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

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. Mn3 SMMs cluster was successfully loaded into CYCU-3 MOF pores. The magnetic measurements indicated the preservation of SMMs insides MOF pores. The confinement of Mn3 within CYCU-3 MOF pores significantly enhances its thermal stability whereas the overall framework stability remains unchanged. [Display omitted] •Mn3 SMMs cluster was successfully loaded into CYCU-3 MOF pores.•The average 15 ​mol% insertion of Mn3 SMMs is obviously higher than what was previously reported for SMM@silica composites.•The magnetic characteristics of Mn3 SMM were preserved during their MOF incorporation processes.