Field-induced spin polarization in the lightly Cr-substituted layered antiferromagnet NiPS3

Tuning magnetic properties in layered magnets is an important route to realize novel phenomenon related to two-dimensional (2D) magnetism. Recently, tuning antiferromagnetic (AFM) properties through substitution and intercalation techniques has been widely studied in MPX₃ compounds. Interesting phenomena, such as diverse AFM structures and even the signatures of ferrimagnetism, have been reported. However, long-range ferromagnetic (FM) ordering has remained elusive. In this work, we explored the magnetic properties of the Cr-substituted NiPS₃. We found that Cr substitution is extremely efficient in controlling spin orientation in NiPS₃. Our study reveals a field-induced spin polarization in lightly (9%) Cr-substituted NiPS₃, which is likely attributed to the attenuation of AFM interactions and magnetic anisotropy due to Cr doping. Our work provides a possible strategy to achieve FM phase in AFM MPX₃, which could be useful for investigating 2D magnetism as well as potential device applications.