Magnetic skyrmions, which are topologically distinct magnetic spin textures with a nano-sized particle character, have come to the forefront as potential applications in spintronic devices. These vortex-like spin nanostructures are stabilized by Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya asymmetric exchange interaction facilitated by strong spin-orbit coupling and broken inversion symmetry crystal lattice. Designing and creating materials featuring such unique spin textures, however, presents a significant challenge. To address this, we propose chemical logic for inducing skyrmions in new classes of materials based on combinations of magnetic spin, asymmetric building units with stereo-active lone-pair electrons, and polar lattice symmetry. To demonstrate the viability of the proposed judicious design principles, we successfully synthesized Fe(IO3)3 by using low-temperature reactions and characterized the crystal structure, magnetic structure, and magnetic spin evolution of this material by performing powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements. Density functional theory calculations were also performed to gain better insights into chemical bonding and exchange interaction of Fe(IO3)3. Our results demonstrate a connection between topological magnetism and stereo-active lone-pair electrons in compounds having extended polar lattice, opening up an avenue to realize new skyrmion materials. The results and knowledge gained from this work will be discussed.

Exploiting new chemical approaches to design magnetic skyrmions

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.