Improving the molecular spin qubit performance in multivariate zirconium MOF hybrids by mechanochemical dilution and fullerene encapsulation

Enlarging the quantum coherence times and gaining control over quantum effects in real systems are fundamental for developing of quantum technologies. Molecular electron spin qubits are particularly promising candidates for the realization of quantum information processing due to their modularity and tunability, but there is a constant search for tools to increase their quantum coherence times. Here we present how mechanochemical dilution of active spin qubits in the diamagnetic zirconium-MOF matrix, in synergy with controlled encapsulation of fullerene guest, results in a significant increase in relaxation times and better qubit performances of the moderately porous MOF qubit array candidate. 10% diluted copper(II)-porphyrins as potential molecular spin qubits were incorporated in polymorphic PCN-223 and MOF- 525. Spin properties of this hybrid molecular spin qubit frameworks were studied by continuous-wave and pulse electron spin resonance/electron paramagnetic resonance (ESR/EPR) spectroscopy, showing that both spin-lattice and phase memory electron spin relaxation times, T1 and Tm, respectively, increased by the encapsulation of fullerene molecules into the MOF matrix. Specifically, PCN-223 with a larger filling of fullerene shows better performance in both relaxation times compared with the previously surpassing MOF-525 molecular spin qubit framework.