Two-Dimensional van der Waals Nanoplatelets with Robust Ferromagnetism

We have synthesized unique colloidal nanoplatelets of the two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals ferromagnet CrI₃ and have characterized these nanoplatelets structurally, magnetically, and by magnetic circular dichroism spectroscopy. The CrI₃ nanoplatelets have lateral dimensions of ∼25 nm and thicknesses of only ∼4 nm, corresponding to just a few CrI₃ monolayers. Magnetic and magneto-optical measurements demonstrate robust 2D ferromagnetic ordering with Curie temperatures similar to bulk CrI₃, despite their small size. These data also show magnetization steps akin to those observed in micron-sized few-layer 2D sheets associated with concerted spin-reversal of individual CrI₃ layers within few-layer van der Waals stacks. Similar data have also been obtained for CrBr₃ and anion-alloyed Cr(I_1-xBr_x)₃ nanoplatelets. These results represent the first example of lateral nanostructures of 2D van der Waals ferromagnets of any composition. The demonstration of robust ferromagnetism at nanometer lateral dimensions opens new doors for miniaturization in spintronics devices based on van der Waals ferromagnets.