Advances in 2D magnetic chromium tellurides: synthesis, characterization, and spintronic applications

Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials exhibit a wide array of fascinating magnetic properties, making them highly attractive for spintronic applications such as high-density nonvolatile memories and multifunctional nano-devices. Recently, chromium tellurides (CrTe_x) have attracted significant attention due to their metallic band structure, strong magnetic anisotropy, and tunable exchange couplings. The unique tunability of magnetic properties in a metallic ground state makes CrTe_xa promising platform for generating, controlling, and manipulating spin currents. This review summarizes recent advances in large-scale 2D magnetic CrTe_xepitaxial thin films, emphasizing synthesis techniques that produce high-quality, large-area films. It explores the role of self-intercalation and heterostructure engineering in tailoring the magnetic and structural properties of these materials. We also review the band structure, magnetic characteristics, and spin dynamics of CrTe_x, with a particular emphasis on thickness-dependent band dispersion, magnetic anisotropy, and the emergence of skyrmions. Moreover, this review highlights the applications of CrTe_xin spintronics, covering the anomalous Hall effect, topological Hall effect, spin valves, and spin-orbit torque devices. The goal of this review is to furnish readers with a comprehensive overview of the intriguing properties of CrTe_xcompounds and to inspire further innovative studies on the vast potential of 2D magnetic materials for next-generation spintronic and quantum devices.