Multiple Magnetic Phases in Van Der Waals Mn-Doped SnS2 Semiconductor

2D van der Waals magnetic semiconductors have emerged along with the possibilities of achieving an efficient gate tunability and a proximity effect with a high magnetic anisotropy compared with 3D counterparts. Little explored are multiple magnetic phases with a single crystallographic phase. Herein, the multiple magnetic phases in a Mn-doped SnS₂ single crystal with different doping concentrations using a one-step self-flux method are reported. Two ferromagnetic phases with a canted spin direction exist regardless of the Mn-doping concentration at up to 5 at%. Antiferromagnetism coexists with the ferromagnetic order and strengthens at high Mn-doping concentrations. A magnetoresistance measurement conducted on a 2 at% Mn-SnS₂ flake exhibits a positive-to-negative crossover with a value of as high as 50% and clear anisotropy, confirming the presence of ferromagnetic order in the material. By revealing multiple magnetic phases in Mn-doped SnS₂, the study broadens the scope of state-of-the-art research on layered magnetic semiconductors.