A Ru-Ru pair housed in ruthenium phthalocyanine: The role of a "cage" architecture in the molecule coupling with the Ag(111) surface

Paola Alippi, Valeria Lanzilotto, Anna Maria Paoletti, Giuseppe Mattioli, Gloria Zanotti, Giovanna Pennesi, Francesco Filippone, Albano Cossaro, Alberto Verdini, Alberto Morgante, Aldo Amore Bonapasta

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

A number of studies have investigated the properties of monomeric and double-decker phthalocyanines (Pcs) adsorbed on metal surfaces, in view of applications in spintronics devices. In a combined experimental and theoretical study, we consider here a different member of the Pcs family, the (RuPc)2 dimer, whose structure is characterized by two paired up magnetic centers embedded in a double-decker architecture. For (RuPc)2 on Ag(111), we show that this architecture works as a preserving cage by shielding the Ru-Ru pair from a direct interaction with the surface atoms. In fact, while noticeable surface-to-molecule charge transfer occurs with the ensuing quenching of the molecular magnetic moment, such phenomena occur here in the absence of a direct Ru-Ag coupling or structural rearrangement, at variance with other Pcs and thanks to the above shielding effect. These unique properties of the (RuPc)2 architecture are expected to permit an easy control of the surface-to-molecule charge-transfer process as well as of the molecular magnetic properties, thus making the (RuPc)2 dimer a significant paradigm for innovative "cage" structures as well as a promising candidate for applications in spintronics nano or single-molecule devices.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1449-1457
Number of pages9
JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Volume19
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2017
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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