2D iron oxide at the graphene/SiC(0001) interface

Sakakibara, Ryotaro*; Terasawa, Tomoo   ; Kawauchi, Taizo*; Fukutani, Katsuyuki; Ito, Takahiro*; Norimatsu, Wataru*

Fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal oxides has gained considerable attention due to their unique crystal structures and physical properties distinct from their bulk counterparts. Intercalation of foreign elements into the graphene/SiC(0001) interface is a possible approach for achieving this, as it enables the confinement and arrangement of atoms within the 2D interface. However, while various 2D metals and their compounds have been synthesized at the graphene/SiC interface, the fabrication of 2D transition metal compounds remains challenging. This difficulty arises from the high reactivity of transition metals such as Fe, Co, and Ni, which readily form carbides and silicides with the host material. In this work, the successful fabrication of a uniform 2D iron oxide at the graphene/SiC interface is demonstrated through the simultaneous intercalation of Fe and O. Direct observation using atomic-resolution electron microscopy revealed that the crystalline 2D iron oxide is encapsulated by graphene and forms a sharp interface with the SiC substrate. Mssbauer spectroscopy measurements suggest that the 2D iron oxide exhibits a magnetic ordering at low temperatures. These findings suggest another strategy for synthesizing 2D transition metal oxides, opening new avenues for the advancement of 2D magnetic materials.