Non-thermal magnetic deicing using two-dimensional chromium telluride

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) chromium telluride Cr2Te3 exhibits strong ferromagnetic ordering with high coercivity at low temperatures and paramagnetic behaviour when approaching room temperature. The spin states of monolayer Cr2Te3 show ferromagnetic ordering in the ground state, and in-situ Raman analysis shows reversible structure transformation and hence a ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition during low-temperature heating cycles (0 - 25 °C). The magnetic phase transition near room temperature in the 2D Cr2Te3 prompted the exploration of these layered materials for energy application. We demonstrate that the low-temperature ferromagnetic behavior can be used to magnetically deice material surfaces using an external magnetic source, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and high temperatures. The hydrophobic nature and dipole interactions of H2O molecules with the surface of the 2D Cr2Te3 coating aid in the condensation of ice droplets formed on the surface. First-principles calculations also confirm the observed crystal structure, surface interaction, and magnetic properties of 2D Cr2Te3.