Magnetic Field-Induced Polarization Change in Molecular Crystals

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K14694
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 34010:Inorganic/coordination chemistry-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Wu Shu-Qi 九州大学, 先導物質化学研究所, 助教 (30869524)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Magnetoelectric Coupling / Electric Polarization / Molecular Materials

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Polarization is one of the most important property of materials. In this work, we focused on the magnetic field-induced polarization switching in molecular materials lacking long-range ordering (0D systems). Particularly, we investigated the polar polynuclear complexes with magnetic structures that could be tuned by magnetic fields (e.g. antiferromagnetic or frustrated systems). In these two years, we have successfully obtained a spin-crossover complex exhibiting largest field-induced polarization up to date. Besides, we also screened out an antiferromagnetic trinuclear Fe complex exhibiting polarization change during phase transition. Pulsed magnetic fields measurements revealed that it possesses a spin ground state that could be switched by magnetic field of 97 T. Another single-molecule magnet with a non-collinear spin structure was also shown to exhibit magnetic field-induced polarization current, featuring a clear non-linear effect.

Free Research Field

Coordination Chemistry

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

This research contributes to material science by synthesizing new materials with optimized performance. Moreover, it enhances our understanding of magnetic molecules with entangled magnetization and polarization. Development of these materials may lead to next-generation magnetoelectric devices.