The First High-Temperature Supramolecular Radical Ferroics

Organic radical ferroics such as TEMPO have attracted widespread interest. However, the relatively low Curie temperature of 287 K and melting point of 311 K severely hinder its application potential. Despite extensive interest, high-temperature radical ferroics have not yet been found. Here, taking advantage of chemical design and supramolecular radical chemistry, we designed two high-temperature organic supramolecular radical ferroics [(NH3-TEMPO)([18]crown-6)](ReO4) (1) and [(NH3-TEMPO)([18]crown-6)](ClO4) (2), which can retain ferroelectricity up to 413 K and 450 K, respectively. To our knowledge, they are both the first supramolecular radical ferroics and unprecedented high-temperature radical ferroics, where the supramolecular component is vital for the stabilization of the radical and extending the working temperature window. Both also have paramagnetism, non-interacting spin moments, and excellent piezoelectric and electrostrictive behaviors comparable to that of LiNbO3.

Automated summary

Utilizing chemical design and supramolecular radical chemistry, two high-temperature organic supramolecular radical ferroics were designed, with Curie temperatures up to 413K and 450K. These materials are the first supramolecular radical ferroics and exhibit excellent properties comparable to LiNbO3.