Defect-related ferromagnetism in ultrathin metal-free g-C3N4 nanosheets

Ultrathin metal-free g-C₃N₄ nanosheets with intrinsic room temperature ferromagnetism were synthesized by heating urea in an airtight container at different temperatures. Results indicate that the samples' saturation magnetization increases with the carbon defect concentration, revealing its carbon defect related ferromagnetism. Moreover, we further confirmed the defect induced ferromagnetic nature by ab initio calculations. It is believed that this finding highlights a new promising material toward realistic metal-free spintronic application.Ultrathin metal-free g-C₃N₄ nanosheets with intrinsic room temperature ferromagnetism were synthesized by heating urea in an airtight container at different temperatures. Results indicate that the samples' saturation magnetization increases with the carbon defect concentration, revealing its carbon defect related ferromagnetism. Moreover, we further confirmed the defect induced ferromagnetic nature by ab initio calculations. It is believed that this finding highlights a new promising material toward realistic metal-free spintronic application.

Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: ICP, TG and DTA results, field dependence of the FC and ZFC curves, primitive M-H curves measured at different temperatures for sample S450. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr04743a