Chiral & Luminescent Nano-Magnets

Work package:
This internship project aims the preparation and study of the properties of molecular compounds known as single-molecule magnets. We will focus on chiral rare-earth ion (LnIII) complexes that are luminescent and behave like magnets. The idea behind this project is to probe the synergy between optical and magnetic properties, i.e. a magneto-optical effect, in molecular nano-magnets. Magneto-optical effects rely on a change of light polarization or intensity when propagating through a medium that is altered by the presence of a magnetic field. Since the seminal report by Faraday in 1845, the interplay between light and magnetism has remained a continuous research interest. The hosting group has observed the appearance of a polarization of the light emitted (i.e. CPL) by a complex of Dy when this compound behaved like a magnetic (see illustration).(ref.1) We now seek to design chiral nano-magnets that would exhibit such a magneto-chiral effect for higher temperatures. The student involved in this project will be in charge of the synthesis of a dedicated chiral ligand and the subsequent preparation of the Ln complexes. She/he will participate in the crystal structure analyses of the prepared compounds and in the investigation of the single-molecule magnetic behaviors by magnetometry. At each stage of the project, the student will benefit from the group's expertise and will be trained in different characterization techniques.