Soft Chemical Synthesis of H_<i>x</i>CrS₂: An Antiferromagnetic Material with Alternating Amorphous and Crystalline Layers

Abstract

We report a new H_<i>x</i>CrS₂-based crystalline/amorphous layered material synthesized by soft chemical methods. We study the structural nature and composition of this material with atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), revealing a complex structure consisting of alternating layers of amorphous and crystalline lamellae. Furthermore, the magnetic properties show evidence for increased magnetic frustration compared to the parent compound NaCrS₂. Finally, we show that this material can be exfoliated, thus providing a facile synthesis method for chromium-sulfide-based ultrathin layers. The material reported herein can not only be a source of new thin TMD-related sheets for potential application in catalysis but also be of interest for realizing new 2D magnetic materials.