Defects that magnetize beyond monolayer PtSe2: Dataset

Defect-induced magnetism in two-dimensional (2D) materials holds enormous potential for next-generation spintronic and quantum devices, yet its realization beyond monolayer remains elusive. In this work, we investigate the emergence and modulation of magnetism in multilayer PtSe2 via a combined theoretical–experimental approach, integrating hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations with aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC-STEM). In multilayer PtSe2 with the presence of Pt vacancies, magnetism is typically quenched due to interlayer interactions, but it can be restored by complex defect structures comprising, in addition to a Pt vacancy, a PtSe antisite. These configurations induce magnetic moments of up to 3.16 µB and give rise to a two-dimensional half-metallic state in bilayer PtSe2, which is highly desirable for spin-polarized transport. Furthermore, the electronic and magnetic properties can be tuned by nearby Se vacancies, which drive transitions between different types of magnetic states. When embedded in the middle layer of trilayer PtSe2, this combination of defects extends the magnetic moments beyond the defect-carrying layer. Overall, these findings demonstrate that defect engineering enables robust magnetic phase control and spin-filtering behavior without external doping or strain, establishing PtSe2 as a tunable 2D magnetic material platform for scalable, room-temperature spintronic and valleytronic applications.