Using single-molecule magnets as analyte-recognition compounds in photo-electric chemical sensors: Recent results from [Mn12O12(O2CCH3)16(H2O)4]·2CH3COOH·4H2O, and [Mn12O12(O2CPh)16(H2O)4]

Single-molecule magnets (SMMs) were tested for their chemical sensing properties on photo-electric chemical sensors. Photo-electric chemical sensors or PECS are contact sensors for the detection of various chemical analytes, with a wide range of possible applications, using different analyte-recognition compounds (ARCs). The ARC-analyte interaction on the surface of the sensor generates photovoltages (PVs), due to the Becquerel effect, as in photovoltaics. Detection of analyte is documented as modified PVs upon excitation of both the analyte and the ARC using an optical source providing fast light flashes (<10 μs). Single crystals of the SMMs were grown, and were applied mechanically on the PECS electrodes. The background-corrected data revealed significant ARC activity for the two SMMs considered, namely [Mn12O12(O2CCH3)16(H2O)4]·2CH3COOH·4H2O, and [Mn12O12(O2CPh)16(H2O)4], for vapor and liquid analytes, respectively.

Graphical abstractThe single-molecule magnets [Mn12O12(O2CCH3)16(H2O)4]·2CH3COOH·4H2O, and [Mn12O12(O2CPh)16(H2O)4] were investigated as analyte-recognition compounds (ARCs) on photo-electric chemical sensors (PECS). The data for these sensors were particularly encouraging both for the vapor and the liquid analytes considered, and continued investigations may lead to sensors using molecular clusters as ARCs with high sensitivity and analyte specificity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide