Micro and nano patternable magnetic carbon

TL;DR

This paper introduces a scalable method to produce magnetic carbon structures with strong room-temperature paramagnetism, enabling new applications in spintronics and magnetic MEMS.

Contribution

It presents a novel lithographic process to create magnetic carbon with controlled unpaired electrons, advancing the fabrication of magnetic nanostructures from carbon.

Findings

Achieved strong room-temperature paramagnetism in patterned carbon structures.

Demonstrated potential applications in spintronics and magnetic MEMS.

Provided insights into the mechanisms of magnetism in carbon.

Abstract

Carbon is conventionally not associated with magnetism, and much of the discussion of its nanotechnology perspectives appears to be centered on its electron transport properties. Among the few existing examples of magnetic carbon production, none has found a direct applicability in scalable micro and nano fabrication, Here we introduce a paramagnetic form of carbon whose precursor polymers can be lithographically patterned into micro and nano structures prior to pyrolysis. This unreactive and thermally robust material features strong room-temperature paramagnetism owing to a large number of unpaired electrons with restricted mobility, which is achieved by controlling the progression of bond dissociation and formation during pyrolysis. The manufacture of this magnetic carbon, having (3.97 x 0.8) 10^17 spins/ mg, can immediately benefit a number of spintronic and magnetic MEMS applications, and also shed light on the controversial theories concerning the existence and mechanisms of magnetism in carbon.