Achieving Chemical Recognition, Recycling, and Circularity With Radical Nanostructures

Although still in its early stages, the production and investigation of 3D magnetic nanostructures signify a major advancement in both fundamental research and practical applications, with immense potential for next-generation technologies. Here, for the fabrication of the 3D nanostructures, an innovative approach selecting a S = 1/2 4,4′-dicyano-2,2′-biphenylene-fused tetrazolinyl radical is adopted, chemically stable and thermodynamically robust, allowing thin film processing and growth. Interdigitated gold-silicon dioxide hybrid surfaces are used as substrates since gold and silicon dioxide are two technologically relevant materials. The ability to: (1) grow radical nanostructures are demonstrated that retain their magnetic properties, (2) adjust their morphology and size, (3) selectively remove nanostructures from specific substrate regions using distilled water, and (4) return substrates to their pristine condition, making them reusable after washing. This research not only aims to produce innovative 3D nanostructures but also strives to improve efficiency and minimize consumption, aligning with the principles of circular economy. This approach is particularly beneficial for expensive materials, such as gold, or patterned hybrid substrates that require complex fabrication techniques.