Studying the magnetic properties of few layers of MnPS3, Fe3GeTe2 & heterostructure

Abstract

This thesis explores the structural and magnetic engineering of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals materials, specifically focusing on the transition metal phosphorus trisulfide MnPS3 and the itinerant ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 (FGT). We chose MnPS3 as a primary material due to its unique Ising-type antiferromagnetic ordering and its open layered architecture, which provides an ideal platform for chemical modi fication. To manipulate its intrinsic properties, we employed electrochemical inter calation of Gadolinium (Gd3+) ions. This technique was chosen to investigate how the introduction of high-magnetic-moment trivalent ions into the van der Waals gaps can induce structural strain, topographic deformation, and potential modifications to the exchange interactions within the antiferromagnetic matrix.The experimental workflow involved micro-mechanical exfoliation to isolate high-quality, few-layer flakes on Si/SiO2 substrates. Characterization was carried out using Optical Microscopy for layer identification, followed by Raman Spectroscopy to confirm crystalline quality and monitor vibrational shifts resulting from Gd3+ intercalation. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was utilized to quantify the resulting height changes and surface morphology of the intercalated samples.Furthermore, we fabricated vdW heterostructures by verti cally stacking MnPS3 and FGT using a dry-transfer method which itself need patience and practice. The motivation for creating an (Antiferromagnet/Ferromagnet) inter face lies in the pursuit of emergent interfacial phenomena, such as exchange bias and spin-orbit torque. By coupling the stable magnetic order of MnPS3 with the high Curie temperature and metallic nature of FGT, this work lays the foundation for designing "artificial" magnetic materials with tunable properties for next-generation quantum technological applications