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arXiv · 2512.03147

$\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ intercalated into graphite: a new three-dimensional platform for exotic quantum phases

Aleksandar Razpopov·Shirin Mozaffari·Takahiro Matsuoka·Matthew Cothrine·Nan Huang·Miaofang Chi·Roser Valentí·David Mandrus
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Abstract

Multilayer graphene with different stacking sequences has emerged as a powerful setting for correlated and topological phases. In parallel, progress in graphene heterostructures with magnetic or correlated materials-most notably the Kitaev candidate $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$-has demonstrated charge transfer, magnetic proximity effects, and interfacial reconstruction, creating new opportunities for engineered quantum systems. Motivated by these developments, we explore a three-dimensional analogue in which $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ layers are inserted directly into the van der Waals gaps of graphite, forming an intercalated system. Here, we report the successful synthesis and comprehensive characterization of graphite intercalated with $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$. Using a combination of X-ray diffraction, quantum oscillation measurements, and first-principles electronic structure calculations, we study the structural and electronic properties of these intercalated crystals. Our results demonstrate that graphite intercalated with $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ offers a robust route to develop three-dimensional materials with access to novel correlated and topological states.

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Aleksandar Razpopov, Shirin Mozaffari, Takahiro Matsuoka, Matthew Cothrine, Nan Huang, Miaofang Chi, Roser Valentí, David Mandrus. 2025-12-02. $\alpha$-RuCl$_3$ intercalated into graphite: a new three-dimensional platform for exotic quantum phases. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43246-026-01258-y

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