Linear Trimer Formation with Antiferromagnetic Ordering in 1<i>T</i>-CrSe₂ Originating from Peierls-like Instabilities and Interlayer Se–Se Interactions

Abstract

Anomalous successive structural transitions in layered 1<i>T</i>-CrSe₂ with an unusual Cr⁴⁺ valency were investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. 1<i>T</i>-CrSe₂ exhibits dramatic structural changes in in-plane Cr-Cr and interlayer Se-Se distances, which originate from two interactions: (i) in-plane Cr-Cr interactions derived from Peierls-like trimerization instabilities on the orbitally assisted one-dimensional chains and (ii) interlayer Se-Se interactions through p-p hybridization. As a result, 1<i>T</i>-CrSe₂ has the unexpected ground state of an antiferromagnetic metal with multiple Cr linear trimers with three-center-two-electron σ bonds. Interestingly, partial substitution of Se for S atoms in 1<i>T</i>-CrSe₂ changes the ground state from an antiferromagnetic metal to an insulator without long-range magnetic ordering, which is due to the weakening of interlayer interactions between anions. The unique low-temperature structures and electronic states of this system are determined by the competition and cooperation of in-plane Cr-Cr and interlayer Se-Se interactions.