First-principles studies of the elastic and magnetic properties of monolayer CrN

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) materials with robust ferromagnetism properties have high potentials for application in the field of spintronics. However, extensively pursued 2D sheets, including pure graphene, monolayer BN, and layered transition metal dichalcogenides, are either nonmagnetic or weakly magnetic. The elastic, electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer CrN are calculated using the plane wave pseudo potential method based on first-principles density function theory. Upon determining through calculation that the structure of the monolayer CrN nanosheet is stable, its layer modulus [Formula: see text] shows that its strain resistance is stronger than that of graphene. Through strain analysis, materials with a monolayer CrN type of structure can be obtained. It is determined that 10% of the change in equilibrium area is still applicable to the 2D EOS, showing that this structure is quite stable. The spin-polarized electronic band structure is also calculated under different plane symmetry strains. The plane strain can be used to effectively adjust the metallic and magnetic properties of the material. Analyses of the band structure and density of states reveal that this material is half-metallic, where the origin of the ferromagnetism is related to [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] exchange interactions between the Cr and N atoms. Monolayer CrN has semimetallic properties and strong ferromagnetic (FM) properties. The FM effect can enhance the stability of the material. The results show that monolayer CrN is a semimetallic material with good elastic properties and a strong FM property. This material is therefore expected to have good application rospects in the field of spin electronics.