Realising S = 1/2 Kagome Magnets in the Two-Dimensional Limit

Since the discovery of graphene, there has been vast interest in the mechanical and electronic properties of two-dimensional materials. However, the study of the magnetic properties of matter in two dimensions is challenging due to the limited materials and methods available. The S = 1/2 kagome magnet is a prime example of a fascinating two-dimensional model of magnetism that is yet to be realised. We are exploring the experimental routes to this model in exfoliated metal-organic nanosheets. Here, we seek to confirm the magnetic ground state of an unexfoliated parent structure by powder neutron diffraction.

自石墨烯被发现以来，二维材料的力学与电子学性质便引发了广泛的研究兴趣。然而，受限于现有可用的材料与研究手段，二维体系中物质磁学性质的研究仍颇具挑战。自旋S=1/2的笼目磁体（kagome magnet）是一类极具吸引力的二维磁性模型，但该模型至今尚未得到实验实现。我们正探索在剥离型金属有机纳米片中实现该模型的实验路径。本文旨在通过粉末中子衍射（powder neutron diffraction）技术，确认未剥离母体结构的磁学基态。