Electrostatic Anchoring of Mn4 Single-Molecule Magnets onto Chemically Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Two different routes that enable the electrostatic grafting of cationic single-molecule magnets (SMMs) onto the surface of chemically modified anionic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are described. The chemical nature and physical properties of the resulting hybrids are discussed on the basis of a complete battery of experimental techniques. The data show that the chemical nature of the SMM unit remains intact, while its magnetic response is significantly affected by the grafting process, which is likely due to surface effects.