Controllable ferromagnetism in Cr2Te2 monolayer with intrinsic half-metallicity

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials with high spin polarization and controllable magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE) are critical for advancing spintronic technologies. Using first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that monolayer Cr2Te2 exhibits intrinsic dynamic/thermal stability, half-metallicity, and robust ferromagnetic ordering. The Curie temperature (Tc) can be elevated from 90 to 190 K via external stimuli. Strain engineering, carrier doping, and electric-fields enable precise control of MAE, while tensile strain and electron doping enhance MAE to 2.680 meV. Conversely, compressive strain and hole doping induce a spin reorientation transition. Moreover, external electric fields also play a key role in determining MAE, suggesting a promising strategy for manipulating MAE in 2D ferromagnets. These modifications primarily arise from the alternations of the spin–orbit coupling (SOC) strength between Te-derived p-orbitals within specific spin channels. These findings establish Cr2Te2 as a versatile platform for spintronics integrating half-metallicity with dynamically adjustable magnetic properties and motivate further experimental exploration.