Micro and nano patternable magnetic 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.

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