Scientists have identified the potential of Janus Sb₂XSX' monolayers as promising materials for next-generation spintronic devices and multifunctional electronic applications bringing potential solutions to pressing demands in energy-efficient electronics, flexible devices, and sensors.

The rising demand for energy efficient materials with better electronic properties has triggered the growing need for advanced materials in spintronics and multifunctional electronics. 2D materials are crucial today due to their exceptional electronic, optical, and mechanical properties, which enable advancements in flexible electronics, energy storage, and nanotechnology. Their atomic thinness allows for highly efficient and miniaturized devices. Moreover, their unique properties, such as high conductivity and tunable bandgaps, are driving innovations in fields like spintronics and quantum computing.

The Janus structure (a material or system that has two distinct sides with contrasting properties) of two-dimensional (2D) materials has become a significant focus in recent research, notably after the successful synthesis of the Janus MoSSe (two-dimensional (2D) material derived from molybdenum disulfide--MoS₂), monolayer. This structure, characterized by vertical asymmetry, allows for the tuning of intrinsic electric fields and the induction of piezoelectric properties. The intersection of recent advancements in material synthesis, the unique properties of non-centrosymmetric structures, and the push for innovative applications in spintronics motivated the exploration of Janus Sb₂XSX' monolayers.

Scientists from Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology, have investigated the structural, piezoelectric, electronic, and spintronics properties of the Janus Sb2XSX’.  Their study shows that the monolayers containing quintuple atomic layers form a stable free-standing 2D crystal with structural, dynamical, thermal, and mechanical stability and exhibits piezoelectric properties. The unique vertical asymmetry of the Janus structure leads to interesting electronic properties, including properties called Rashba spin-splitting and spin Hall effects and demostrates potential for promising materials for next-generation spintronic devices.

In their work published recently in the Journal of Applied Physics, they combined advanced materials science with computational physics to explore the unique properties of Janus Sb₂XSX' monolayers, paving the way for future technologies in spintronics and multifunctional electronic devices.

With their combined properties of piezoelectricity, spintronics, and stability, these materials could pave the way for multifunctional devices that integrate various functionalities (sensing, data processing, energy harvesting) into a single platform. This could streamline device design and reduce the number of components needed, ultimately benefiting consumers through more compact and efficient products. The research could contribute significantly to advancing material science and technology, promising a wide range of applications that can enhance daily life and promote sustainable technological development.

Publication link: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0192623