In the field of molecular magnetism, the design of devices with technological applications at the nanoscale—quantum computing, molecular spintronics, magnetic cooling, nanomedicine, high-density information storage, etc.—requires those magnetic molecules that are placed on the surface to preserve their structure, functionality and properties.
(a) and (b) show examples of chemisorption: a new covalent bond (green) is formed between the molecules (red) and the substrate via a linker (gray) attached to the molecule (a) or to the surface (b). (c), (d) and (e) show examples of physisorption by (c) drop casting, (d) spin coating and (e) dip coating. Credit: Coordination Chemistry Reviews (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214858 Now, a paper published in the journal Coordination Chemistry Reviews analyzes the most updated knowledge on the processes of deposition and organization of magnetic molecules on surfaces (nanostructuring), a determining process for the progress of technologies that involve a miniaturization of engines and a more efficient functioning in nanometric dimensions. The study—performed by the researchers Carolina Sañudo, Guillem Gabarró-Riera and Guillem Aromí, from the Group of Magnetism and Functional Molecules of the Faculty of Chemistry and the Institute of Nanosciences and Nanotechnology of the University of Barcelona (IN2UB)—describes the global scenario of the progress of the research in this field, and it proposes new ways to make advances in the organization in two dimensions (2D) of magnetic molecules, regarding its technological applications. The article includes recommendations to select the best deposition method for each molecule, a review of the used surfaces in these processes, apart from guidelines for an effective characterization and future perspectives based on bidimensional materials. Moreover, the authors provide a new critical perspective on how to reach the effective application of the molecular systems in a device to get a faster technology using less energy in the near future. Molecular nanoscience and magnetic materials In the process to select the top deposition method on surfaces for each magnetic molecule, we have to consider each molecule and its structure, as well as the surface and structure it has. "The selection of the top method depends on the system,…