Single-molecule junctions map the interplay between electrons and chirality

Anil-Kumar Singh, Kévin Martin, Maurizio Mastropasqua Talamo, Axel Houssin, Nicolas Vanthuyne, Narcis Avarvari (narcis.avarvari@univ-angers.fr) and Oren Tal (oren.tal@weizmann.ac.il)
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Anil-Kumar Singh: Weizmann Institute of Science
Kévin Martin: Univ Angers, CNRS, MOLTECH-Anjou, SFR MATRIX
Maurizio Mastropasqua Talamo: Univ Angers, CNRS, MOLTECH-Anjou, SFR MATRIX
Axel Houssin: Univ Angers, CNRS, MOLTECH-Anjou, SFR MATRIX
Nicolas Vanthuyne: Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, Centrale Med, UAR 1739, FSCM, Chiropole
Narcis Avarvari: Univ Angers, CNRS, MOLTECH-Anjou, SFR MATRIX
Oren Tal: Weizmann Institute of Science

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract The interplay of electrons with a chiral medium has a diverse impact across science and technology, influencing drug separation, chemical reactions, and electronic transport1-30. In particular, electron-chirality interactions can significantly affect charge and spin transport in chiral conductors, making them highly appealing for spintronics. However, an atomistic mapping of different electron-chirality interactions remains elusive. Here, we find that helicene-based single-molecule junctions behave as a combined magnetic-diode and spin-valve device. This dual-functionality enables the identification of an atomic-scale coexistence of different electron-chirality interactions: the magnetic-diode behavior is attributed to an interaction between electron’s angular momentum in a chiral medium and magnetic fields, whereas the spin-valve functionality is ascribed to an interaction between the electron’s spin and a chiral medium. This work uncovers the coexistence of electron-chirality interactions at the atomic-scale, identifies their distinct properties, and demonstrates how integrating their functionalities can broaden of the available methods for spintronics.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56718-9

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