Magnetic semiconductors from functionalized MXenes
Phys. Rev. B 112, 214445 – Published 22 December, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/9k4g-kjgf
Abstract
We report an ab initio investigation of functionalized and -electron-doped MXenes. Upon functionalization, the becomes chemically, dynamically, and mechanically stable, and it exhibits magnetic semiconducting behavior. stands out as a wide band gap semiconductor, possessing superexchange interaction mediated by F atoms within the layer; however, the applied strain transforms it from an indirect to a direct band gap semiconductor. Strong spin-phonon coupling found in is supported by the distorted Cr spin density due to the hydrogen environment. Two magnon branches, associated with two sublattice spins, are found in the ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic . Depending on the types of -electron dopants and functionalization, MXenes (except for ) change from an indirect band gap magnetic semiconductor to different states of electronic and magnetic matter, including an exotic direct band gap magnetic bipolar semiconductor. In addition, we reveal a band inversion between the two highest valence bands in the Fe-doped .