Synthesis, characterization, properties and applications of two-dimensional magnetic materials

Recently, two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials have attracted extensive interest thanks to their potential application as spintronic devices. Albeit bulk magnetic materials are investigated for many years, current developments in nanoscale characterization and device fabrication right down to the 2D limit have unfolded new possibilities. Herein, we focus on the recent progress of 2D magnetic materials in the aspects of their synthesis, characterization, properties and spintronic applications. Firstly, we present a brief theoretical background of 2D magnetism. Secondly, we outline the growth techniques of 2D magnetic materials including chemical vapor transport (CVT), flux method, mechanical exfoliation, liquid exfoliation, molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Then, the methods to characterize the magnetic properties of 2D materials such as Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL), photoemission electron microscopy (PEM), Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM), magnetic force microscopy (MFM), magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE), reflective magnetic circular dichroism (RMCD), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and magnetoresistance measurement are thoroughly summarized. Afterward, the physical properties and spintronic device applications of 2D magnetic materials are highlighted. Finally, we give our insights on current and future issues in this growing field which will be helpful for the researchers in 2D materials with magnetic properties.