In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Science and Technology of Advanced Materials* (translated from Japanese as “Advanced Materials Science and Technology”), researchers have uncovered the origins of emergent ferromagnetism in two-dimensional MXene materials, a discovery that could have significant implications for the energy sector. The research, led by Prabhat Kumar of the Research Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in Tsukuba, Japan, delves into the intricate world of magnetic properties at the atomic level.
MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials known for their exceptional electrical conductivity and mechanical strength, have garnered considerable attention in recent years. However, their magnetic properties have remained largely unexplored until now. Kumar and his team focused on Cr2N, a type of MXene, and prepared high-quality bilayers of Cr2N with both cobalt (Co) and platinum (Pt) using magnetron sputtering techniques. Their findings revealed that the Cr2N/Co interface exhibited an induced magnetic moment in the chromium atoms, a phenomenon not observed in the Cr2N/Pt interface at room temperature.
To pinpoint the source of this ferromagnetism, the researchers prepared an additional controlled bilayer of Cr2N with copper (Cu), which has a work function similar to that of Co. Using angle-dependent hard X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (HAXPES), they found that the Cr 2p core level spectra near the interface of Cr2N/Cu were consistent with those of Cr2N/Co. This consistency suggests that the induced magnetic moment observed in the Cr2N/Co interface is likely due to interlayer magnetic exchange coupling rather than charge transfer.
“The results indicate that the magnetic properties of MXenes can be tuned by selecting appropriate materials for the interface,” Kumar explained. “This opens up new avenues for designing materials with tailored magnetic properties for various applications.”
The implications of this research are profound for the energy sector. The ability to control and manipulate magnetic properties at the atomic level could lead to the development of more efficient and compact energy storage devices, such as advanced batteries and supercapacitors. Additionally, the enhanced magnetic properties of MXenes could find applications in spintronic devices, which utilize the spin of electrons to store and process information, potentially revolutionizing data storage and computing technologies.
“This study provides a deeper understanding of the magnetic interactions at the interface of two-dimensional materials,” said Kumar. “It paves the way for the development of next-generation materials with tailored magnetic properties, which could have transformative impacts on the energy sector and beyond.”
As the world continues to seek innovative solutions to the energy crisis, the insights gained from this research could play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy technologies. The study not only advances our fundamental understanding of magnetic properties in two-dimensional materials but also highlights the potential for practical applications that could drive the next wave of technological innovation.