The work addresses one of the central challenges in spintronics: generating and manipulating spin-polarized electrical currents using materials that are practical, stable, and compatible with existing manufacturing methods. Conventional electronics primarily process the charge carried by electrons, while spintronic technologies also exploit the quantum-mechanical property known as spin. Because spin can encode information without requiring the same movement of charge as conventional current-based technologies, it is being investigated as a possible route to lower-power memory, logic, sensing, and energy-harvesting systems. The difficulty is producing a strong and controllable spin imbalance without introducing complex magnetic components.

The Osaka team approached the problem through chirality, a form of molecular handedness found throughout nature. A chiral object cannot be perfectly superimposed on its mirror image, much like a left hand and a right hand. At the molecular scale, this handedness can influence how electrons move through a material. The phenomenon is known as chirality-induced spin selectivity, or CISS. It describes the tendency of chiral systems to transmit electrons of one spin orientation more efficiently than electrons of the opposite orientation. Although the precise microscopic mechanisms behind CISS remain an active area of research, the effect has attracted intense interest because it could allow organic materials to act as spin filters.

To exploit this effect, the researchers designed polymers containing a rigid, bifacial ladder-like molecular framework. Unlike flexible polymer chains that can adopt many different shapes, ladder polymers contain chemically linked structures that restrict their motion and help maintain a defined geometry. In the new materials, the architecture was designed to support the formation of ordered helical arrangements, giving the polymer chains a controlled right- or left-handed character. The term “bifacial” refers to the two-sided nature of the ladder framework, which helps the molecular units assemble in a coordinated fashion rather than behaving as isolated, randomly oriented segments.

Molecular organization was critical to the material’s performance. When polymer chains assemble into ordered helical structures, their collective electronic properties can differ substantially from those of disordered chains. The rigid framework helps preserve conjugation—the delocalization of electrons across connected chemical bonds—which is essential for electrical conduction in many organic semiconductors. At the same time, the twisted arrangement introduces chirality into the pathways through which electrons travel. The combination of electronic conjugation, structural rigidity, and helical order created a material capable of transporting charge while selectively favoring one spin state.

The resulting polymers were incorporated into electronic devices to test whether their molecular chirality translated into measurable spin selectivity. According to the research team, the devices generated currents with spin polarization values of 70% and higher. Spin polarization describes the proportion of current associated with a preferred spin orientation; a value of 70% means that the current is strongly weighted toward one spin state rather than containing an equal mixture. Such performance is significant for organic electronics, where achieving high spin selectivity can be difficult because charge transport is often affected by structural disorder, molecular motion, impurities, and interfaces between different materials.

The polymers also offer practical advantages over many established spin-selective systems. They are carbon-based, lightweight, and designed to form thin films using processing approaches already used in organic electronics. Their high thermal stability is another important feature, because electronic materials must retain their structure and function during fabrication and operation. Organic semiconductors can often be deposited over large areas and onto flexible substrates, potentially enabling applications that are difficult to achieve with rigid inorganic materials. However, the researchers emphasize that the present result is a materials and device demonstration rather than a finished commercial technology.

The discovery could eventually influence several fields where controlling spin and charge simultaneously is useful. In spintronic memory and logic, a highly spin-polarized current could reduce the need for energy-intensive magnetic operations. In solar cells and other energy-harvesting devices, spin-selective transport might help manage how electrons and holes move after light or heat creates charge carriers. Chiral polymers could also be integrated with other organic components to produce flexible sensors or optoelectronic systems. These possibilities remain prospective: additional studies will be needed to evaluate long-term durability, scalability, operating speed, performance under different temperatures, and how efficiently the polymers can be integrated with conventional device architectures.

The researchers describe the work as evidence that molecular design can provide a direct route to controlling electron spin. Rather than treating chirality as a purely structural characteristic, the study uses it as an electronic function—turning the handedness of a molecule into a filter for quantum information carried by electrons. The team is continuing to investigate how the polymers assemble, how their chemical structures determine spin selectivity, and how the materials can be adapted for sustainable technologies. If those efforts succeed, nature’s familiar spirals could become more than an inspiration: they could form the molecular foundation of a new generation of lightweight, energy-efficient electronics.

Subject of Research: Not applicable

Article Title: Bifacial ladder polymers enabled by chirality-assisted synthesis that exhibit self-assembly and chirality-induced spin selectivity

News Publication Date: 3-Aug-2026

Web References: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-76059-5

References: Nature Communications, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-76059-5

Image Credits: Fumitaka Ishiwari — All Rights Reserved

Keywords

Chiral polymers, ladder polymers, chirality-induced spin selectivity, CISS, spintronics, organic semiconductors, molecular electronics, materials science, nanotechnology, polymer engineering, quantum mechanics, sustainable energy, energy harvesting, University of Osaka

The manipulation of individual molecules to harness electron spin—a quantum property that could redefine computing—is rapidly emerging as a frontier in next-generation electronics. A comprehensive new review published in Nano Research explores how single-molecule spin devices are poised to transform this vision into reality, offering a pathway toward ultra-compact, low-power spintronic technologies and molecular-scale quantum information processing.

