Layered magnets are stand-out materials because of their
range
of functional properties that can be controlled by external stimuli.
Regretfully, the class of such compounds is rather narrow, prompting
the search for new members. Graphitizationstabilization of
layered graphitic structures in the 2D limitis being discussed
for cubic materials. We suggest the phenomenon to extend beyond cubic
structures; it can be employed as a viable route to a variety of layered
materials. Here, the idea of graphitization is put into practice to
produce a new layered magnet, GdAlSi. The honeycomb material, based
on graphene-like layers AlSi, is studied both experimentally and theoretically.
Epitaxial films of GdAlSi are synthesized on silicon; the critical
thickness for the stability of the layered polymorph is around 20
monolayers. Notably, the layered polymorph of GdAlSi demonstrates
ferromagnetism, in contrast to the nonlayered, tetragonal polymorph.
The ferromagnetism is further supported by electron transport measurements
revealing negative magnetoresistance and the anomalous Hall effect.
The results show that graphitization can be a powerful tool in the
design of functional layered materials.