Spatial-induced antiferromagnetic-like interaction of gadofullerene incarcerated in metal-organic-framework matrix

The ability to construct magnetic self-assembling architectures in carbon materials offers a novel and extremely tantalizing route towards spintronics, both from fundamental and application points of view. Endohedral metallofullerenes (EMFs) have been considered as a competitive candidate to achieve this goal due to their unique configuration and fascinating magnetism. In this work, a typical gadofullerene, Gd@C₈₂-C_2v, was successfully accommodated in the cavity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) results unveiled an antiferromagnetic-like interaction of Gd@C₈₂ with extremely enhanced paramagnetic moment. It was found that the confined effect of the aromatic fences of MOF matrix played a significant role in regulating the magnetic behavior of Gd@C₈₂ molecules. Such a three-dimensional magnetic array of Gd@C₈₂ would promote its application in high-density information storage and spintronic nanodevices.