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At least 235 records · Page 13

Two-Dimensional van der Waals Nanoplatelets with Robust Ferromagnetism

We have synthesized unique colloidal nanoplatelets of the two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals ferromagnet CrI3 and have characterized these nanoplatelets structurally, magnetically, and by magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. The CrI3 nanoplatelets have lateral dimensions of ~25 nm and thicknesses of only ~4 nm, corresponding to just a few CrI3 monolayers. Magnetic and magneto-optical measurements demonstrate robust 2D ferromagnetic ordering with Curie temperatures similar to bulk CrI3, despite their small size. These data also show magnetization steps akin to those observed in micron-sized few-layer 2D sheets associated with concerted spin-reversal of individual CrI3 layers within few-layer van der Waals stacks. Similar data have also been obtained for CrBr3 and anion-alloyed Cr(I1–xBrx)3 nanoplatelets. These results represent the first example of lateral nanostructures of 2D van der Waals ferromagnets of any composition. The demonstration of robust ferromagnetism at nanometer lateral dimensions opens new doors for miniaturization in spintronics devices based on van der Waals ferromagnets.

De Siena, Michael C.↗

Manipulation of the van der Waals Magnet Cr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 by Spin–Orbit Torques

In this work, we report measurements of current-induced thermoelectric and spin-orbit torque effects within devices in which multilayers of the semiconducting 2-dimensional van der Waals magnet Cr 2 Ge 2 Te 6 (CGT) are integrated with Pt and Ta metal overlayers. We show that the magnetic orientation of the CGT can be detected accurately either electrically (using an anomalous Hall effect) or optically (using magnetic circular dichroism) with good consistency. The samples exhibit large thermoelectric effects, but nevertheless the spin-orbit torque can be measured quantitatively using the angle-dependent second harmonic Hall technique. For CGT/Pt we measure the spin-orbit torque efficiency to be similar to conventional metallic-ferromagnet/Pt devices with the same Pt resistivity. The interfacial transparency for spin currents is therefore similar in both classes of devices. Our results demonstrate the promise of incorporating semiconducting 2D magnets within spin-orbitronic and magneto-thermal devices.

2D magnets↗

Raman and Terahertz Spectroscopy of Low-Frequency Chiral Phonons in Amino Acids

Chiral phonons are mirror-symmetric vibrations with nonzero angular momenta that correspond to twisting and rotational motions of multiple atoms. In chiral crystals, these include low-energy terahertz (THz)-range vibrations of the molecular segments involving dozens of atoms with energies sensitive to molecular chirality. Here, we present spectral signatures of chiral phonons in circularly polarized Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra from enantiomers of amino acid crystals. Along with complementary THz circular dichroism (TCD) measurements, our ROA data reveal several vibrational bands in enantiomers of valine, alanine, tyrosine, and proline between 30 and 150 cm –1 (∼1–4.5 THz) that exhibit opposite intensities. Density functional theory calculations confirm their assignment to twisting and shearing molecular motions. The simultaneous registration of chiral phonon modes by ROA and TCD demonstrates the necessity of these complementary techniques to identify complex mirror-asymmetric vibrational modes and offers new insights into their interactions with circularly polarized light.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Potential Foldamers Based on an ortho- Terphenyl Amino Acid

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a new class of oligomers built from a terphenyl-based amino acid. Here, these oligomeric amides are of interest because the adoption of specific conformations could potentially be driven by the coordinated formation of inter-residue hydrogen bonds and aromatic interactions. Although high-resolution structural data have proven inaccessible, circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance studies suggest that the new oligomers fold concomitantly with discrete self-association in chloroform. Molecular simulations find no sign of folding as a monomer, and in fact suggest that hydrogen bond patterning is anti-cooperative, inhibiting longer helices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Strong NIR II Chiroptical Response and Magnetic Anisotropy via Modular Installation of Chiral Capping Ligands on a Light-Emitting Diradicaloid Scaffold

Low-energy molecular lumiphores have seen increased interest due to potential imaging and communications applications. Specifically, molecules that emit in the near-infrared (NIR, 700–1700 nm) or telecom (∼1260–1625 nm) regions, where attenuation is minimized in biological tissue and optical fibers, respectively, can drastically improve image resolution and depth penetration; however, bright low-energy emission is rare due to exponentially decreasing quantum yields in this region. Chiral molecules exhibiting strong NIR or telecom absorption/emission would be of particular interest due to advanced security and spintronics applications, but these compounds remain scarce and are currently restricted to lanthanide or nanoparticle-based systems. Here, we report the synthesis of a chiral organic-based NIR emitter, enabled by simple peripheral installation of chiral capping ligands. These ligands twist the achiral NIR-emissive core, breaking inversion symmetry. Furthermore, this twisting enables strong chiroptical responses observed via static and transient circular dichroism and increased magnetic anisotropy through electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements, establishing this strategy as a promising method for the development of new chiral emitters and sensors.

Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy↗

Density Functional Theory Study of Controllable Optical Absorptions and Magneto-Optical Properties of Magnetic CrI 3 Nanoribbons: Implications for Compact 2D Magnetic Devices

A chromium triiodide (CrI 3 ) monolayer has an interesting ferromagnetic ground-state. In this work, we calculate band structures and magnetic moments of tensile-strained and bent zigzag CrI 3 nanoribbons with density functional theory. The edge iodine atoms form flat low-lying conduction bands and couple with chromium atoms ferromagnetically, while the non-edge iodine atoms weakly couple antiferromagnetically. Narrow CrI 3 nanoribbons have two locally stable magnetic moment orientations, namely out-of-plane and in-plane (along the nanoribbon periodic direction) configurations. This enables four magnetization states in CrI 3 nanoribbons, including two out-of-plane ones (up and down) and two in-plane ones (forward and backward along the nanoribbon periodical direction), increasing the operating controllability. Based on the one-dimensional Ising spin chain model, the spin correlation length of the narrow CrI 3 nanoribbon is estimated as about 10 Å at its estimated Curie temperature of 27 Kelvin, which is lower than the measured 45 Kelvin of the monolayer CrI 3 . The optical absorption and magneto-optical properties of CrI 3 nanoribbons are investigated with many-body perturbation GW-BSE (Bethe-Salpeter equation), including magnetic dichroism, Faraday and magneto-optical Kerr effects. Here, the low-energy dark excitons are mainly from transitions between electrons and holes with unlike spins and are non-Frenkel-like, while the bright excitons have mixed spin configurations. The intrinsic lifetime of excitons can be over one nanosecond, suitable for quantum information processes. Tensile strains and bending manifestly modulate the absorption spectra and magneto-optical properties of CrI 3 nanoribbons within a technologically important photon energy-range of ~1.0-2.0 eV. The CrI 3 nanoribbons can be used in 1D or 2D magnetic storage nanodevices, tunable magnetic optoelectronics, and spin-based quantum information controls.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A Closer Look at Fe(II) Passivation of Goethite

Our understanding of how Fe(II) reacts with Fe(III) oxides has evolved significantly based on evidence for electron transfer at the oxide-water interface and Fe(II)-catalyzed recrystallization. Recent experiments, as well as computational calculations, further suggest that defects at oxide surfaces can facilitate electron transfer. There is, however, some evidence that these processes cease after continued contact with Fe(II). Here, we explore the sustainability of these processes over longer time frames by measuring whether exposure to Fe(II) inhibits Fe(II)-goethite electron transfer, and whether this inhibition is reversible. To quantify the extent of electron transfer, we used selective isotope labeling with 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results revealed that pre-reacting goethite with Fe(II) decreases the extent of electron transfer during subsequent exposures, and that less electron transfer occurs with increasing reaction time. Similarly, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and magnetic circular dichroism suggest that reaction with Fe(II) consumes surface defects and forms a passivation layer, making goethite less susceptible to electron transfer. When Fe(II) is removed by either wet chemical extraction or oxidation, electron transfer is mostly restored, suggesting that inhibition of electron transfer is reversible. Our results show that in environmental systems, which are commonly subjected to transient geochemical fluctuations, electron transfer between Fe(II) and Fe oxides, and processes linked to it, are likely to be relevant beyond just short time scales.

Andrade de Notini, Luiza↗

Self-Powered Circularly Polarized Light Detection Enabled by Chiral Two-Dimensional Perovskites with Mixed Chiral–Achiral Organic Cations

Direct detection of circularly polarized light (CPL) holds great promise for the development of various optical technologies. Chiral 2D organic–inorganic halide perovskites make it possible to fabricate CPL-sensitive photodetectors. However, selectively detecting left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) and right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) light remains a significant challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a greatly enhanced distinguishability of photodiode-type CPL photodetectors based on chiral 2D perovskites with mixed chiral aryl (R)-(+),(S)-(–)-α-methylbenzylammonium (R,S-MBA) and achiral alkyl n-butylammonium (nBA) cations. The (R,S-MBA 0.5 nBA 0.5 ) 2 PbI 4 perovskites exhibit a 10-fold increase in circular dichroism signals compared to (R,S-MBA) 2 PbI 4 perovskites. Here, the CPL photodetectors based on the mixed-cation perovskites exhibit self-powered capabilities with a specific detectivity of 2.45 × 10 12 Jones at a o V bias. Notably, these devices show high distinguishability (gres) factors of –0.58 and +0.54 based on (R,S-MBA 0.5 nBA 0.5 ) 2 PbI 4 perovskites, respectively, surpassing the performance of (R-MBA) 2 PbI 4 -based devices by over 3-fold and setting a record for CPL detectors based on chiral 2D n = 1 perovskites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Inhomogeneous Magnetic Anisotropy in an Fe 5– x GeTe 2 Nanoflake Observed by Imaging