A collaborative team of scientists led by Xuefeng Guo from Peking University and Chuancheng Jia from Nankai University, together with colleagues from The University of Hong Kong and Beijing Institute of Technology, has systematically outlined the state of single-molecule spintronics to advance the field. The review, titled “Single-Molecule Spin Devices: Fundamentals, Advances, and Prospects,” provides a roadmap for encoding, manipulating and detecting spin at the ultimate limit of miniaturization—the single molecule.

The review was published online on April 27, 2026 in Nano Research.

“Single-molecule spintronics represents a paradigm shift in how we think about information processing,” said Xuefeng Guo, corresponding author of the review and a professor at the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University. “By encoding, manipulating, and detecting electron spin at the level of individual molecules, we can potentially overcome the limitations of conventional electronics and create devices that are not only smaller but also far more energy-efficient.”

At the heart of these devices are molecular systems that possess intrinsic spin—such as single-molecule magnets, spin-crossover complexes, organic radicals, and chiral molecules. Their unique quantum characteristics, including large magnetic anisotropy, switchable spin states, and the chiral-induced spin selectivity effect, make them ideal platforms for investigating fundamental spin phenomena. The integration of these molecules into junctions with advanced measurement techniques—like spin-polarized scanning tunneling microscopy and electron spin resonance—has enabled researchers to observe and control spin transport, coherence, and many-body effects at the atomic scale.

The review highlights a range of spin-related quantum effects that have been demonstrated in single-molecule devices. These include the Kondo effect, where conduction electrons screen a local magnetic moment to produce a characteristic zero-bias conductance peak; spin filtering through magnetic orbitals or quantum interference; spin thermoelectric effects that convert temperature gradients into pure spin currents; and electrically tunable spin coupling. Such effects have been harnessed to create functional device prototypes, including spin valves with magnetoresistance ratios exceeding 1800%, spin switches operable at room temperature, and molecular spin qubits with microsecond coherence times.

“By correlating molecular design with quantum transport mechanisms, we can create a comprehensive roadmap for developing practical devices,” added Chuancheng Jia, professor at the Center of Single-Molecule Sciences, Nankai University. “This molecular-level control over spin states opens up possibilities for quantum information processing platforms that operate at scales previously confined to science fiction.”

One of the critical challenges in the field is device reproducibility and stability. Variations in binding geometry, local electrostatic environment, and molecule-electrode coupling can lead to significant fluctuations in spin readout and control. To address this, the team advocates for large-scale statistical measurements, standardized reference molecules, and the use of two-dimensional electrodes with van der Waals gaps to improve interface quality. For quantum applications, isotopic purification and engineering of clock transitions may extend coherence times, while integration with microwave resonators could enable coherent coupling to photons.

The researchers expect the review to accelerate the development of molecular spin‑based technologies that could eventually complement or surpass conventional silicon electronics. “In the same molecular junction, we can envision integrating memory, logic, and sensing functions by exploiting different spin degrees of freedom,” said Mingliang Li, corresponding author from the University of Hong Kong and Beijing Institute of Technology. “With continued advances in molecular design, interfacial engineering, and quantum-coherent control, single-molecule spin devices are poised to evolve from precision testbeds into functional building blocks for low-power spin logic and chemically defined quantum technologies.”

Other contributors include Yuzhe Zhang, Wei Si, Xukui Hou, Qinghua Gao, Cong Zhao, Ruizhi Liang, Jie Guo, and Chuancheng Jia, all from the Center of Single-Molecule Sciences at Nankai University (affiliated with the Institute of Modern Optics, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, and the Tianjin Key Laboratory of Micro-Scale Optical Information Science and Technology, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering); and Mingliang Li, from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Hong Kong and the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Beijing Institute of Technology.

This work was financially supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2024YFA1208100, 2021YFA1200102, 2021YFA1200101, and 2023YFF1205803), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22595390 and 22173050), Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS-CXXM-202407), and Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Disciplines Breakthrough Plan of the Ministry of Education of China (JYB2025XDXM404).

DOI Link:

About Nano Research

Nano Research is a peer-reviewed, open access, international and interdisciplinary research journal, sponsored by Tsinghua University and the Chinese Chemical Society, published by Tsinghua University Press on the platform SciOpen. It publishes original high-quality research and significant review articles on all aspects of nanoscience and nanotechnology, ranging from basic aspects of the science of nanoscale materials to practical applications of such materials. After 18 years of development, it has become one of the most influential academic journals in the nano field. Nano Research has published more than 1,000 papers every year from 2022, with its cumulative count surpassing 8,000 articles. In 2025 InCites Journal Citation Reports, its 2025 IF is 9.4 (8.3, 5 years), and it continues to be the Q1 area among the four subject classifications. Nano Research Award, established by Nano Research together with TUP and Springer Nature in 2013, and Nano Research Young Innovators (NR45) Awards, established by Nano Research in 2018, have become international academic awards with global influence.

