Lanthanide-based logic: a venture for the future of molecular computing

Managing the continuous and fast-growing volume of information, the progress in the Internet-of-Things, and the evolution from digitalization to networking are huge technological chores. Si-based integrated chips face increasing demands as they strive to meet these challenges. However, there is growing recognition that information processing and computing based on molecules performing logic operations may play a decisive role in shaping the future of the computer industry. Molecular logic gates are molecular counterparts of electronic devices that, instead of exclusively by electrical signals, can be stimulated by diverse chemical or physical input signals that produce optical outputs according to a well-defined logical transfer function. Several materials have been applied for molecular logic, however, the Ln³⁺-based ones appear to be a commendable choice, as they can respond to both chemical and physical stimuli, presenting unique photophysical properties that make them quite popular for photonics applications. Here we critically review illustrative molecular logic systems based on Ln³⁺ ions and discuss their potential for integration in future molecular photonic-electronic hybrid logic computing systems.