Two-dimensional Janus monolayers with tunable electronic and magnetic properties

Abstract

In the post graphene era, the discovery of magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) intrinsic nanomagnets has opened up exciting possibilities for low-dimensional spintronics. In this article, we have reported three new 2D Janus nanomagnets VBrCl2, VBrI2, and VClBrI for the first time. First-principles based density functional theory calculations reveal that these monolayers are intrinsically magnetic with indirect band gap semiconducting properties and further the magnetic and electronic properties of these monolayers are enhanced with the application of biaxial strain and electric field. We observe interesting electronic and magnetic phase transitions, tunable band gap, and supreme enhancement of the Curie temperature (~ 686%). Large magnetic anisotropic energy (MAE) with high magnetic moment and tunable band gap property make these Janus materials useful candidates for future information storage, optoelectronics, and 2D spin circuit development.