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Molecular spin sensor for in-situ monitoring of crystallization behavior and phase transition in aromatic materials

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  • Linshan Liu

    (Beijing Institute of Technology
    Beijing Normal University)

  • Chong Zhao

    (Guizhou Medical University)

  • Yingjian Zhang

    (Beijing Institute of Technology)

  • Zhuxia Zhang

    (Taiyuan University of Technology)

  • Chunru Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Taishan Wang

    (Beijing Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Spin-active materials with sensitive electron spin centers have drawn significant attention in quantum sensing due to their unique quantum characteristics. Herein, we report a molecular spin sensor based on metallofullerene Y2@C79N for in-situ monitoring of crystallization behavior and phase transitions in aromatic materials with high precision. Temperature-dependent spin resonance signals of Y2@C79N dissolved in aromatic materials are analyzed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Two functional aromatic materials, 1-chloronaphthalene and a liquid crystal material of 5CB, are selected based on their significant crystallization-related technological applications. For Y2@C79N in 1-chloronaphthalene, a distinct EPR signal transition attributed to the crystallization of 1-chloronaphthalene. For Y2@C79N in 5CB, three EPR signal transitions correspond to the phase transitions of crystalline 5CB. Theoretical calculations reveal that the sensing mechanism originates from crystallization-induced alignment of fullerene molecular orientation. This work establishes metallofullerene-based spin probes as a powerful analytical tool for detecting the crystallization processes in materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Linshan Liu & Chong Zhao & Yingjian Zhang & Zhuxia Zhang & Chunru Wang & Taishan Wang, 2025. "Molecular spin sensor for in-situ monitoring of crystallization behavior and phase transition in aromatic materials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-62649-2
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-62649-2
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