Anisotropy-induced phase transitions in an intrinsic half-Chern insulator Ni2I2

An intrinsic half-Chern insulator, possessing 100% spin-polarized edge states, is found in Ni 2 I 2 monolayers. A combined state of a half metal and a half-Chern insulator occurs in the material under strain, associated with the unique anisotropic bands.