Current‐induced control of magnetization in ferromagnets using spin–orbit torque (SOT) has drawn attention as a new mechanism for fast and energy efficient magnetic memory devices. Energy‐efficient spintronic devices require a spin‐current source with a large SOT efficiency (ξ) and electrical conductivity (σ), and an efficient spin injection across a transparent interface. Herein, single crystals of the van der Waals (vdW) topological semimetal WTe2 and vdW ferromagnet Fe3GeTe2 are used to satisfy the requirements in their all‐vdW‐heterostructure with an atomically sharp interface. The results exhibit values of ξ ≈ 4.6 and σ ≈ 2.25 × 105 Ω‐1 m‐1 for WTe2. Moreover, the significantly reduced switching current density of 3.90 × 106 A cm−2 at 150 K is obtained, which is an order of magnitude smaller than those of conventional heavy‐metal/ferromagnet thin films. These findings highlight that engineering vdW‐type topological materials and magnets offers a promising route to energy‐efficient magnetization control in SOT‐based spintronics.
High-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are in increasing demand for a variety of applications in rapidly growing energy-related fields including electric vehicles. To develop high-performance LIBs, it is necessary to comprehensively understand the degradation mechanism of the LIB electrodes. From this viewpoint, it is crucial to investigate how the electrical properties of LIB electrodes change under charging and discharging. Here, we probe the local electrical properties of LIB electrodes with nanoscale resolution by scanning spreading resistance microscopy (SSRM). Via quantitative and comparative SSRM measurements on pristine and degraded LIB anodes of Si-C composites blended with graphite (Gr) particles, the electrical degradation of the LIB anodes is visualized. The electrical conductivity of the Si-C composite particles considerably degraded over 300 cycles of charging and discharging, whereas the Gr particles maintained their conductivity.
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