Symposium EQ06: Two-Dimensional (2D) van der Waals Materials—Quantum Properties and Electronic and Photonic Devices

Whan Kyun Kim, Sungkyunkwan University

Probing Magnetism in Cobalt-Intercalated MoTe₂

Written by Senam Tamakloe

Ionic diffusion in layer lattices is a critical mechanism for controlling the electronic and magnetic properties of a system. The intercalation for two-dimensional (2D)-layered systems can be executed using the solid phase diffusion, vapor phase method and wet chemical method for applications such as electrochemical energy storage, 2D materials fabrication, and property tuning via the doping effect. In terms of magnetism, an intercalation technique where an extra element is inserted between the van der Waals (vdW) planes of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) has not been actively explored. Whan Kyun Kim outlines a two-step intercalation reaction where lithium and cobalt ions intercalate TMD using the wet chemical method. Kim showed that the MoTe₂ intercalated with Co involves the insertion of Co between the vdW layers of 2H-MoTe₂ led to a phase transition to 1T´-MoTe₂ after the Li-intercalation. We learned that Kim's intercalation reaction obtained a 2D material with ferromagnetic ordering. This study can serve as an active fabrication technique for acquiring improved 2D TMD-based spintronic systems.