Few-layer flakes of ferromagnetic Fe 5–x GeTe 2 with x = 0.3 (F5GT) possess a c-axis magnetocrystalline anisotropy that is large enough below ∼200 K to outcompete the easy-plane shape anisotropy, yielding distinctive magnetic microstructures with out-of-plane (OOP) magnetizations. Using photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) with magnetic contrast from X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) to study a thermally demagnetized h-BN-protected nanoflake of F5GT at 110 K, we observe a micron-scale coexistence between domains with OOP magnetizations (∼70% areal fraction) and hitherto unknown domains in which in-plane (IP) magnetization components dominate (∼30% areal fraction). The regions with dominant IP magnetization components do not correlate with small variations of flake thickness (6–10 nm) and instead arise from local changes of magnetocrystalline anisotropy due to a hitherto unidentified chemical inhomogeneity that we suggest to be a higher concentration of Fe vacancies. Our observation of micron-scale inhomogeneity would likely be missed if imaging a single flake orientation and should affect the viability and performance of van der Waals (vdW) spintronic devices with F5GT electrodes.

2D materials↗

Interplay between Chiro-Optical and Spin Transport Properties in Chiral CdSe Quantum Dots

The chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect offers compelling approaches for manipulating spin-dependent processes in both chemistry and physics, yet the physical mechanism(s) underpinning CISS are still debated. Here we present a study of structure-property relationships in chiral quantum dot assemblies to identify attributes of CISS-based phenomena. Our results show that the circular dichroism (CD) strength of chiral CdSe quantum dots’ primary exciton transition correlates with two CISS properties, the propensity to transmit pure spin currents and to produce spin-polarized charge currents. While the spin-polarized charge current reverses its sign with a change in the polarity of the CD signal, the pure spin current transport does not. The trends in both transport types can be rationalized in terms of chirality-induced splitting of spin sub-bands, which are modulated by chiral symmetry breaking under charge transport through the CdSe quantum dots.

cadmium selenide↗

Electrical Switching and Imaging of Antiferromagnetic Spins in Perovskite Epitaxial Thin Films

Electrical control of antiferromagnets is essential for the field of antiferromagnetic spintronics that promises ultrafast speed and terahertz dynamics. However, the large family of complex oxide antiferromagnets such as perovskites have been largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate electrical switching and detection of Néel vector in LaFeO 3 epitaxial thin films with an epitaxy-enabled biaxial anisotropy, of which the switching behavior is understood by comparing to magnetic field controlled spin Hall magnetoresistance measurements. The electrical switching is corroborated by imaging of antiferromagnetic domains using X-ray Magnetic Linear Dichroism Photoemission Electron Microscopy. Electrical switching of 3-nm and 10-nm LaFeO 3 films was achieved over a wide temperature range of 25 to 300 K. This work offers an attractive platform for exploration of antiferromagnetic spintronics and other emerging phenomena such as potential insulating altermagnetism.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Modification at the C2'-O-Position with 2-Methylbenzothiophene Induces Unique Structural Changes and Thermal Transitions on Duplexes of RNA and DNA

