Strain (deformation resulting from applied external forces) is a very powerful way to control structure, properties and performance of technological materials. Nature uses strain to convert soft, carbon-rich rocks in the Earth interior into shiny, superhard diamonds. Strain can turn ambient gases into solid crystals, turn electrical insulators into superconductors, and control optical bandgap responsible for the solar power conversion performance of photovoltaics. 

In this project we will use diamond anvil cells, portable laboratory devices allowing to compress small samples to pressures far exceeding those found at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, to study structural transformations of synthetic organometallic solids that can dramatically improve their technological performance for spin or magnetic switching. Spin crossover (SCO) is an electronic phenomenon which occurs in materials containing transition metals atoms capable of assuming high and low electron spin configuration. SCO can be induced by changes in temperature pressure, or illumination and is being explored as a possible mechanism for storing digital information (e.g. for new generations of computer memory chips or hard drives). In situ high pressure studies in diamond anvil cell allow to detect structural and spectroscopic signatures of spin crossover, and characterize the changes in populations of high and low spin states. Within this project we will synthesize new SCO complexes and investigate them with in situ X-ray diffraction experiments using diamond anvil cell technique at the X-ray Atlas lab at UH Mānoa and synchrotron (large particle accelerator) facilities at Argonne National Lab.

Students involved in this project will work on the following tasks: 

• Synthesize organometallic spin switch materials

• Characterize the structure of new materials using X-ray diffraction

• Evaluate the spin switching performance

We anticipate students on this project to learn and gain skills related to:

• Structural characterization of crystalline solid samples

• X-ray diffraction analytical equipment

• Performing experiments at synchrotron research facilities (large particle accelerators)

• Collaborating with faculty and students from UH and UW (Seattle) and Argonne

• National Lab (Chicago) and potential for short research internships.

• Participation and giving presentations at seminars, symposia and/or conferences