Structurally induced magnetic transitions in layered dichalcogenides MoQ2 (Q = S, Se, Te) and double hydroxides (M2+)6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 6H2O (M2+ = Mn2+, Fe2+) under mechanical deformation

Abstract

Exploring how mechanical strain can modify the magnetic properties of low-dimensional structures is one of the priorities of straintronics, an area in condensed matter physics. It has been proven by calculating the parameters of magnetic interactions Jij and developing structural/magnetic models of the layered dichalcogenides MoS₂, MoSe₂, MoTe₂ and layered double hydroxides (M²⁺)₆Al₃(OH)₁₈[Na(H₂O)₆](SO₄)₂ 6H2O (M²⁺ = Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺) with a grapheme type structure that magnetic interactions are responsive to the mechanical deformation of their crystal structure. As turned out, the ions in these antiferromagnetic materials are situated in the hexagonal planes close to critical positions. We have thus demonstrated that the fluctuations of the intermediate ions near critical positions due to mechanical strain cause dramatic changes to the magnetic parameters and allow the magnetic properties to be modified by mechanical strain. To be sure, an abundant class of new 2D materials transition-metal-based double hydroxides, whose properties are similar to those of molybdenum-based chalcogenides have promise as materials to be used in straintronics.