Magnetic two-dimensional layered crystals meet with ferromagnetic semiconductors

The existence of intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductors (FMSs) in two-dimensional (2D) materials has been a long-term concern and pursuit. Recent breakthroughs in the 2D FMSs, such as CrGeTe3 and CrX3 (X = Cl, Br, I) from bulk down to monolayer, have stimulated intensive researches on new physical phenomena and creative concepts. This minireview mainly summarizes recent progress of 2D intrinsic FMSs in theoretical side, and focuses on the ongoing strategies proposed to enhance ferromagnetism, involving the mechanisms of magnetic exchange interaction and the significance of magnetic anisotropy. Meanwhile, spin-related multifunctionality with ultrathin FMSs and their van de Waals heterostructures in magnetoelectric, valleytronic, and nondissipative electronic technology are introduced, as well as the current challenges and the prospects in this field are discussed. image