Evidence for Multiferroicity in Single-Layer CuCrSe$_2$

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates high-temperature multiferroicity in single-layer CuCrSe$_2$, showing room-temperature ferroelectricity and 120 K ferromagnetism, with enhanced magnetic coupling due to ferroelectric-induced orbital shifts.

Contribution

It reports the first observation of multiferroicity in a single-layer material at elevated temperatures, revealing a novel mechanism involving orbital shifts that enhances ferromagnetic coupling.

Findings

Room-temperature ferroelectricity in single-layer CuCrSe$_2$

Ferromagnetism observed at 120 K in the same layer

Enhanced magnetic coupling due to ferroelectric-induced orbital shift

Abstract

Multiferroic materials, which simultaneously exhibit ferroelectricity and magnetism, have attracted substantial attention due to their fascinating physical properties and potential technological applications. With the trends towards device miniaturization, there is an increasing demand for the persistence of multiferroicity in single-layer materials at elevated temperatures. Here, we report high-temperature multiferroicity in single-layer CuCrSe$_2$, which hosts room-temperature ferroelectricity and 120 K ferromagnetism. Notably, the ferromagnetic coupling in single-layer CuCrSe$_2$ is enhanced by the ferroelectricity-induced orbital shift of Cr atoms, which is distinct from both types I and II multiferroicity. These findings are supported by a combination of second-harmonic generation, piezo-response force microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, magnetic, and Hall measurements. Our research provides not only an exemplary platform for delving into intrinsic magnetoelectric interactions at the single-layer limit but also sheds light on potential development of electronic and spintronic devices utilizing two-dimensional multiferroics.