Magnetic properties of bulk Mn12Pivalates16 single molecule magnets and their self assembly on functionnalized gold surface

Magnetic properties of oriented Mn-12 Pivalates(16) (Mn(12)Piv(16)) single molecule crystals have been studied. Steps in the hysteresis loops, which are characteristic of quantum tunneling of magnetization, are observed at regular intervals of the magnetic field. Self-assembling of monolayers of this molecular material on a surface is then achieved. A process is described by which Mn(12)Piv(16) clusters are grafted onto the crystalline Au(111) surface by means of organosulfur SH-(CH2)(10)-COOH ligands in order to hold them firmly. This self-assembled monolayer was then characterized by Scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy so as to provide the topographic structure, the quality, and the stability during annealing to high temperature. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.