Engineering Two-Dimensional Magnetic Heterostructures: A Theoretical Perspective

Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials have attracted great attention due to their promise for applications in future high-speed, low-energy quantum computing and memory devices. By integrating 2D magnetic materials with other magnetic or nonmagnetic materials to form heterostructures, the synergistic effects of interlayer orbital hybridization, spin–orbit coupling, and symmetry breaking can surpass the performance of single-layer materials and lead to novel physical phenomena. This review provides a comprehensive theoretical analysis of engineering 2D magnetic heterostructures, emphasizing the fundamental physics of interlayer interactions and the resulting enhancements and novel properties. It reviews the mechanisms and progress in tuning the magnetic ordering, enhancing the Curie temperature (Tc) and modulating properties such as topological magnetic structures, spin polarization, electronic band topology, valley polarization, and magnetoelectric coupling through the construction of 2D magnetic heterostructures. Additionally, this review discusses the current challenges faced by 2D magnetic heterostructures, aiming to guide the future design of higher-performance magnetic heterostructures.