Two-dimensional ferromagnetic materials and related van der Waals heterostructures: a first-principle study

Since the successful fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic (FM) monolayer CrI₃ and Cr₂Ge₂Te₆, 2D FM materials are becoming an exciting research topic in condensed matter physics and materials fields, as they provide a good platform to explore the fundamental physical properties of magnetic materials under 2D limit. In this review, we summarize the theoretical research progress of intrinsic 2D FM materials and related van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) including their electronic structures, magnetism, Curie temperature, valley polarization, and band alignment. Moreover, we also summarize recent researches on the methods that used to regulate the above properties of 2D FM materials and vdWHs, such as defects, doping, strain, electric field and interlayer coupling. These studies show that 2D FM materials have broad application prospects in spintronics and valleytronics. However, there are still many problems waiting to be solved on the way to practical application. (paper)