Metal organic frameworks as platforms for the nanostructuring of Mn3 single molecule magnets

Abstract In this paper, we report incorporation of the nanostructuration Single-Molecule Magnets (SMMs) Mn3 into mesoporous aluminum-based metal-organic framework (MOF) [Al(OH)(SDC)]n (H2SDC ​= ​4,4′-stilbenedicarboxylic acid), known as CYCU-3. The successful incorporation was confirmed by PXRD, N2 adsorption measurements and thermogravimetric analysis. EDX analysis indicated average 15 ​mol% insertion of SMMs, which is substantial higher than what was previously reported for SMM@silica composites. TGA measurements suggest that MOF can increase the SMM's thermal stability. Magnetic measurements reveal the preservation of the magnetic properties of SMMs inside MOF pores. The AC susceptibility data suggest an effective energy barrier of about 40 ​K for SMM@MOFs composites, slightly lower than those of pristine Mn3 SMMs, which is about 55 ​K.