Tuning the magnetic properties of van der Waals Fe3GaTe2 crystals by Co doping

Abstract

Tuning the magnetic properties of two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnets has special importance for their practical applications. Using first-principles calculations, we investigate the magnetic properties of Co-doped Fe₃GaTe₂ with different Co concentrations and different Co atomic sites. Calculation results show that Fe or Co atoms with relatively lower atomic concentrations preferentially occupy Fe1 sites with interlayer coupling, which is more energetically favorable. As the doping concentration of Co atoms increases, the total magnetic moment of the doped system decreases, while the average atomic magnetic moments of Fe1 and Fe2 increase and decrease, respectively, with Fe1 reaching ∼2.08μ_B. The spin polarization of the doped model 2Co-2 near the Fermi energy level is significantly reduced, while 4Co-3 exhibits an enhanced trend. At some doping level, a phase change from ferromagnetism to antiferromagnetism appears at high Co concentration. These results provide a theoretical basis for experimental studies and valuable information for the development of Fe₃GaTe₂-based spintronic devices.