The effect of localized magnetic fields on the spatially controlled crystallization of transition metal complexes

A series of nickel (II) bis-phosphine organometallic complexes along with two pseudo [M7] (M = Ni(II), Zn(II)) metallocalix[6]arene complexes and a dysprosium acetate coordination polymer have each been crystallised in the presence of localized magnetic fields set up using neodymium magnets, using custom made Magnetic Crystallization Towers (MCTs). In all cases, whether the product complex is diamagnetic or paramagnetic, a complex spatial patterning of the crystals occurs based on the orientation of the magnetic field lines. When using magnetic block towers, the crystallization generally occurs adjacent to the magnet face. The effects of nucleation and solution concentration gradients on the crystallization process are also explored. These observations show how the crystallization process is affected by magnetic fields and thus these results have far-reaching effects which most certainly will include crystallization and ion migrations in biology.

Citation

Butler IR, Williams RM, Heeroma A, Horton PN, Coles SJ, Jones LF. The Effect of Localized Magnetic Fields on the Spatially Controlled Crystallization of Transition Metal Complexes. Inorganics. 2025; 13(4):117. https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13040117

Type

Journal article

Language

en

Description

©2025 The Authors. Published by MDPI. This is an open access article available under a Creative Commons licence. The published version can be accessed at the following link: https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13040117

ISSN

2304-6740

Collections

Faculty of Science and Engineering