Single crystal growth and characterization of RuCl₃ intercalated graphite

 

Graphite intercalated material (GIC) refers to inserting atoms, ions or compounds into the crystal lattice of layered graphite. By intercalating other kinds of guest species, new physical behaviors can be tuned. In this process, no chemical bond breaking is involved. Thus, graphite maintains its two-dimensional honeycomb lattice. Recently, a large number of transition-metal halide intercalation compounds have been the subject of 2D magnetism investigations.  For the first time, we have successfully synthesized high stage bulky RuCl₃ intercalated single crystal graphite.  Inspired by photocatalysis reaction, we designed a novel and safer way to introduce a halide atmosphere while eliminating hazardous chlorine exposure in the synthesis process.

XRD and SEM measurements were carried out to confirm the purity of the stage IV and stage II single crystal C-RuCl₃ samples. The number of stages indicate the number of graphite layers between two layers of RuCl_3. These single crystal samples cannot be ground into fine powders for measurements, as they are readily destroyed with the application of pressure. The magnetoresistance was measured for both samples. The higher degree of intercalation in the stage II sample apparently improves the in-plane crystalline quality, evidenced by the more pronounced magnetoresistance quantum oscillations.