Oligonucleotides can be chemically modified for a variety of applications that include their use as biomaterials, in therapeutics, or as tools to understand biochemical processes, among others. This work focuses on the functionalization of oligonucleotides of RNA and DNA (12- or 14-nucleotides long) with methylbenzothiophene (BT), at the C2'-O-position, which led to unique structural features. Circular dichroism (CD) analyses showed that positioning the BT units on one strand led to significant thermal destabilization, while duplexes where each strand contained 4-BT rings formed a distinct arrangement with cooperativity/interactions among the modifications (evidenced from the appearance of a band with positive ellipticity at 235 nm). Interestingly, the structural arrays displayed increased duplex stabilization (>10 °C higher than the canonical analogue) as a function of [Na + ] with an unexpected structural rearrangement at temperatures above 50 °C. Density functional theory–polarizable continuum model (DFT-PCM) calculations were carried out, and the analyses were in agreement with induced structural changes as a function of salt content. A model was proposed where the hydrophobic surface allows for an internal nucleobase rearrangement into a more thermodynamically stable structure, before undergoing full denaturation, with increased heat. While this behavior is not common, B- to Z-form duplex transitions can occur and are dependent on parameters that were probed in this work, i.e., temperature, nature of modification, or ionic content. To take advantage of this phenomenon, we probed the ability of the modified duplexes to be recognized by Zα (an RNA binding protein that targets Z-form RNA) via electrophoretic analysis and CD. Interestingly, the protein did not bind to canonical duplexes of DNA or RNA; however, it recognized the modified duplexes, in a [monovalent/divalent salt] dependent manner. Overall, the findings describe methodology to attain unique structural motifs of modified duplexes of DNA or RNA, and control their behavior as a function of salt concentration. While their affinity to RNA binding proteins, and the corresponding mechanism of action, requires further exploration, the tunable properties can be of potential use to study this, and other, types of modifications. The novel arrays that formed, under the conditions described herein, provide a useful way to explore the structure and behavior of modified oligonucleotides, in general.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Controlling Amphiphilic Polymer Folding beyond the Primary Structure with Protein-Mimetic Di(Phenylalanine)

While methods for polymer synthesis have proliferated, their functionality pales in comparison to natural biopolymers–strategies are limited for building the intricate network of noncovalent interactions necessary to elicit complex, protein-like functions. Using a bioinspired di(phenylalanine) acrylamide (FF) monomer, we explored the impact of various noncovalent interactions in generating ordered assembled structures. Amphiphilic copolymers were synthesized that exhibit β-sheet-like local structure upon collapsing into single-chain assemblies in aqueous environments. Here, the systematic analysis of a series of amphiphilic copolymers illustrated that the global collapse is primarily driven by hydrophobic forces. Hydrogen-bonding and aromatic interactions stabilize local structure, as β-sheet-like interactions were identified via circular dichroism and thioflavin T fluorescence. Similar analysis of phenylalanine (F) and alanine-phenylalanine acrylamide (AF) copolymers found that distancing the aromatic residue from the polymer backbone is sufficient to induce β-sheet-like local structure akin to the FF copolymers; however, the interactions between AF subunits are less stable than those formed by FF. Further, hydrogen-bond donating hydrophilic monomers disrupt internal structure formed by FF within collapsed assemblies. Collectively, these results illuminate design principles for the facile incorporation of multiple facets of protein-mimetic, higher-order structure within folded synthetic polymers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Generation of Axially Chiral Fluoroallenes through a Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective β-Fluoride Elimination

Herein we report the copper-catalyzed silylation of propargylic difluorides to generate axially chiral, tetrasubstituted monofluoroallenes in both good yields (27 examples >80%) and enantioselectivities (82-98% ee). Compared to previously reported synthetic routes to axially chiral allenes (ACAs) from prochiral substrates, a mechanistically distinct reaction has been developed: the enantiodiscrimination between enantiotopic fluorides to set an axial stereocenter. DFT calculations and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) suggest that β-fluoride elimination from an alkenyl copper intermediate likely proceeds through a syn -β-fluoride elimination pathway rather than an anti -elimination pathway. The effects of the C1-symmetric Josiphos-derived ligand on reactivity and enantioselectivity were investigated. Not only does this report showcase that alkenyl copper species (like their alkyl counterparts) can undergo β-fluoride elimination, but this elimination can be achieved in an enantioselective fashion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

As–Se Pentagonal Linkers to Induce Chirality and Polarity in Mixed-Valent Fe–Se Tetrahedral Chains Resulting in Hidden Magnetic Ordering

A novel mixed-valent hybrid chiral and polar compound, Fe 7 As 3 Se 12 (en) 6 (H 2 O), has been synthesized by a single-step solvothermal method. The crystal structure consists of 1D [Fe 5 Se 9 ] chains connected via [As 3 Se 2 ]–Se pentagonal linkers and charge-balancing interstitial [Fe(en) 3 ] 2+ complexes (en = ethylenediamine). Neutron powder diffraction verified that interstitial water molecules participate in the crystal packing. Magnetic polarizability of the produced compound was confirmed by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectroscopy. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy showed the presence of mixed-valent Fe 2+ /Fe 3+ in the Fe–Se chains. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal strong antiferromagnetic nearest neighbor interactions within the chains with no apparent magnetic ordering down to 2 K. Hidden short-range magnetic ordering below 70 K was found by 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, showing that a fraction of the Fe 3+ /Fe 2+ in the chains are magnetically ordered. Nevertheless, complete magnetic ordering is not achieved even at 6 K. Analysis of XAS spectra demonstrates that the fraction of Fe 3+ in the chain increases with decreasing temperature. Computational analysis points out several competing ferrimagnetic ordered models within a single chain. Here, this competition, together with variation in the Fe oxidation state and additional weak intrachain interactions, is hypothesized to prevent long-range magnetic ordering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Methane Activation by a Mononuclear Copper Active Site in the Zeolite Mordenite: Effect of Metal Nuclearity on Reactivity

