure in ways that are impossible for solid-state materials. When “magnetic molecules” are used in conjunction with solid-state semiconducting and magnetic materials, novel behaviors can be envisioned and are now being realized. Although these are still the “early days” for this nascent field, important advances in molecular spintronics are progressing at a remarkable pace. This is evidenced by the number of high-profile research reports that have recently been published, including the critical works featured in this web-themed collection.

The feature articles and communications in this collection highlight remarkable achievements, developments and future prospects in the molecular spintronics field. Significant contributions focus on spin polarization effects, dynamic spin density distribution, spin-dependent molecular rectification, spin-valves, coherent spin manipulation, exchange interactions between ferromagnetic substrates and paramagnetic molecules, donor–acceptor biradicals, and applied-field effects on radical-pair intersystem crossing. A host of cutting edge spectroscopic and magnetic techniques have been used to gain important insight into the complex interplay between electron spin and electron transfer/transport, which form the basis of molecular spintronics research. When coupled with novel synthetic methodologies, transport measurements, and computational/theoretical approaches, a clearer picture begins to emerge regarding how to control and manipulate spin-dependent electron transfer/transport phenomena as motivation for new technologies based on the effects of spin. We trust the reader will share in our excitement as they read the contributed works in this collection and realize the remarkable potential of this exciting new field.

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