Spin Crossover Systems Research Articles

General Landau theory of non-symmetry-breaking and symmetry-breaking spin transition materials

Spin-transition materials, including the families of spin-crossover and charge-transfer systems, and more generally molecular-based materials exhibiting electronic and/or structural bistability, may undergo various types of phase transitions. The change of electronic state is stabilized by molecular reorganizations and both phenomena, which are usually non-symmetry breaking, can be described through the evolution of an order parameter q. Due to symmetry, q linearly couples to volume change. It is known that such elastic interactions are responsible for cooperative phenomena in non-symmetry-breaking spin-transitions. However, spin-transition materials may also exhibit symmetry-breaking phenomena related to various types of orders such as structural order as well as spin-state concentration waves. The universal framework of the Landau theory of phase transition is relevant for describing such ordering processes through the evolution of a symmetry-breaking order parameter η. The simultaneous or sequential occurrence of spin-transition and symmetry-breaking phenomena are reported for numerous spin-transition materials, and the coupling between these two types of instabilities is responsible for the emergence of various types of functions. In this work, we use the Landau approach to describe both symmetry-breaking phenomena and non-symmetry-breaking spin transition. We discuss how their coupling can generate sequences of phase transitions, from simple spin-crossover to spin-transition, continuous or discontinuous symmetry breaking, including ferroelasticity or stepwise spin transitions.

Pressure gradient effect on spin-crossover materials: Experiment vs theory

We studied the effect of non-hydrostatic pressure on the hysteretic spin crossover in coordination complexes. By introducing into an Ising-like model a double distribution of the interactions and gap energy, respectively, we were able to generate the major hysteresis loop and the first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagram for spin-crossover systems of 106 hysterons (like-spin domains). We show that, for high pressure gradients around the spin-crossover system, the thermal hysteresis loop takes an asymmetric shape, in good agreement with the experimental data on pressure effect recorded at low temperatures, below the solidification of the pressure transmitting medium. Interestingly, the FORC diagram method seems to be much more sensitive to local changes than the “bulk” parameters, which characterize the major hysteresis loop.

Accurate calculation of spin-state energy gaps in Fe(III) spin-crossover systems using density functional methods.

Fe(III) complexes are receiving ever-increasing attention as spin crossover (SCO) systems because they are usually air stable, as opposed to Fe(II) complexes, which are prone to oxidation. Here, we present the first systematic study exclusively devoted to assess the accuracy of several exchange-correlation functionals when it comes to predicting the energy gap between the high-spin (S = 5/2) and the low-spin (S = 1/2) states of Fe(III) complexes. Using a dataset of 24 different Fe(III) hexacoordinated complexes, it is demonstrated that the B3LYP* functional is an excellent choice not only for predicting spin-state energy gaps for Fe(III) complexes undergoing spin-transitions but also for discriminating Fe(III) complexes that are either low- or high-spin in the whole range of temperatures. Our benchmark study has led to the identification of a very versatile Fe(III) compound whose SCO properties can be engineered upon changing a single axial ligand. Overall, this work demonstrates that B3LYP* is a reliable functional for screening new spin-crossover systems with tailored properties.

Acidity-Driven Bidirectional Room-Temperature Spin-State Switch and Fluorescence Modulation of a Mononuclear Fe(II) Complex

Room-temperature switchable materials showing multiple responses toward external stimuli are highly desired. Herein, we report bidirectional spin-state switch and fluorescence modulation of an Fe(I...

Three Jahn-Teller States of Matter in Spin-Crossover System Mn(taa).

Three high-spin phases recently discovered in the spin-crossover system Mn(taa) are identified through analysis by a combination of first-principles calculations and MonteCarlo simulation as a low-temperature Jahn-Teller ordered (solid) phase, an intermediate-temperature dynamically correlated (liquid) phase, and an uncorrelated (gas) phase. In particular, the Jahn-Teller liquid phase arises from competition between mixing with low-spin impurities, which drive the disorder, and intermolecular strain interactions. The latter are a key factor in both the spin-crossover phase transition and the magnetoelectric coupling. Jahn-Teller liquids may exist in other spin-crossover materials and materials that have multiple equivalent Jahn-Teller axes.

Assessment of the SCAN Functional for Spin-State Energies in Spin-Crossover Systems.

