AUTHOR=Yu S. S. , Zhao H. R. , Xu W. , Zhang H. , Duan H. B. 

TITLE=Switchable magnetic, dielectric, conductivity, and phase transition properties of charge-transfer crystals

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Electronic Materials

VOLUME=2

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/electronic-materials/articles/10.3389/femat.2022.977164

DOI=10.3389/femat.2022.977164

ISSN=2673-9895

ABSTRACT=<p>The properties can be switched between different states and can be used in sensors, displays, and memory devices. In this study, two multi-functional switchable materials [C<sub>5</sub>-Pmim][Ni(mnt)<sub>2</sub>] (1) and [C<sub>6</sub>-Hmim][Ni(mnt)<sub>2</sub>] (2) (where mnt<sup>2-</sup> = maleonitriledithiolate, C<sub>5</sub>-Pmim = 1-pentyl-3-methylimidazolium, and C<sub>6</sub>-Hmim = 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium) have been designed and synthesized, which has segregated cation and anion stacks in the crystal structure. 1 shows two-step switchable dielectric transition with a thermal hysteresis loop accompanying structure phase transition. Dielectric transition of 1 can be attributed to the reorientation of the polar cations and crystal to mesophase transition. Switchable conductivity properties of 1 and 2 were realized by the crystal to mesophase structure transition. The conductivity of the mesophase for 1 and 2 is higher than the corresponding crystal phase. Furthermore, magnetic phase transition with the non-common hysteresis loop for 2 is observed being triggered by the structure and dielectric transition. To the best of our knowledge, this study might be the rare multi-functional switchable examples with dielectric, conductivity, and magnetic transition.</p>