Perspectives for the Growth of Epitaxial 2D van der Waals Layers with an Emphasis on Ferromagnetic Metals for Spintronics

Abstract

Wafer scale epitaxial growth of 2D van der Waals materials and heterostructures is of ultimate importance for applications. Using synthetic thin film methods is also important to realize 2D materials which do not exist in nature and cannot be grown in equilibrium in bulk form. In this work, the perspectives in wafer scale growth of 2D van der Waals metallic ferromagnets (FMs) and the combination with other structurally and chemically compatible materials are described to propose functional devices. The areas such as 2D van der Waals ferromagnetic π-junctions for quantum computing, and all 2D magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) and spin orbit torque devices which can be used for spintronics are identified. It is foreseen that a new class of Janus materials which can be realized only by epitaxial synthetic methods can enhance the performance of spintronic devices. Finally, this work describes the perspectives to overcome the shortcomings of epitaxial techniques and layer transfer by proposing remote epitaxy for the detachment of 2D materials films from the substrate and the use of liquid substrates or liquid catalysts to achieve single crystalline 2D materials films over large areas on the wafer.