The strongly constrained and appropriately normed (SCAN) functional has been tested toward the calculation of spin-state energy differences in a data set of 20 spin-crossover (SCO) systems, ranging from d4 to d7. Results show that the SCAN functional is able to correctly predict the low-spin state as the ground state for all systems, and the energy window provided by the calculations falls in the approximate range of energies that will allow for SCO to occur. Moreover, the SCAN functional can be used in periodic boundary condition calculations, accounting for the effect of collective crystal vibrations and counterions in the thermochemistry of the spin transition. Our results validate this functional as a potential method for in silico screening of new SCO systems at both, molecular and crystal-packed levels.

Theoretical investigations on the pressure effects in spin-crossover materials: Reentrant phase transitions and other behavior

Pressure effects have been widely studied in spin-crossover (SCO) solids due to their immediate influence on the thermal dependence of the high-spin (HS) fraction. In most of the cooperative SCO materials, the applied pressure shifts the transition temperatures upward and decreases the thermal hysteresis widths to such an extent that it vanishes at some critical pressure. However, several other unexpected experimental features were found in the literature, showing that the applied pressure may (i) induce an increase of the thermal hysteresis width or even (ii) lead to a reentrant behavior on the thermal hysteresis whose width first increases for low applied pressures and then decreases at high-pressure values. These nonstandard behaviors have been classified as anomalous, even though the transition temperature always increases under pressure. In this theoretical contribution, we rationalize all these behaviors by describing the spin-crossover system under pressure with an elastic description accounting for the difference of lattice parameters between the low-spin (LS) and HS phases including the pressure effects. The analytical study of this elastic model in the homogeneous mechanical system demonstrated its isomorphism with an Ising-like model with infinitely long-range interactions, in which the pressure acts linearly on the ligand field and nonlinearly on the strength of the interactions. The resolution of this model brings to light the existence of a pressure-induced interplay between these two contributions allowing one to recover a wide range of normal and abnormal observed experimental thermal dependences of the spin transition under pressure.

Unusual Magneto-Structural Features of the Halo-Substituted Materials [FeIII (5-X-salMeen)2 ]Y: a Cooperative [HS-HS]↔[HS-LS] Spin Transition.

X-ray structures of the halo-substituted complexes [FeIII (5-X-salMeen)2 ]ClO4 (X=F, Cl, Br, I) [salMeen=N-methyl-N-(2-aminoethyl)salicylaldiminate]at RT have revealed the presence of two discrete HS complex cations in the crystallographic asymmetric unit with two perchlorate counter ions linking them by N-Hamine ⋅⋅⋅Operchlorate interactions. At 90 K, the two complex cations are distinctly HS and LS, a rare crystallographic observation of this coexistence in the FeIII -salRen (R=alkyl) spin-crossover (SCO) system. At both temperatures, crystal packing shows dimerization through C-Himine ⋅⋅⋅Ophenolate interactions, a key feature for SCO cooperativity. Moreover, there are noncovalent contacts between the complex cations through type-II halogen-halogen bonds, which are novel in this system. The magnetic profiles and Mössbauer spectra concur with the structural analyses and reveal 50 % SCO of the type [HS-HS]↔[HS-LS] with a broad plateau. In contrast, [FeIII (5-Cl-salMeen)2 ]BPh4 ⋅2MeOH is LS and exhibits a temperature-dependent crystallographic phase transition, exemplifying the influence of lattice solvents and counter ions on SCO.

Thermal and Light‐Activated Spin Crossover in Iron(III) qnal Complexes

Three iron(III) complexes, [Fe(qnal)2]Y {qnal = 1‐[(8‐quinolinylimino)methyl]‐2‐naphthalenolate; Y = NO3 1, BPh4·CH2Cl2 2, NCS 3} have been prepared to explore anion effects in spin crossover systems. Structural studies on 2 reveal supramolecular chains formed by π–π and C–H···π interactions between the [Fe(qnal)2]+ cations. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show the onset of spin crossover in 1 above 200 K, while complete spin crossover is observed in 2 and 3 with T1/2 = 285 and 340 K, respectively. Unusually, 2 also undergoes light‐induced excited spin state trapping (LIESST) at 980 nm with ca. 65 % efficiency and T(LIESST) = 25 K and reverse‐LIESST at 660 nm with full reversibility over many cycles. The results highlight the important influence that the anion has on thermal and light‐activated spin crossover properties.

Structure-function correlations in mononuclear manganese(iii) spin crossover systems with a big conjugated hexadentate Schiff-base ligand.

