p‐Orbital Ferromagnetism Arising from Unconventional O− Ionic State in a New Semiconductor Sr2AlO4 with Insufficiently Bonded Oxygen
Abstract Oxygen in solids usually exists in an O2− ionic state. As a result, it loses its magnetic nature of a single atom, wherein two unpaired electrons exist in its outer 2p orbitals. Here, it is shown that an unconventional stable ionic state of O− is realized in a new semiconductor material Sr2...
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Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Wiley
2025-01-01
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Series: | Advanced Science |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202410977 |
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Summary: | Abstract Oxygen in solids usually exists in an O2− ionic state. As a result, it loses its magnetic nature of a single atom, wherein two unpaired electrons exist in its outer 2p orbitals. Here, it is shown that an unconventional stable ionic state of O− is realized in a new semiconductor material Sr2AlO4, leading to an intrinsic p‐orbital ferromagnetism stable until ≈900 K. Experimental and theoretical investigations have clarified that one‐fourth of the oxygen atoms in Sr2AlO4 are insufficiently bonded in the crystal structure, resulting in a unique O−‐state and p‐orbital ferromagnetism. To date, the O− state is reported to exist only in non‐equilibrium conditions, and p‐orbital magnetism is only suggested in impurity bands with small ferromagnetic moments. The present work provides a new route for creating ferromagnetism in semiconductors and exploring new p‐orbital physics and chemistry. In addition, the material shows elastic‐mechanoluminescence that may enable unprecedented mechano‐photonic‐spintronics. |
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ISSN: | 2198-3844 |