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Ligand-Tuned CISS-Effect of Atomically Precise Metal Oxido Nanoclusters
D Hornig1,2, T N H Nguyen3, L T Baczewski4
1Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz 09107, Germany.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) was achieved in sub-3 nm nanoclusters using bismuth systems and chiral ligands. This modular design strategy enables targeted functionalization for spin-dependent applications.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Chirality-induced spin effects (CISE) exhibit remarkable robustness, initially observed in hybrid interface structures.
- Chemically modular design concepts offer promising avenues for practical applications and tunability of CISE.
- Chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) is a key phenomenon within CISE, crucial for spintronic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate CISS in sub-3 nm metal oxido nanoclusters.
- To utilize bismuth-based systems as a model platform for achieving CISS.
- To explore the role of chiral carboxylate ligands in activating CISS.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of sub-3 nm bismuth-based metal oxido nanoclusters.
- Functionalization of nanoclusters with chiral carboxylate ligands.
- Adsorption studies of both chiral and achiral nanoclusters onto magnetic Au/Co/Au nanostructures via sulfur-metal bonding.
- Investigation of CISS effect induction at the nanocluster-magnetic interface.
Main Results:
- Both chiral and achiral nanoclusters showed similar adsorption onto magnetic nanostructures.
- Adsorption alone did not induce the CISS effect or impart chirality to the interface.
- Selective activation by chiral ligands was demonstrated to be crucial for CISS.
Conclusions:
- A modular molecular design strategy for targeted functionalization of chiral metal oxido nanoclusters was established.
- This approach enables the integration of these nanoclusters into spin-dependent applications.
- Perspectives for utilizing these functionalized nanoclusters in optoelectronic systems were opened.
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