Near-room-temperature easy-plane p-orbital ferromagnetism in half-metallic monolayer La2CO2

Abstract

We propose monolayer La₂CO₂ as a thermodynamically stable MXene exhibiting p-orbital itinerant ferromagnetism. Driven by the Stoner mechanism, this half-metal achieves 100% spin polarization. Specifically, the band inversion within the carbon sublattice is induced by La d–f orbital hybridization, resulting in a near-room-temperature Curie point (283 K) and robust easy-plane anisotropy. With a negligible in-plane anisotropy barrier (<0.02 meV per atom), the material exhibits ultralow damping and minimal pinning effects. These exceptional physical properties render monolayer La₂CO₂ a highly suitable candidate for advanced spintronic applications.