Light-Switchable Molecular Magnets with Hour-Long Lifetimes: A Game-Changer in Spintronics and Catalysis

Light-switchable molecular magnets - UCT Prague

Researchers from the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (UCT Prague) and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague) have developed a new class of photoswitchable molecular magnets that remain active for over six hours after being activated by light. This is a dramatic increase compared to the typical millisecond lifetimes of such states, and it paves the way for revolutionary advances in data storage, catalysis, spintronics, and even antibiotic-free disinfection.

Published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry C, the team’s work describes a thienyl-based acylhydrazone molecule that can switch from a stable, non-magnetic (closed-shell) form into a reactive, magnetic (open-shell diradical) triplet state using visible light. The transformation is reversible and stable, with the triplet state's half-life reaching beyond six hours—a duration previously considered impossible for such small organic molecules.

Photoswitches That "Write, Read, and Erase" with Light and Magnetism

Traditional photoswitches are known to change structure under light, but they typically revert to their original state in milliseconds or less. This newly discovered molecule changes everything. In its excited triplet state, the molecule becomes paramagnetic, allowing scientists to "write" information optically, "read" it magnetically, and even "erase" it with a small electrical impulse.

“This is a fully functional molecular system,” explains Dr. Petr Kovaříček, the project leader. “You can write with light, read the magnetic state, and erase it electrically—something that’s extremely valuable in the context of molecular electronics and next-gen storage devices.”

Breakthrough Applications in Catalysis and Medicine

The implications extend far beyond information technology. The team successfully demonstrated that the light-activated triplet form of the molecule serves as a powerful radical initiator in chemical reactions, such as the bromination of toluene. This means the material could revolutionize how we perform controlled radical catalysis in green chemistry applications.

Perhaps even more striking is the molecule’s potential in photodynamic inactivation of pathogens. When exposed to light, the triplet state generates reactive oxygen species (ROS)—highly reactive molecules that destroy microbial DNA and membranes. Early lab tests show elimination of over 99.99% of antibiotic-resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, but only where the light is directed. This level of spatial selectivity makes it a promising tool for antimicrobial therapy and surgical sterilization.

Affordable, Accessible, and Easy to Produce

Despite its cutting-edge functionality, the new molecule is also remarkably cost-effective. The team estimates lab-scale production costs at just around $43 USD per kilogram—an unusually low price for materials with such high-impact potential. This opens the door to widespread academic and industrial use, especially in developing smart materials and responsive coatings.

Scientific Persistence Pays Off

Dr. Kovaříček shared that the discovery was the result of more than three years of persistent experimentation and initial skepticism. “At first, we didn’t believe it. We thought such long triplet-state lifetimes were theoretically impossible,” he noted. But with rigorous validation and expert collaboration—including doctoral student Martin Šetek and specialists Dana Nachtigalová and Ján Tarábek—the findings have now been peer-reviewed and published.

The idea for medical use actually came from a serendipitous moment: a bachelor’s student unintentionally discovered the molecules could damage DNA in cell cultures. This accidental insight has sparked a new research project aimed at targeted antimicrobial phototherapy.

🔗 Source: Phys.org – "Chemists create light-switchable magnets that remain active for hours" (Sept 19, 2025)

*This article was prepared with the assistance of AI technologies for research, summarization, and formatting.*

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#MolecularMagnets #Photoswitches #Spintronics #TripletState #Catalysis #ROS #PhotodynamicTherapy #SmartMaterials #MaterialsScience #QuantumServerNetworks #UCTPrague #OrganicMagnetism

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