Evidence of a magnetic transition in atomically thin Cr2TiC2Tx MXene

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides and nitrides known as MXenes have shown attractive functionalities such as high electronic conductivity, a wide range of optical properties, versatile transition metal and surface chemistry, and solution processability. Although extensively studied computationally, the magnetic properties of this large family of 2D materials await experimental exploration. 2D magnetic materials have recently attracted significant interest as model systems to understand low-dimensional magnetism and for potential spintronic applications. Here, we report on synthesis of Cr₂TiC₂T_x MXene and a detailed study of its magnetic as well as electronic properties. Using a combination of magnetometry, synchrotron X-ray linear dichroism, and field- and angular-dependent magnetoresistance measurements, we find clear evidence of a magnetic transition in Cr₂TiC₂T_x at approximately 30 K, which is not present in its bulk layered carbide counterpart (Cr₂TiAlC₂ MAX phase). This work presents the first experimental evidence of a magnetic transition in a MXene material and provides an exciting opportunity to explore magnetism in this large family of 2D materials.