Magnetic decoupling of ferromagnetic metals through a graphene spacer

Abstract

We study the magnetic coupling between different ferromagnetic metals (FMs) across a graphene (G) layer, and the role of graphene as a thin covalent spacer. Starting with G grown on a FM substrate (Ni or Co), we deposit on top at room temperature different FM metals (Fe, Ni, Co). By measuring the dichroic effect of 3p photoemission lines we detect the magnetization of the substrate and the sign of the exchange coupling in FM overlayer at room temperature. We show that the G layer magnetically decouples the FM metals.

Spin‐Resolved PES and IPES Investigation of the Graphene/Ni(111) Interface

“…Conversely, the influence of Gr on the magnetic properties of the Ni surface has received less attention, even though the interface interactions play a key role in the coupling [either ferromagnetic (FM) or antiferromagnetic (AFM)] between the substrate and other overlayers. These include metallic adlayers, clusters, or metal–organic complexes . Driven by the peculiar magnetization of the Gr layer, isolated magnetic adatoms or ions, as in the last two cases, can couple antiferromagnetically with the Ni substrate depending on their adsorption site.…”

“…Driven by the peculiar magnetization of the Gr layer, isolated magnetic adatoms or ions, as in the last two cases, can couple antiferromagnetically with the Ni substrate depending on their adsorption site. In full layers, competing FM and AFM interactions can result in an effective magnetic decoupling from the substrate . Perspective applications in spintronics based, for instance, on tunneling magetoresistive effects, rely on these peculiar magnetic phenomena.…”