One-dimensional magnetic conduction channels across zigzag graphene nanoribbon/hexagonal boron nitride heterojunctions

TL;DR

This paper investigates the electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag graphene nanoribbon/hexagonal boron nitride heterojunctions, revealing tunable one-dimensional magnetic conduction channels suitable for spintronic applications.

Contribution

It uncovers the emergence of magnetic conduction channels at specific heterojunction interfaces and demonstrates their tunability via external fields, advancing spin transport engineering in 2D materials.

Findings

Magnetic conduction channels emerge at certain heterojunction interfaces.

Charge transfer induces energy shifts in magnetic interface states.

External fields can tune energy and spin splittings.

Abstract

We examine the electronic structure of recently fabricated in-plane heterojunctions of zigzag graphene nanoribbons embedded in hexagonal boron nitride. We focus on hitherto unexplored interface configurations in which both edges of the nanoribbon are bonded to the same chemical species, either boron or nitrogen atoms. Using ab initio and mean-field Hubbard model calculations, we reveal the emergence of one-dimensional magnetic conducting channels at these interfaces. These channels originate from the energy shift of the magnetic interface states that is induced by charge transfer between the nanoribbon and hexagonal boron nitride. We further address the response of these heterojunctions to external electric and magnetic fields, demonstrating the tunability of energy and spin splittings in the electronic structure. Our findings establish that zigzag graphene nanoribbon/hexagonal boron nitride heterojunctions are a suitable platform for exploring and engineering spin transport in the atomically thin limit, with potential applications in integrated spintronic devices