The direct conversion of methane to methanol would have a wide reaching environmental and industrial impact. Copper-containing zeolites can perform this reaction at low temperatures and pressures at a previously defined O 2 -activated [Cu 2 O] 2+ site. However, after autoreduction of the copper-containing zeolite mordenite and removal of the [Cu 2 O] 2+ active site, the zeolite is still methane reactive. In this study, we use diffuse reflectance UV–vis spectroscopy, magnetic circular dichroism, resonance Raman spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to unambiguously define a mononuclear [CuOH] + as the CH 4 reactive active site of the autoreduced zeolite. The rigorous identification of a mononuclear active site allows a reactivity comparison to the previously defined [Cu 2 O] 2+ active site. We perform kinetic experiments to compare the reactivity of the [CuOH] + and [Cu 2 O] 2+ sites and find that the binuclear site is significantly more reactive. From the analysis of density functional theory calculations, we elucidate that this increased reactivity is a direct result of stabilization of the [Cu 2 OH] 2+ H-atom abstraction product by electron delocalization over the two Cu cations via the bridging ligand. This significant increase in reactivity from electron delocalization over a binuclear active site provides new insights for the design of highly reactive oxidative catalysts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Entropy Engineering and Tunable Magnetic Order in the Spinel High-Entropy Oxide

Spinel oxides are an ideal setting to explore the interplay between configurational entropy, site selectivity, and magnetism in high-entropy oxides (HEOs). In this work, we characterize the magnetic properties of the spinel (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) 3 O 4 and study the evolution of its magnetism as a function of nonmagnetic gallium substitution. Across the range of compositions studied here, from 0 to 40% Ga, magnetic susceptibility and powder neutron diffraction measurements show that ferrimagnetic order is robust in the spinel HEO. However, we also find that the ferrimagnetic order is highly tunable, with the ordering temperature, saturated and sublattice moments, and magnetic hardness all varying significantly as a function of Ga concentration. Through X-ray absorption and magnetic circular dichroism, we are able to correlate this magnetic tunability with strong site selectivity between the various cations and the tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the spinel structure. In particular, we find that while Ni and Cr are largely unaffected by the substitution with Ga, the occupancies of Mn, Co, and Fe are each significantly redistributed. Ga substitution also requires an overall reduction in the transition metal valence, and this is entirely accommodated by Mn. Finally, we show that while site selectivity has an overall suppressing effect on the configurational entropy, over a certain range of compositions, Ga substitution yields a striking increase in the configurational entropy and may confer additional stabilization. In conclusion, spinel oxides can be tuned seamlessly from the low-entropy to the high-entropy regime, making this an ideal platform for entropy engineering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Charge Delocalization and Vibronic Couplings in Quadrupolar Squaraine Dyes

Squaraines are prototypical quadrupolar charge-transfer chromophores that have recently attracted much attention as building blocks for solution-processed photovoltaics, fluorescent probes with large two-photon absorption cross sections, and aggregates with large circular dichroism. Their optical properties are often rationalized in terms of phenomenological essential state models, considering the coupling of two zwitterionic excited states to a neutral ground state. As a result, optical transitions to the lowest S 1 excited state are one-photon allowed, whereas the next higher S 2 state can only be accessed by two-photon transitions. A further implication of these models is a substantial reduction of vibronic coupling to the ubiquitous high-frequency vinyl-stretching modes of organic materials. Here, in this study, we combine time-resolved vibrational spectroscopy, two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy, and quantum-chemical simulations to test and rationalize these predictions for nonaggregated molecules. We find small Huang–Rhys factors below 0.01 for the high-frequency, 1500 cm –1 modes in particular, as well as a noticeable reduction for those of lower frequency modes in general for the electronic S 0 → S 1 transition. The two-photon allowed state S 2 is well separated energetically from S 1 and has weak vibronic signatures as well. Thus, the resulting pronounced concentration of the oscillator strength in a narrow region relevant to the lowest electronic transition makes squaraines and their aggregates exceptionally interesting for strong and ultrastrong coupling of excitons to localized light modes in external resonators with chiral properties that can largely be controlled by the molecular architecture.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