Multiple spin-flop transitions and magnetoelectric coupling in Co-substituted
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 (CCCPS) single crystals and powder samples, a substituted derivative of the van der Waals multiferroic (CCPS) where ions simultaneously substitute for and . 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 (CPS)-like regime. Co substitution rapidly suppresses long-range antiferroelectric (AFE) ordering (C2/c→Pc) of CCPS at for , leaving short-range polar fluctuations to persist. Moreover, a structural transformation from the C2/c phase to the C2/m phase occuring near is observed. In the low-substitution C2/c phase , 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 in the low-symmetry C2/c crystal field and newly introduced antiferromagnetic (AFM) exchange interactions within the Cr triangular lattice. For intermediate substitution levels , 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 . 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.
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
- Dielectric properties
- Magnetic anisotropy
- Magnetic order
- Magnetic phase transitions
- Magnetoelectric effect
- Structural phase transition
- Crystal structures
- Multiferroics
- van der Waals systems
- Dielectric constant measurements
- Magnetization measurements
- Raman spectroscopy
- Susceptibility measurements
- X-ray diffraction