Fig. 1
Chirality-assisted synthesis of a bifacial ladder polymer with high thermal stability and spin selectivity.
Researchers from the University of Osaka create chiral semiconducting polymers that generate highly spin-polarized electrical currents, opening opportunities for energy-efficient electronics
Osaka, Japan – From corkscrewed vines to spiraling seashells, twists are some of nature's most beautiful designs. These forms exemplify a property known as chirality, in which an object possesses distinct left- and right-handed forms. The spin-polarized currents generated by preferential transmission of electrons with a particular spin orientation have many useful physical properties, but finding the right materials to generate spin-polarized currents has presented a challenge.
Now, researchers are harnessing chirality at the molecular scale to create advanced materials that control the movement of electrons, paving the way for future energy-efficient technologies. In an article recently published in Nature Communications, a team from the University of Osaka announced the creation of a new family of chiral semiconducting polymers whose molecular structures twist like left- or right-handed spirals.
As electrons move through materials, they can generate highly spin-polarized electric currents. Conventional electronics rely only on this flow of electrical charge, but researchers have also been interested in ‘spintronic’ devices that harness electron spin as well. As spin can carry information while using less energy, controlling it could lead to greener and more efficient technologies.
“Our approach is to use molecular structure to control electron spin,” says lead author Fumitaka Ishiwari. “Rather than using bulky magnetic materials, we take advantage of the enormous flexibility of organic materials.”
Fig. 2
Chirality-assisted synthesis enables selective formation of bifacial ladder polymers.
The research team designed polymers featuring a rigid bifacial ladder molecular framework. This unique architecture promotes the formation of highly ordered helical structures, enhancing the material’s ability to selectively transmit electrons with a particular spin orientation. When incorporated into electronic devices, the currents produced had spin polarization values of 70% and higher.
“The degree of spin polarization achieved with these polymers ranks among the highest reported values for organic materials,” explains senior author Akinori Saeki. “This finding demonstrates that molecular design can be a powerful strategy for controlling electron spin.”
Unlike many existing spin-selective materials that depend on rare or magnetic components, the developed polymers are lightweight, carbon-based semiconductors that can be fabricated into thin films using established processing techniques. Their compatibility with the manufacturing process of organic electronics makes them promising candidates for future applications.
“The ability to efficiently generate spin-polarized currents could have broad implications for emerging energy technologies,” remarks Ishiwari. “Such currents may improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion and other energy-harvesting processes.”
The team is continuing to explore the potential of these chiral molecules for producing cost-efficient sustainable materials. By turning nature's elegant twists into a strategy for controlling electron behavior, researchers are transforming one of nature's oldest design principles into a foundation for next-generation electronics.
###
The article, “Bifacial ladder polymers enabled by chirality-assisted synthesis that exhibit self-assembly and chirality-induced spin selectivity,” was published in Nature Communications at DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-76059-5
Fig. 3
Enhanced spin selectivity of the chiral bifacial ladder polymer.
About The University of Osaka
The University of Osaka was founded in 1931 as one of the seven imperial universities of Japan and is now one of Japan's leading comprehensive universities with a broad disciplinary spectrum. This strength is coupled with a singular drive for innovation that extends throughout the scientific process, from fundamental research to the creation of applied technology with positive economic impacts. Its commitment to innovation has been recognized in Japan and around the world. Now, The University of Osaka is leveraging its role as a Designated National University Corporation selected by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to contribute to innovation for human welfare, sustainable development of society, and social transformation.
Website: https://resou.osaka-u.ac.jp/en
