A comparative study on the deposition of Mn12 single molecule magnets on the Au(111) surface

Abstract

Different approaches to the deposition of Mn₁₂ single molecule magnets on the Au(111) surface and their characterization by a broad variety of techniques are investigated with respect to their suitability for a profound corroboration of the integrity of the Mn₁₂ core. In this context, the most recent improvements in the experimental approaches are presented and the latest results on the electronic properties of Mn₁₂ are linked to each other. The results confirm the high instability of Mn₁₂ single molecule magnets on surfaces and reveal the need for an amendment of the requirements to define the structural integrity of Mn₁₂ molecules on surfaces.