Research Projects

Advances in electronics are the base for the evolution of our society. Faster communication and computing, novel functionalities, low-power consumption devices are demanded at all level of applications in our daily life. Extending the range of materials that can exhibit higher performances than the handful of materials exploited so far in electronics is mandatory, and 2-dimensional (2D) materials have opened the door to a new epoch. Recent research in 2D materials and the rapid developing field of van der Waals heterostructure (vdW-HS) electronics impel to concentrate the efforts on the novel ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) vdW materials. The aim of the present project is manifold: from processing new FM and AFM vdW magnetic materials to growing high-quality exfoliable crystals, and investigating novel electronic and magnetic states in these crystals to optimize their functionalities. The project aims to explore the new magnetic states by doping and intercalation of transition metal phosphorous tri-chalcogenides, with the general chemical formula MPX₃ (M: transition metal; X: S or Se) along with the optimized growth parameter to look for high temperature FM states in (Nb,Ta)(Fe,Co)Te₂, which are theoretically predicted to show higher transition temperature than the well explored vdW FM CrI₃. The project is essentially experimental, bridging solid-state physics to inorganic chemistry and to materials science. Looking forward, we anticipate a ground-breaking advancement in electronics through the emergence of high-quality layered magnetic crystals, whose properties can be precisely adjusted by varying thickness and assembled into vdW-HS with customized electronic configurations. Using methods such as flux growth and chemical/physical vapor transport with optimized thermodynamic parameters, we aim to produce large-size of engineered MPX₃ AFM vdW crystals and well optimized tellurium-based FM vdW materials. We will conduct electrical transport including resistivity, magneto transport and Hall effect and thermal transport including thermopower and thermal conductivity to get insight into the underlying mechanisms of flow of charge and heat and the charge carrier dynamics. AC and DC magnetization studies will be carried out to study the magnetization dynamics, nature of magnetic order and relaxation mechanisms across various temperature and magnetic field. To study about the nature of phase transitions, spin reconfigurations and low energy excitons, we will conduct in depth specific heat measurements. To understand the local magnetic structure and the dynamics of the spin we will conduct the microscopic investigations using muon spin relaxation/rotation, nuclear magnetic resonance, and neutron scattering, paving the way for new transformative innovations in the field.