title: A robust molecular platform for non-volatile memory devices with optical and magnetic responses.
abstract: Bistable molecules that behave as switches in solution have long been known. Systems that can be reversibly converted between two stable states that differ in their physical properties are particularly attractive in the development of memory devices when immobilized in substrates. Here, we report a highly robust surface-confined switch based on an electroactive, persistent organic radical immobilized on indium tin oxide substrates that can be electrochemically and reversibly converted to the anion form. This molecular bistable system behaves as an extremely robust redox switch in which an electrical input is transduced into optical as well as magnetic outputs under ambient conditions. The fact that this molecular surface switch, operating at very low voltages, can be patterned and addressed locally, and also has exceptionally high long-term stability and excellent reversibility and reproducibility, makes it a very promising platform for non-volatile memory devices.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (CSIC), Campus de la UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
authors.forename: Cláudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Simão
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mas-Torrent
authors.forename: Núria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Crivillers
authors.forename: Vega
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lloveras
authors.forename: Juan Manuel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Artés
authors.forename: Pau
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gorostiza
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Veciana
authors.forename: Concepció
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rovira
mesh_terms: D004563:Electrochemistry; D008280:Magnetics; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods; D014835:Volatilization