Spintronics: A Challenge for Materials Science and Solid‐State Chemistry

TLDR

Spintronics is a multidisciplinary field that requires new materials, particularly ferromagnetic semiconductors and half‑metallic ferromagnets with Curie temperatures above room temperature, and relies on a fundamental understanding of structure–property relationships. This review aims to outline the most significant developments in spintronics from a materials science perspective. It surveys key advances, highlighting design principles and structure–property relationships that guide the discovery of suitable spintronic materials.

Abstract

Spintronics is a multidisciplinary field involving physics, chemistry, and engineering, and is a new research area for solid-state scientists. A variety of new materials must be found to satisfy different demands. The search for ferromagnetic semiconductors and stable half-metallic ferromagnets with Curie temperatures higher than room temperature remains a priority for solid-state chemistry. A general understanding of structure-property relationships is a necessary prerequisite for the design of new materials. In this Review, the most important developments in the field of spintronics are described from the point of view of materials science.