Effect of 4d transition metals on the electronic and magnetic properties of twin graphene

To explore new uses for twin graphene (TG) in spintronic devices, we tuned the electronic properties and introduced a magnetic moment for TG by doping it with 4d transition metal (TM = Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, and Cd) atoms. Some single TM doped TG systems have spin-polarized states, and their magnetic moments can be divided into three categories. TG doped with single Y, Mo, and Ag exhibits dilute magnetic semiconductor (DMS) properties, and the doping of Tc introduces a half-metallic character. For dual-doped systems, the elec-tronic properties of TG can be effectively regulated by the doping positions of various TM atoms. The alpha-2Mo/TG, alpha-2Tc/TG, beta-2Y/TG, and gamma-2Y/TG systems exhibit DMS behavior. Some dual-doped systems exhibit antiferro-magnetic (AFM) and ferromagnetic (FM) behaviors. For beta configurations, the electronic properties of TM atoms dual-doped on the same and different sides of TG are similar to those of the corresponding single-doped systems, except for the beta/D-2Zr/TG and beta/D-2Ag/TG systems. The dual-doping of Y and Rh atoms on the same and different sides of TG can realize the switch between AFM and FM. The results of this study might provide new inspiration for applying TG in spintronic and nanomagnet devices.

Automated summary

The electronic properties of twin graphene (TG) can be tuned and a magnetic moment can be introduced by doping it with different 4d transition metal atoms. Single-doped TG systems exhibit spin-polarized states, while dual-doped systems can exhibit antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic behaviors. This study provides new insights for the application of TG in spintronic and nanomagnet devices.