Strategic synthesis of magnetically interesting high nuclearity complexes of 3d-4f metal ions

Molecule-based magnets are highly interesting with their potential applications in high-density data storage devices and quantum computing.

This project will focus on strategic synthesis and magnetic studies of high nuclearity paramagnetic clusters and networks. Various Schiff-base ligands will be synthesized with additional hydroxyl groups to bridge between different transition metals and lanthanoids. First-row transition metals will be used in combination with different lanthanoids to achieve high ground state spin and magnetic anisotropy. Cluster complexes will be particularly studied for single-molecule magnetism and the coordination polymers will be studied for their magnetocaloric effects. Computational methods will be developed to predict the properties and structures of the magnetically active polynuclear complexes to direct and explain the experimental studies.