Nano material, Phase transition, Spin chemistry, Magnetism, Optical property
This session "Functional Molecule-based Magnets" focuses on researches related to functionalities of molecule-based magnets. Molecule-based magnets are composed of magnetic metal ions and ligands, and we can choose good combinations among the various components of metal ions and ligands. Designability of molecule-based magnets allows construction of various structures from zero-dimension to three-dimension. The functionalities and physical properties originate from the structures of molecular materials. In addition, specific structural features such as chirality and porosity provide interesting functionalities different from conventional magnets. For examples, chirality leads to second harmonic generation and magnetization-induced second harmonic generation, and porosity causes gas adsorption. From the view point of electric properties, ionic conduction, electronic conduction, and ferroelectricity are also attractive. The magnetic, electric, and other properties of the functional molecule-based magnets can be switched by external stimuli, e.g. light, vapor molecule, and pressure. Phase transition and spin transition, which lead to drastic changes of physical properties before and after the transitions, play an important role in the functional materials. Thus, control of physical properties over phase transition and spin transition contributes to creation of novel functional materials. The aim of this session is to present and discuss new developments concerning not only molecule-based magnets but also functional materials.