A proton conductor showing an indication of single-ion magnet behavior based on a mononuclear Dy(iii) complex

Crystalline molecular materials exhibiting both proton conduction and single-molecule magnet (SMM) behavior would offer great opportunities for applications in fuel cell, molecular spintronic, and high-density data storage technologies. However, such kinds of materials have rarely been reported. Herein, the first example of a mononuclear proton-conductive Dy-III-SMM, namely [Dy(H(2)bim)(2)(H2O)(2)(NO3)(2)](NO3) (1) (H(2)bim = 2,2 '-biimidazole), was synthesized and characterized. Complex 1 displays high proton conductivity (sigma) of 1.16 x 10(-3) S cm(-1) at 35 degrees C and 100% relative humidity (RH). The 1D H-bonding network, with 2,2 '-biimidazole and coordinated water molecules acting as H-bonding donors and nitrate anions (NO3-) acting as H-bonding acceptors, plays a dominant role in allowing this high conductivity. Magnetic studies indicated that complex 1 exhibits single-ion magnet behavior.

Automated summary

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of the first example of a mononuclear proton-conductive Dy-III-SMM material, which exhibits high proton conductivity and single-ion magnet behavior.