Spin-Dependent Transport at 2D Solids: From Nonmagnetic Layers to Ferromagnetic van der Waals Structures

Spintronics is a promising alternative to the conventional silicon transistor-based electronics that are gradually approaching their physical limitations. Ultrathin two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) materials (2D materials) with controllable spin degrees of freedom are recognized as extremely promising spintronic materials in architectures for the post-Moore era. In this Perspective, we review recent progress on spin-dependent transport behaviors (SDTBs) confined at the 2D scale, which are the mainstream paradigms for spintronic devices. We first present the mechanism and the key factors of SDTBs in 2D nonmagnetic materials-based hybrid devices. Then, some chemical modulation strategies for inducing short-range magnetic order and magneto-electric performance into 2D nonmagnetic materials are discussed. Furthermore, we concentrate on introducing intriguing SDTBs in 2D long-range ferromagnetic materials-based vdW devices. Finally, we highlight the current challenges in the study of spin-dependent transport of 2D modified materials and 2D material-based spintronic devices, in the hope of accelerating their applications.