Embedding atomic iron into C3N nanoribbon to activate ferromagnetism

How to effectively induce and manipulate ferromagnetism of two-dimensional non-magnetic materials is the key to expand its application in spintronics. Here, we embedded the iron atom in the C3N nanoribbons by substituting the C-C bond or C-N bond to induce ferromagnetism. The structure was verified to be stable by calculating the formation energy. By changing the embedding mode and nanoribbons' edge configuration, we can obtain ferromagnetic metals, half-metals and ferromagnetic semiconductors. In the wider C3N nanoribbons, the electron properties are directly related to the substitution position of the iron atom. The devices constructed by half-metallic nanoribbons and C3N nanoribbons have a variety of physical effects. The spin filtering efficiency can reach 99%. Our findings open an avenue for C3N-based electronic and spintronic devices.

Automated summary

By embedding iron atom and substituting C-C bond or C-N bond, we can induce ferromagnetism of two-dimensional non-magnetic materials and obtain different ferromagnetic metals, half-metals and ferromagnetic semiconductors. The electron properties in wider C3N nanoribbons are directly related to the substitution position of the iron atom. The constructed devices using half-metallic nanoribbons and C3N nanoribbons exhibit various physical effects, with spin filtering efficiency reaching 99%. Our findings open up a new avenue for C3N-based electronic and spintronic devices.