Chirality-Induced Spin Selectivity in Two-Dimensional Self- Assembled Molecular Networks

Chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) has been observed in a wide variety of helical systems. Here, we report spin-selective electron transport through two-dimensional (2D) self-assembled molecular networks (SAMNs) formed by an enantiopure organic semiconductor with chiral alkyl side chains [dinaphtho[2,3-b:2',3'-f]thieno[3,2-b]thiophene, (DNTT)] adsorbed on a magnetic substrate with perpendicular anisotropy. Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectros-copy (STM and STS) were used to directly visualize the molecular arrangement on ferromagnetic surfaces and to meas-ure the spin-dependent electron transport at the solution/solid interface, respectively. A comparison of enantiomor-phous SAMNs under identical experimental conditions revealed enantiospecific magnetic conductance asymmetry (EMA) exceeding 40% at room temperature. These asymmetries were observed when either the molecular enantiomer was changed, or the magnetization direction was switched. Our results indicate that the CISS effect is also operative in non-helical, one-atom-thick systems where the chirality is expressed in 2D, unlocking exciting opportunities for both funda-mental research and practical applications.

Have a look at the published open access version published in JACS.