The principal investigator, Jing Shi, a distinguished professor in the department of physics and astronomy at UCR, emphasizes that the semiconductor microelectronics industry is at a critical juncture. As devices become more complex, researchers are under pressure to explore and identify new materials that can lead to breakthroughs in speed and power efficiency. Shi explains that the industry is in search of phenomena that could harness the underlying properties of materials, and antiferromagnetic spintronics sits at the forefront of this search.

Spintronics, short for spin electronics, capitalizes on the quantum property of electron spin to create more efficient methods for information processing. Unlike traditional electronics that solely rely on charge, spintronics introduces a new dimension by utilizing the magnetic moment of electron spins. Antiferromagnetic spintronics, a relatively nascent area within this field, offers a compelling alternative to existing technologies based on ferromagnetic materials. Ferromagnetic materials function through spins that align in one direction, thereby creating a significant magnetic moment suitable for storage and processing. However, this alignment can also lead to interference when multiple bits are stored closely together, limiting the density of information storage.

In contrast, antiferromagnets possess a remarkable characteristic: they have spins that align in opposing directions, resulting in zero net magnetic moment. This unique configuration allows neighboring bits of information to be densely packed without interference. The project led by UCR aims to tackle this fascinating aspect of antiferromagnetic materials, exploring their potential not only in memory technology but also in novel computing paradigms. Shi mentions that one of the advantages of using antiferromagnetic materials is their ability to enhance memory writing speeds, owing to the rapid spin dynamics driven by a quantum interaction known as exchange interaction.

The potential applications of antiferromagnetic spintronics extend beyond memory storage. Shi points out that these materials could pave the way for advancements in computing, notably in the development of so-called "magnetic neural networks." In this context, specialized antiferromagnets known as easy-plane antiferromagnets have demonstrated the capability of transmitting spin pulses over considerable distances while incurring minimal energy loss. This efficient transfer of information mimics the processing of signals observed in biological neural networks, potentially leading to breakthroughs in computational efficiency and power consumption.

The overarching title of the project, "Antiferromagnetic Spintronics for Advanced Memory and Computing," highlights the research team’s intent to delve deeply into the science behind these materials. Supported by a coalition of co-principal investigators from notable institutions including UC San Diego, UC Davis, UCLA, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the interdisciplinary approach underscores the collaborative spirit of the project. The team aims not only to advance scientific knowledge but also to solidify the University of California’s leadership in the burgeoning field of spintronics, while simultaneously positioning themselves to attract further funding opportunities, particularly in light of the CHIPS Act.

The CHIPS Act, designed to invigorate the domestic semiconductor industry, aligns perfectly with the goals of this UCR initiative. The funding provided under this act aims to bolster the development and production of semiconductors within the United States, an exigent need that has been accentuated by recent global supply chain disruptions. As Shi notes, with UCR at the helm of this groundbreaking project, the university is well-positioned to leverage new funding opportunities that could enhance its research capabilities further.

Moreover, the assessment of the proposal by initial reviewers has classified the research as "high risk" and "high reward." This categorization reflects the ambitious nature of the endeavor, with challenges inherent in designing and synthesizing antiferromagnetic materials. Nevertheless, Shi expresses confidence in the team’s expertise, which is substantial, given their deep-rooted knowledge and experience in the synthesis of materials suitable for this type of advanced research. The UCR team, including Igor Barsukov, an associate professor of physics and astronomy, is determined to navigate the challenges ahead with a proactive and innovative spirit.

As this multifaceted project unfolds, it will be conducted utilizing a variety of laboratory facilities across UCR and at prestigious collaborative sites, including Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Lab. A diverse group of postdoctoral researchers and graduate students will also participate in this research initiative, adding vitality and fresh perspectives to the team as they explore the fundamental and applied aspects of antiferromagnetic spintronics.

In summary, UC Riverside’s pioneering endeavor into antiferromagnetic spintronics encapsulates a promising frontier in the field of microelectronics. With the potential to significantly impact memory storage and computing technologies, this initiative not only aims to push the boundaries of scientific understanding but also to set the stage for practical applications that can shape the future of the semiconductor industry. As researchers delve into the complexities and capabilities of antiferromagnetic materials, their findings may herald a new era of technological innovation, paving the way for advancements that could transform the landscape of electronics as we know it.

Subject of Research: Antiferromagnetic Spintronics for Advanced Memory and Computing
Article Title: UC Riverside Advances Antiferromagnetic Spintronics Research with $4 Million Award
News Publication Date: October 2023
Web References: UC National Laboratory Fees Research Program, Jing Shi Profile, Igor Barsukov Profile
References: N/A
Image Credits: N/A

Keywords

Antiferromagnetic spintronics, microelectronics, semiconductor technology, quantum mechanics, Jing Shi, UC Riverside, memory storage, computing, CHIPS Act, easy-plane antiferromagnets, magnetic neural networks, research collaboration.