This paper reports the syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of spin crossover (SCO) salts of formulae [Mn(naphth-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]SbF6 (1), [Mn(naphth-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]AsF6 (2), [Mn(naphth-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]PF6·1/2CH3OH (3) and [Mn(naphth-sal-N-1,5,8,12)]ClO4 (4), where (naphth-sal-N-1,5,8,12)2- (2,2'-((1E,14E)-2,6,10,14-tetraazapentadeca-1,14-diene-1,15-diyl)diphenolate) is a big conjugated hexadentate Schiff-base ligand. Magnetic susceptibility measurements demonstrated that complexes 1 and 2 showed a gradual one-step SCO between the high-spin (HS, S = 2) and low-spin (LS, S = 1) states without thermal hysteresis. The transition temperatures T1/2 of the SbF6 (1) and AsF6 (2) salts estimated from the magnetic susceptibility measurements are 164 and 171 K, respectively. The existence of the crystal solvent of complex 3 changes the supramolecular packing, leading to close ππ stacking interactions between the phenyl groups of the ligands. These close stacking interactions hinder the flexibility of the whole ligand, precluding the spin transformation of complex 3 and leading to its stabilization in the HS state in the temperature range of 2-300 K. For 4, crystal structure analysis indicates that the reduction in the anion size leads to close contacts between the naphthalene rings. These C-Hπ interactions provide a means for preventing the spin crossover occurring at low temperatures.

Light- and temperature-assisted spin state annealing: accessing the hidden multistability.

Among responsive multistable materials, spin crossover (SCO) systems are of particular interest for stabilizing multiple spin states with various stimulus inputs and physical outputs. Here, in a 2D Hofmann-type coordination polymer, [Fe(isoq)2{Au(CN)2}2] (isoq = isoquinoline), a medium-temperature annealing process is introduced after light/temperature stimulation, which accesses the hidden multistability of the spin state. With the combined effort of magnetic, crystallographic and Mössbauer spectral investigation, these distinct spin states are identified and the light- and temperature-assisted transition pathways are clarified. Such excitation-relaxation and trapping-relaxation joint mechanisms, as ingenious interplays between the kinetic and thermodynamic effects, uncover hidden possibilities for the discovery of multistable materials and the development of multistate intelligent devices.

Synchrotron-based Mössbauer spectroscopy characterization of sublimated spin crossover molecules.

The spin crossover (SCO) efficiency of [57Fe(bpz)2(phen)] (where bpz = bis(pyrazol-1-yl)borohydride and phen = 9,10-phenantroline) molecules deposited on gold substrates was investigated by means of synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy. The spin transition was driven thermally, or light induced via the LIESST (light induced excited spin-state trapping) effect. Both sets of measurements show that, once deposited on a gold substrate, the efficiency of the SCO mechanism is modified with respect to molecules in the bulk phase. A correlation in the distribution of hyperfine parameters in the sublimated films, not evidenced so far in the bulk phase, is reported. This translates into geometrical distortions of the first coordination sphere of the iron atom that seem to correlate with the decreased spin conversion. The work reported clearly shows the potentiality of synchrotron Mössbauer spectroscopy for the characterization of nanostructured Fe-based SCO systems, thus resulting as a key tool in view of their applications in innovative nanoscale devices.

Magnetism in spin crossover systems: Short-range order and effects beyond the Heisenberg model

To study non-Heisenberg effects in the vicinity of spin crossover in strongly correlated electron systems we derive an effective low-energy Hamiltonian for the two-band Kanamori model. It contains Heisenberg high-spin term proportional to exchange constant as well as low-spin term proportional to spin gap parameter $\varepsilon_s$. Using cluster mean field theory we obtain several non-Heisenberg effects. Near critical value of spin gap $\varepsilon^c_s$ there is a magnetic phase transition of first order. In the vicinity of $\varepsilon^c_s$ in the paramagnetic phase we observe non trivial behavior of the Curie constant in the paramagnetic susceptibility in the wide range of temperature. Reentrant temperature behavior of nearest-neighbor spin-spin correlations is observed at $\varepsilon_s > \varepsilon^c_s$. Finally, pressure-temperature magnetic phase diagram for ferroperriclase is obtained using the effective Hamiltonian.

