Strain-sensitive ferromagnetic two-dimensional Cr₂Te₃

Searching for room temperature magnetic two-dimensional (2D) materials is a charming goal, but the number of satisfied materials is tiny. Strain can introduce considerable deformation into the lattice structure of 2D materials, and thus significantly modulate their intrinsic properties. In this work, we demonstrated a remarkable strain-modulated magnetic properties in the chemical vapor deposited Cr₂Te₃ nanoflakes grown on mica substrate. We found the Curie temperature of Cr₂Te₃ nanoflakes can be positively and negatively modulated under tensile and compressive strain respectively, with a maximum varied value of ~ 40 and −90 K, dependent on the thickness of samples. Besides, the coercive field of Cr₂Te₃ nanoflakes also showed a significant decrease under the applied strain, suggesting the decrease of exchange interaction or the change of the magnetization direction. This work suggests a promise to employ interfacial strain to accelerate the practical application of room temperature 2D magnetics.