Control of the magnetism of cobalt phthalocyanine by a ferromagnetic substrate

The electronic and magnetic properties of cobalt-phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules are modified at the interface with a magnetic metallic surface: upon adsorption of CoPc on iron film relevant changes are observed in the C 1s photoemission line shape and on Co L2,3 edges, and N K-edge x-ray absorption spectra. X-ray magnetic circular dichroism shows Co 3d spin-polarized states, i.e., magnetic coupling with the iron substrate at room temperature. The interplay among the electronic and magnetic properties and CoPc adsorption sites is fundamental for tailoring the functionalities of hybrid organic-metallic interfaces.