Magnetic-field-induced FM-AFM metamagnetic transition and strong negative magnetoresistance in Mn$_{1/4}$NbS$_2$ under pressure

Abstract

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) stand out with their high chemical stability and the possibility to incorporate a wide range of magnetic species between the layers. The behavior of conduction electrons in such materials intercalated by 3d-elements is closely related to their magnetic properties and can be sensitively controlled by external magnetic fields. Here, we study the magnetotransport properties of NbS2 intercalated with Mn, Mn 1/4 NbS2, demonstrating a complex behavior of the magnetoresistance and of the ordinary and anomalous Hall resistivities. Application of pressure as tuning parameter leads to the drastic changes of the magnetotransport properties of Mn 1/4 NbS2 exhibiting large negative magnetoresistance up to 65% at 7.1 GPa. First-principles electronic structure calculations indicates pressure-induced transition from ferromagnetic to antiferromagnetic state. Theoretical calculations accounting for the finite temperature magnetic properties of Mn 1/4 NbS2 suggest a field-induced metamagnetic ferromagnetic-antiferromagnetic transition as an origin of the large negative magentoresistance. These results inspire the development of materials for spintronic applications based on intercalated TMDC with a well controllable metamagnetic transition.