First step in preparation of multifunctional spin crossover material based on Fe(II) complex of cyclam-based ligand. Magnetism and DFT studies

With the aim to make the first step in preparation of magnetic multifunctional material combining spin crossover (SCO) together with single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties in one molecule (polynuclear complex), a specially designed ligand L-NH2 (1,8-bis(4-aminobenzyl)-4,11-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) was synthesized. It contains (i) macrocyclic cyclam core substituted with two 2-pyridylmethyl pendant arms suitable for complexation of Fe(II), because such system was previously proven to provide SCO, and (ii) two p-aminobenzyl pendant arms introducing NH2 groups suitable for consequent attachment of SMM molecule (e.g. transformation to functional groups for selective complexation of other metals). Furthermore, Fe(II) complex [Fe(L-NH2)]Cl2·2.5H2O was prepared and characterized. Unfortunately, according to the magnetic measurements, SCO behavior was not observed and the complex remained in high-spin state with relatively high magnetic anisotropy (D = –17.7 cm−1, E/D = 0.31). This magnetic behavior was rationalized by the DFT computational study, which identified high-spin state as preferential for prepared complex in contrast to other structurally similar SCO systems with low-spin state preference. The most probable reason behind this difference appeared to be the electron-withdrawing effect of benzyl groups providing weaker ligand field of macrocyclic nitrogen donor atoms.

Computational Modeling of Transition Temperatures in Spin-Crossover Systems

A survey of different computational approaches to compute thermochemical properties and, in particular, transition temperatures (T1/2) in spin-crossover (SCO) systems are presented. Asides from the possibility of computing accurate values, this work centers its efforts in the use of computational tools to explain trends in different families of SCO molecules. Understanding the impact that chemical modifications (both electronic and steric) have over the ligand-field around the metal center is key in rationalizing the observed trends in T1/2. By using concepts from molecular orbital theory combined with the results from the calculations, a simple yet, accurate depiction of the shift in T1/2 can be outlined. Therefore, the presented results allow for a rational design of new SCO systems with tailored properties.

Manipulating Spin Transition To Achieve Switchable Multifunctions.

The spin transition of metal ions involves interconversion between electron configurations exhibiting considerably different functions and plays a substantial role in the chemical, physical, and biological fields. The photoinduced spin transition offers a promising approach to tune various physical properties with high spatial and temporal resolutions for producing smart multifunctional materials not only to explore their basic science but also to satisfy the demands of the next-generation photoswitchable-molecule-based devices. Therefore, it is attracting considerable interest to utilize photoinduced spin transition to simultaneously tune multifunctions. However, two issues are challenging in obtaining reversible and swift manipulation of functions: (1) the interconversion between different electron configurations of photoresponsive units should be reversibly switched via photoinduced spin transition; (2) effective coupling should be built between the photoresponsive and functional units to produce photoswitchable functions utilizing photoinduced spin transition. In this Account, we will review our recent advances in the usage of spin transition of metal ions as actuators for tuning the magnetic, dielectric, fluorescence, and mechanical properties, wherein the role of a photoswitchable spin transition is highlighted. We mainly focus on the study of two spin-transition categories, including spin-crossover (SCO) of one metal ion and metal-to-metal charge transfer (MMCT). Initially, we will describe a strategy for developing photoinduced reversible SCO and MMCT. The role of flexible intermolecular interactions, in particular, π···π interactions, is discussed with respect to a photoinduced reversible MMCT. Then, the SCO and MMCT units were assembled using metallocyanate building blocks to form a chain, wherein the spin states, anisotropy, and magnetic coupling interactions can be photoswitched to tune the single-chain magnet behavior. Besides magnetic properties, the photoinduced spin transition that is associated with the concomitant changing of charge distribution, bond lengths, and absorption spectra can be utilized to tune the multifunctions. Therefore, the transfer of an electron from a central cobalt site to one of the two iron sites in linear trinuclear Fe2Co compounds resulted in the transformation of a centrosymmetric nonpolar molecule into an asymmetric polar molecule, and the molecular electric dipole and dielectric properties can be reversibly switched. Moreover, the spin transition usually involved significant expansion or contraction of the coordination sphere of metal ions because of the population/depopulation of the antibonding eg orbitals. Therefore, colossal positive and negative thermal expansion behaviors were achieved in a layered compound by manipulating the spin-transition process and the rotation of the functional units, thereby providing a strategy for synthesizing phototunable nanomotors. Photoinduced spin transition can also be used to modulate the fluorescence properties by controlling the energy transfer between the fluorescent ligands and the metal sites showing SCO. Finally, we will provide a perspective and detail the remaining challenges that are associated with this research area. We believe that an increasing number of fascinating photoswitchable SCO and MMCT systems will emerge in the near future and that the materials exhibiting various properties and functions that can be manipulated using photoinduced spin transition will provide novel opportunities for the development of smart multifunctional materials and devices.

