$\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ intercalated into graphite: a new three-dimensional platform for exotic quantum phases

TL;DR

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of a novel three-dimensional material created by intercalating $ ext{RuCl}_3$ into graphite, opening new pathways for exploring exotic quantum phases.

Contribution

It introduces a new intercalated system of $ ext{RuCl}_3$ in graphite and provides comprehensive structural and electronic analysis of this 3D platform.

Findings

Successful synthesis of $ ext{RuCl}_3$-intercalated graphite

Structural and electronic properties characterized

Potential for accessing novel quantum states

Abstract

Multilayer graphene with different stacking sequences has emerged as a powerful setting for correlated and topological phases. In parallel, progress in graphene heterostructures with magnetic or correlated materials-most notably the Kitaev candidate $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$-has demonstrated charge transfer, magnetic proximity effects, and interfacial reconstruction, creating new opportunities for engineered quantum systems. Motivated by these developments, we explore a three-dimensional analogue in which $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ layers are inserted directly into the van der Waals gaps of graphite, forming an intercalated system. Here, we report the successful synthesis and comprehensive characterization of graphite intercalated with $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$. Using a combination of X-ray diffraction, quantum oscillation measurements, and first-principles electronic structure calculations, we study the structural and electronic properties of these intercalated crystals. Our results demonstrate that graphite intercalated with $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ offers a robust route to develop three-dimensional materials with access to novel correlated and topological states.