Quantum Spin Liquid State in a Metal-Organic Framework

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have gained a lot of attention because of their rigid and porous structures, making them useful for chemical sensors and catalysts. However, there has been little research on the quantum properties of MOFs, particularly their spin structures. Many MOFs have two-dimensional spin networks, such as honeycomb, triangular, and Kagomé lattices. These structures suggest that MOFs could exhibit unique magnetic behaviors due to geometrical frustration. In this study, we examined the 2D MOF Cu₃(HHTP)₂ by measuring its magnetic susceptibility and specific heat at very low temperatures, down to 38 mK [1]. Our findings suggest that it has a quantum spin liquid state due to geometrical frustration. This highlights the potential of MOFs with complex structures to exhibit new and interesting properties.

[1] Y. Misumi, AY et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 39, 16513.