Gate‐Controlled Spin Channel Switching in Single‐Molecule Magnets in Molecular Junction

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Authors: Xi Bai, Jinxia Li, Yanbin He, Xiaoli Yang, Haishun Wu
Cited by: 1
References: 37

Abstract

In molecular spintronics, achieving precise control over the spin polarization direction of transported electrons at the single‐molecule level remains a great challenge. This study addresses this challenge by leveraging the unique electronic structure of bipolar magnetic molecules (BMMs). By performing density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we designed and screened a series of transition metal complexes, identifying Cr(II)(BBM) 2 (where BBM is the 2,2′‐bibenzoimidazole anion) as a promising BMM candidate. Combining DFT with the non‐equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) formalism, spin‐polarized quantum transport calculations were carried out on a molecular junction where Cr(II)(BBM) 2 was coupled to graphite electrodes. Our results demonstrate that the application of an external gate voltage enables reversible switching of the spin transport direction. A gate voltage of −5 V yields a 100% spin‐polarized current in the spin‐up channel. Conversely, a small positive gate voltage of +0.05 V results in a completely polarized spin‐down current. This gate‐controlled spin channel switching, achieved through rational molecular design, underscores the potential of BMMs as fundamental components for future ultra‐dense, low‐power spintronic devices.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures Magnetism in coordination complexes Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Research

Publication details

Journal / source
ChemPhysChem
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
27
Issue
3
Pages
e202500774–e202500774
Publication date
1 February 2026
Language
EN