Embedding atomic cobalt into graphene lattices to activate room-temperature ferromagnetism

作者：Wei Hu, Chao Wang, Hao Tan, Hengli Duan, Guinan Li, Na Li, Qianqian Ji, Ying Lü, Yao Wang, Zhihu Sun, Fengchun Hu, Wensheng Yan · 发表于：Nature Communications · 年份：2021 · DOI：10.1038/s41467-021-22122-2 · 被引用次数：147 · 研究领域：Graphene research and applications、Advancements in Battery Materials、Supercapacitor Materials and Fabrication

Abstract Graphene is extremely promising for next-generation spintronics applications; however, realizing graphene-based room-temperature magnets remains a great challenge. Here, we demonstrate that robust room-temperature ferromagnetism with T C up to ∼400 K and saturation magnetization of 0.11 emu g −1 (300 K) can be achieved in graphene by embedding isolated Co atoms with the aid of coordinated N atoms. Extensive structural characterizations show that square-planar Co-N 4 moieties were formed in the graphene lattices, where atomically dispersed Co atoms provide local magnetic moments. Detailed electronic structure calculations reveal that the hybridization between the d electrons of Co atoms and delocalized p z electrons of N/C atoms enhances the conduction-electron mediated long-range magnetic coupling. This work provides an effective means to induce room-temperature ferromagnetism in graphene and may open possibilities for developing graphene-based spintronics devices.