Nanshu Liu, Cong Wang, Changlin Yan, Changsong Xu, Jun Hu, Yanning Zhang, and Wei Ji
Abstract:
A recent experiment reported type-II multiferroicity in monolayer (ML) NiI2 based on a presumed spiral magnetic configuration (Spiral-B), which is, as we found here, under debate in the ML limit. Freestanding ML NiI2 breaks its C3 symmetry, as it prefers a striped antiferromagnetic order (AABB-AFM) along with an intralayer antiferroelectric (AFE) order. However, substrate confinement may preserve the C3 symmetry and/or apply tensile strain to the ML. This leads to another spiral magnetic order (SpiralIVX), while 2L shows a different order (SpiralVX) and Spiral-B dominates in thicker layers. Thus, three multiferroic phases, namely, SpiralB+FE, Spiral-IVX +FE, Spiral-VX+FE, and an anti-multiferroic AABB-AFM+AFE one, show layer-thickness-dependent and geometry-dependent dominance, ascribed to competitions among thickness-dependent Kitaev, biquadratic, and Heisenberg spin–exchange interactions and single-ion magnetic anisotropy. Our theoretical results clarify the debate on the multiferroicity of ML NiI2 and shed light on the role of layer-stacking-induced changes in noncollinear spin–exchange interactions and magnetic anisotropy in thickness-dependent magnetism.
Peigen Li, Nanshu Liu, Jihai Zhang, Shenwei Chen, Xuhan Zhou, Donghui Guo, Cong Wang, Wei Ji, and Dingyong Zhong
Abstract:
Single-layer heterostructures of magnetic materials are unique platforms for studying spin-related phenomena in two dimensions (2D) and have promising applications in spintronics and magnonics. Here, we report the fabrication of 2D magnetic lateral heterostructures consisting of single-layer chromium triiodide (CrI3) and chromium diiodide (CrI2). By carefully adjusting the abundance of iodine based on molecular beam epitaxy, single-layer CrI3–CrI2 heterostructures were grown on Au(111) surfaces with nearly atomic-level seamless boundaries. Two distinct types of interfaces, i.e., zigzag and armchair interfaces, have been identified by means of scanning tunneling microscopy. Our scanning tunneling spectroscopy study combined with density functional theory calculations indicates the existence of spin-polarized ground states below and above the Fermi energy localized at the boundary. Both the armchair and zigzag interfaces exhibit semiconducting nanowire behaviors with different spatial distributions of density of states. Our work presents a novel low-dimensional magnetic system for studying spin-related physics with reduced dimensions and designing advanced spintronic devices.
(2) Nanshu Liu, Si Zhou*, Jijun Zhao, Photoinduced spin injection and ferromagnetism in 2D group III monochalcogenides, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 153, 590 (2022)
(3) Nanshu Liu, Si Zhou*, Jijun Zhao, Visible-light overall water splitting on g-C3N4 decorated by subnanometer oxide clusters, Mater. Today Phys., 16, 100312 (2021)
(4) Nanshu Liu, Yanyan Zhao, Si Zhou*, Jijun Zhao, CO2 reduction on p-block metal oxide overlayers on metal substrates—2D MgO as a prototype, J. Mater. Chem. A, 8, 5688 (2020)
(5) Nanshu Liu, Si Zhou*, Jijun Zhao, High-Curie-temperature ferromagnetism in bilayer CrI3 on bulk semiconducting substrates, Phys. Rev. Mater., 4, 094003 (2020)
(6) Nanshu Liu, Junfeng Zhang*, Si Zhou*, Jijun Zhao, Tuning the electronic properties of bilayer black phosphorene with the twist angle, J. Mater. Chem. C, 8, 6264 (2020)
(7) Shaofeng Li#, Yan Zhang#, Nanshu Liu#, et. al, Operando revealing dynamic reconstruction of NiCo carbonate hydroxide for high-rate energy storage, Joule, 4, 673 (2020)
Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials with magnetic anisotropy can form magnetic order at finitetemperature and monolayer limit. Their macroscopic magnetism is closely related to the number of layers andstacking forms, and their magnetic exchange coupling can be regulated by a variety of external fields. Thesenovel properties endow 2D magnetic materials with rich physical connotation and potential application value,thus having attracted extensive attention. In this paper, the recent advances in the experiments and theoreticalcalculations of 2D magnets are reviewed. Firstly, the common magnetic exchange mechanisms in several 2Dmagnetic materials are introduced. Then, the geometric and electronic structures of some 2D magnets and theirmagnetic coupling mechanisms are introduced in detail according to their components. Furthermore, we discusshow to regulate the electronic structure and magnetism of 2D magnets by external (field modulation andinterfacial effect) and internal (stacking and defect) methods. Then we discuss the potential applications ofthese materials in spintronics devices and magnetic storage. Finally, the encountered difficulties and challengesof 2D magnetic materials and the possible research directions in the future are summarized and prospected. DOI: 10.7498/aps.71.20220301
