ArXiv · 2026
Layered chromium tellurides are model systems for studying low-dimensional magnetism in van der Waals materials. We report the synthesis and characterization of K₁₋ₓCrTe₂ single crystals (x ≈ 0.3), which crystallize in the Cm space group with trigonal prismatic K⁺ coordination, unlike the octahedral environments of more stoichiometric ACrX₂ compounds. Magnetization measurements show a sharp ferromagnetic transition at T_(rm C)=117 K and in-plane magnetic anisotropy, supported by density functional theory. Neutron diffraction reveals ferromagnetic alignment of Cr spins within and between layers. This contrasts with the out-of-plane A-type antiferromagnetism in LiCrTe₂ and NaCrTe₂, but resembles CrTe₂. These differences likely arise from changes in interlayer spacing, Cr oxidation state, or stacking. AC susceptibility and μSR indicate short-range order above T_(rm C) and dynamic behavior below. Overall, K₁₋ₓCrTe₂ provides a tunable platform for studying spin orientation and dimensionality in two-dimensional magnets.
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