Exploring room-temperature transport of single-molecule magnet-based molecular spintronics devices using the magnetic tunnel junction as a device platform. Issue 22 (31st March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tyagi, Pawan; Riso, Christopher; Amir, Uzma; Rojas-Dotti, Carlos; Martínez-Lillo, Jose
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 10:Issue 22(2020)
• Page Start: 13006
• Page End: 13015
• Publication Date: 2020-03-31
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c9ra09003g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : A device architecture utilizing a single-molecule magnet (SMM) as a device element between two ferromagnetic electrodes may open vast opportunities to create novel molecular spintronics devices. Abstract : A device architecture utilizing a single-molecule magnet (SMM) as a device element between two ferromagnetic electrodes may open vast opportunities to create novel molecular spintronics devices. Here, we report a method of connecting an SMM to the ferromagnetic electrodes. We utilized a nickel (Ni)–AlO x –Ni magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with the exposed side edges as a test bed. In the present work, we utilized an SMM with a hexanuclear [Mn6 (μ3 -O)2 (H2 N-sao)6 (6-atha)2 (EtOH)6 ] [H2 N-saoH = salicylamidoxime, 6-atha = 6-acetylthiohexanoate] complex that is attached to alkane tethers terminated with thiols. These Mn-based molecules were electrochemically bonded between the two Ni electrodes of an exposed-edge tunnel junction, which was produced by the lift-off method. The SMM-treated MTJ exhibited current enhancement and transitory current suppression at room temperature. Monte Carlo simulation was utilized to understand the transport properties of our molecular spintronics device.