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Intrinsic ferromagnetism in hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets
M S Si1, Daqiang Gao1, Dezheng Yang1
1Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of the Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|June 2, 2014
Summary
Ferromagnetism in hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets is an intrinsic, edge-dependent property driven by localized π states. This finding reveals potential for novel hexagonal boron nitride spintronic devices operating above room temperature.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Chemistry
Background:
- Ferromagnetism typically relies on d or f electrons, unlike hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) which has only s and p electrons.
- The mechanism of ferromagnetism in hBN nanosheets remains a significant challenge in materials science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally and theoretically investigate the intrinsic ferromagnetism in hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanism and identify the role of electronic states and electron-electron interactions.
Main Methods:
- Experimental measurements were conducted to detect and characterize ferromagnetic coupling in hBN nanosheets.
- Ab initio calculations were employed to confirm the experimental findings and explore the electronic structure.
Main Results:
- Ferromagnetic coupling was confirmed as an intrinsic property of hBN nanosheets.
- The ferromagnetism is attributed to localized π states at the edges, driven by electron-electron interactions.
- A high Curie temperature, exceeding room temperature, was observed for this edge-induced ferromagnetism.
Conclusions:
- Hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets exhibit intrinsic, edge-dependent ferromagnetism.
- This phenomenon is linked to localized π states and electron-electron interactions at the edges.
- The discovery opens new avenues for developing hexagonal boron nitride-based spintronic devices.
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