Moiré Superlattices of Zn2+ Mediated 2D Assembly of Mn2+-Cysteine Complex Nanoparticles Alter Electron Spin Transitions in the X-band

Ambient reaction-mediated assembly of cysteine-based nanoparticles of Mn complex, and Zn2+ ion led to the generation of moiré patterns in 2D films. Individually formed crystalline 2D films made of manganese cysteine complex nanoparticles and Zn2+ ions were stacked angularly against each other giving rise to the moiré films. Selected area electron diffraction patterns revealed a wide range of twist angles. Circular dichroism peaks appearing at 480 nm, 513 nm, and 643 nm; representing moiré chirality were observed irrespective of the chiral identity of the constituent ligand. The moiré films were constituted of two chemically different types of Mn2+ ions as revealed by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. The ESR signal of Mn2+ ion was found to have been altered upon formation of the moiré films as a result of the prevalent interfacial magnetic field of the individual 2D films. The current work focuses on the generation of self-assembled moiré materials of manganese cysteine nanoparticles by Zn2+ ion and the influence of so formed moiré pattern on the chemical environment of the Mn2+ ions. The discovery of inorganic complex nanoparticle-based moiré material can offer structural, physical, and chemical diversity to materials science.