EPSCoR Research Fellows: NSF: Tuning the magnetic properties of 1T-CrTe2 via intercalation

This Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) EPSCoR Research Fellows project provides a fellowship to an Associate Professor and training for a graduate student at the Wichita State University. This work is conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jin Hu at the University of Arkansas. Through the fellowship, the PI will study how to tune the magnetic properties of two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic chromium ditelluride (1T-CrTe2) via intercalation. 2D magnetic materials exhibit exotic physical properties and play a crucial role in the current research on quantum materials. The fellowship will enable the PI to gain expertise in electrochemical methods, characterization methods, and device fabrication. This project focuses on the exploration of novel 2D magnetic materials, combined with crystal growth, meticulous structural chemistry studies, theoretical calculations, and property measurements. This project will explore a group of novel 2D magnetic materials and will allow the PI to train the workforce at his home institution and strengthen Kansas’s capacity for quantum materials. This project will expand the boundary of 2D materials research through a comprehensive understanding of intercalation, crystal growth, crystal and electric structures, defect ordering, and physical properties of proposed systems. Among many ferromagnetic systems, 1T-CrTe2 is particularly important because it exhibits robust room-temperature ferromagnetism, large magnetic anisotropy, and large magnetic moments. However, a challenge to the application of 1T-CrTe2 is its in-plane spin alignment, resulting in strong spin coupling. This project aims to tune the magnetic property of 1T-CrTe2 through chemical approaches. The fellowship will strengthen research infrastructure by providing training for both the faculty member and a graduate student in the fabrication and characterization of 2D materials. It will also enable the PI to transfer the acquired knowledge and techniques to the home institution by establishing a new research direction in quantum materials. The project includes the development of a new quantum materials course for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as other STEM learners at the PI’s home institution. This project is supported by the EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement Program: EPSCoR Research Fellows, which supports early- and mid-career investigators in eligible jurisdictions to develop collaborations at the nation’s private, government or academic research institutions. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria. NSF Award ID: 2531818 | Program: 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT | Principal Investigator: Jian Wang | Institution: Wichita State University, WICHITA, KS | Award Amount: $250,241 View on NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/show-award/?AWD_ID=2531818 View on Research.gov: https://www.research.gov/awardapi-service/v1/awards/2531818.html