Gadolinium Halide Monolayers: A Fertile Family of Two-Dimensional 4f Magnets

Two-dimensional (2D) magnets have great potentials for applications in next-generation information devices. Since the recent experimental discovery of intrinsic 2D magnetism monolayer CrI3 and few-layer Cr2Ge2Te6, intense studies been stimulated pursuing more revealing their intriguing physical properties. In comparison to based on 3d electrons, 4f electrons can provide larger magnetic moments stronger spin–orbit coupling but much less studied forms. Only very years some exciting results obtained this area. mini-review, we will introduce progress Gd halides from a theoretical aspect. It is noteworthy that 5d orbitals both play key roles these materials. For GdX2 (X = I, Br, Cl, F) monolayers related Janus monolayers, robust ferromagnetism with large exchanges comes 4f7 + 5d1 hybridization Gd2+. The spatially expanded act as bridge couple localized spins. GdX3 intercalation metal atoms dope into Gd’s orbitals, which leads numerous properties, such ferroelasticity, ferromagnetism, anisotropic conductance. brief, establish an effective strategy take advantage f-electron