Researchers at Florida State University (FSU) have made groundbreaking advancements in 2D materials, which are ultra-thin substances just a few atoms thick.
These materials have the potential to revolutionize technology by making devices smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient.
The study, focused on a magnetic material called FGT (made from iron, germanium, and tellurium), achieved two major breakthroughs: producing significantly more material and enhancing its magnetic properties.
The findings were published in Angewandte Chemie.
2D materials are celebrated for their unique properties, including their ability to conduct electricity, magnetism, and light in ways that traditional materials cannot.
"These materials are fascinating because they offer new possibilities for creating lighter, faster, and more efficient devices," said Michael Shatruk, a professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at FSU who led the research.
However, making 2D materials viable for real-world applications remains a challenge. Shatruk's team tackled this by focusing on a new production method and improving FGT's magnetic performance.
The researchers started with a technique called liquid phase exfoliation, a process that turns layered crystals into ultra-thin nanosheets. This method allowed the team to collect 1,000 times more material than traditional techniques, which often rely on peeling layers with tape.
"This method was incredibly efficient," Shatruk explained. "Once we had enough material, we began exploring its chemistry to see if we could enhance its properties."
The team then experimented with chemically treating the FGT nanosheets. They mixed the material with TCNQ, an organic compound known for its electronic properties. This interaction transferred electrons between the two substances, creating a new material called FGT-TCNQ.
The result was a significant improvement in the material's coercivity, which measures a magnet's ability to resist being demagnetized by an external magnetic field. Before treatment, FGT's coercivity was about 0.1 Tesla -- not strong enough for many applications. After adding TCNQ, the coercivity increased to 0.5 Tesla -- a fivefold boost.
This is an exciting step for 2D magnets, which are usually much weaker than traditional magnets. Stronger 2D magnets could be used in technologies like data storage, electromagnetic shielding, and spin filtering.
Unlike electromagnets that require electricity, permanent magnets maintain their magnetic field without an energy source. They are essential components in devices like hard drives, cell phones, and wind turbines. Enhancing 2D magnets could lead to thinner, more efficient versions of these technologies.
The team plans to test other chemical treatments and explore how these methods might improve different types of 2D materials, including semiconductors.
"This discovery opens the door to endless possibilities," said doctoral candidate Govind Sarang, a co-author of the study. "We can now explore how different molecules stabilize and enhance 2D magnets."
The research included contributions from FSU students and international collaborators at the University of Valencia in Spain.
By pushing the boundaries of 2D materials, these scientists are paving the way for next-generation technologies that are smaller, smarter, and more sustainable.