Molecular Light Chain Constructed by Empa for Emerging Electronic Devices

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at Empa have successfully developed a hybrid system that combines organic porphyrin molecules with functional metal centers and graphene nanostrips. This innovative system, published in Nature Chemistry, could pave the way for advancements in various fields, from chemical sensors to quantum technologies.

Porphyrins, organic molecules with metal ions such as iron, cobalt, or magnesium at their centers, are known for their versatility. Each porphyrin molecule consists of a metal center held in place by four nitrogen atoms. The team at Empa has bound these porphyrins specifically to graphene nanostrips, one nanometer wide with zigzag edges, to create a system that is magnetically and electronically coupled.

The coupling of the porphyrins to the graphene backbone allows for the combination and connection of two types of magnetism in one system. Moreover, the porphyrin centers are optically active, enabling electronic and magnetic properties to be influenced via light. This unique feature means that the system could function as a series of interconnected qubits, a fundamental component in quantum computers.

The graphene strip with the porphyrins could potentially act as a nanoscale cable that transports electricity and magnetism. When the molecules encounter a target substance, the conductivity of the graphene band changes, creating nanoscale sensors. The effect works in reverse: Light can excite the molecules and change the conductivity of the graphene band.

The team plans to use different metals in the porphyrins to expand the range of properties. Additionally, the porphyrins can be chemically modified, allowing researchers to attach additional groups that recognize certain substances. This modification could lead to the development of highly specific chemical sensors.

The research, funded by the Werner Siemens Foundation, aims to bring this molecular string of lights from the lab into applications. Wider graphene bands are planned to enhance the electronic base, further improving the system's potential for quantum technologies.

Applications of this system could range from chemical sensors to quantum technologies. The metal atoms and the graphene nanostrips are electronically and magnetically connected, forming a kind of molecular chain. Porphyrins can emit colors that change depending on their magnetic state, acting like a molecular string of lights that displays information through color changes.

Graphene, a two-dimensional material made of carbon, is known for its conductivity. This property, combined with the versatility of porphyrins, makes the hybrid system a promising candidate for various technological advancements.

The development of this hybrid system marks a significant step forward in the field of nanotechnology, opening up new possibilities for the future of chemical sensing and quantum technologies.