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    Multiple spin-flop transitions and magnetoelectric coupling in Co-substituted CuCrP2S6

    Dingyu Li1,2, Donger Cheng1,2, Ziyi Zhou1,2, Shuixian Qu1,2,3, Wenhao Li1,2, Jiaqiang Wang1,2, Qisheng Jiang1,2, Juping Xu4,5, Wu Xie4,5 et al.

    Ping Miao4,5, Wen Yin4,5, Xinzhi Liu1,*, and Yue Zheng1,2

    • *Contact author: liuxzh39@mail.sysu.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. B 114, 034117 – Published 28 July, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/fcmk-wn6n

    Abstract

    We report the synthesis and comprehensive investigation of Cu1−xCr1−xCo2xP2S6 (CCCPS) single crystals and powder samples, a substituted derivative of the van der Waals multiferroic CuCrP2S6 (CCPS) where Co2+ ions simultaneously substitute for Cu+ and Cr3+. Through structural and magnetic structure determination, magnetometry measurement, pyroelectric and magnetodielectric (MD) probes, we map a substitution-controlled crossover from a CCPS-like to a CoPS3 (CPS)-like regime. Co substitution rapidly suppresses long-range antiferroelectric (AFE) ordering (C2/c→Pc) of CCPS at ∼150K for x≥0.2, leaving short-range polar fluctuations to persist. Moreover, a structural transformation from the C2/c phase to the C2/m phase occuring near x≈0.35 is observed. In the low-substitution C2/c phase (0.1≤x≤0.3), multiple field-induced spin-flop transitions are observed, which are subtle in magnetization but pronounced in the MD response, revealing the strong coupling between spin orientation and residual polar dynamics. A double spin-flop behavior is ascribed to the synergistic effect between the strong single-ion anisotropy of Co2+ in the low-symmetry C2/c crystal field and newly introduced antiferromagnetic (AFM) exchange interactions within the Cr triangular lattice. For intermediate substitution levels (0.4≤x≤0.6), a hybrid magnetic state emerges, characterized by a ferromagnetic component superimposed on a zigzag AFM background. In the high-substitution limit, the system converges with the zigzag antiferromagnet order of CoPS3. Our results reveal a rich interplay between lattice symmetry, competing magnetic interactions, and residual polar dynamics, offering a versatile strategy for engineering multiple spin-reorientation phases and enhanced magnetoelectric (ME) coupling in two-dimensional van der Waals thiophosphates.

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