Unraveling the Environment Influence in Bistable Spin-Crossover Particles Using Magnetometric and Calorimetric First-Order Reverse Curves

A first-order reversal curve (FORC) method is used here to analyze the unexpected change of memory characteristic of spin-crossover microparticles embedded in glass-forming or semicrystalline matrices, reflected in the larger hysteresis loop compared to the bulk. The huge reversibility shown by the reversal curves was attributed to the effect of the matrix, implying a variable external pressure and a cutoff–switch on mechanism of particle–matrix interactions. The FORC analysis indicates that heating and cooling processes in the case of matrix-embedded spin-crossover systems are driven by different mechanisms. In complement of standard magnetometry measurements, a calorimetry method, which demands an alternative method to extract FORC distributions, is introduced for tracking the signature of the composite transformation to understand and control the role of embedding matrices.

Effect of nanostructuration on the spin crossover transition in crystalline ultrathin films.

Mastering the nanostructuration of molecular materials onto solid surfaces and understanding how this process affects their properties are of utmost importance for their integration into solid-state electronic devices. This is even more important for spin crossover (SCO) systems, in which the spin transition is extremely sensitive to size reduction effects. These bi-stable materials have great potential for the development of nanotechnological applications provided their intrinsic properties can be successfully implemented in nanometric films, amenable to the fabrication of functional nanodevices. Here we report the fabrication of crystalline ultrathin films (<1-43 nm) of two-dimensional Hofmann-type coordination polymers by using an improved layer-by-layer strategy and a close examination of their SCO properties at the nanoscale. X-ray absorption spectroscopy data in combination with extensive atomic force microscopy analysis reveal critical dependence of the SCO transition on the number of layers and the microstructure of the films. This originates from the formation of segregated nanocrystals in early stages of the growth process that coalesce into a continuous film with an increasing number of growth cycles for an overall behaviour reminiscent of the bulk. As a result, the completeness of the high spin/low spin transition is dramatically hindered for films of less than 15 layers revealing serious limitations to the ultimate thickness that might be representative of the performance of the bulk when processing SCO materials as ultrathin films. This unprecedented exploration of the particularities of the growth of SCO thin films at the nanoscale should encourage researchers to put a spotlight on these issues when contemplating their integration into devices.

Abrupt spin crossover in iron(iii) complexes with aromatic anions.

Two iron(iii) spin crossover complexes, [Fe(qsal-X)2]OTs·nH2O, (Br 1·H2O; I, 2·2H2O or non-solvated 1, 2) have been prepared and fully characterized. Structural studies of 1·H2O and 2·2H2O reveal the presence of 1D π-π chains linking the Fe(iii) centres and a strong XO halogen bond. In both complexes the 1D π-π chains are angled relative to each other, enforced by C-HX interactions. Magnetic studies reveal abrupt spin crossover in 1 (T1/2↓ = 258 K and T1/2↑ = 260 K) and 2 (T1/2 = 298 K) with T1/2 increasing on going from Br to I. The presence of abrupt spin crossover in both complexes shows that aromatic anions can be effective in the design of cooperative spin crossover systems.

Cooperativity in Spin Crossover Systems. An Atomistic Perspective on the Devil's Staircase.

Cooperativity is key in defining the shape (i.e., gradual, abrupt, or hysteretic) of thermally driven spin transitions in magnetic switches. Despite its importance, there is very little information on its atomistic origin, which hinders the rational design of materials displaying a bistability region (i.e., hysteresis). In this paper, we investigate the spin transition of two solvatomorphs of [Fe(2-pic)3]Cl2, an Fe(II)-complex displaying thermal spin crossover (SCO) from a low-spin (LS) to a high-spin (HS) state with either gradual or abrupt two-step character. To do it, we apply a novel computational protocol to study the cooperativity of SCO compounds from DFT calculations, which does not rely on a priori assumptions on the studied system. The distinct shape of the spin transition is successfully captured, and the atomistic origin of cooperativity is traced back to geometrical distortions of the Fe-N6 core in case of the solvatomorph exhibiting an abrupt transition. According to our calculations, HS and LS molecules contribute differently to cooperativity, which results in a complex energetic evolution of the spin transition that cannot be described by the common Slichter-Drickamer model. The present work opens new avenues for the study of cooperativity of SCO systems having a chemically oriented perspective and demonstrates that quantum chemistry calculations can discriminate the shape of a spin transition, while providing insight into the atomistic underlying factors that contribute to its cooperative behavior.