Direct observation of intrinsic room-temperature ferroelectricity in 2D layered CuCrP₂S₆

Multiferroic materials have ignited enormous interest owing to their co-existence of ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism, which hold substantial promise for advanced device applications. However, the size effect, dangling bonds, and interface effect in traditional multiferroics severely hinder their potential in nanoscale device applications. Recent theoretical and experimental studies have evidenced the possibility of realizing two-dimensional (2D) multiferroicity in van der Waals (vdW) layered CuCrP₂S₆. However, the incorporation of magnetic Cr ions in the ferroelectric framework leads to antiferroelectric and antiferromagnetic orderings, while macroscopic spontaneous polarization is always absent. Herein, we report the direct observation of robust out-of-plane ferroelectricity in 2D vdW CuCrP₂S₆ at room temperature with a comprehensive investigation. Modification of the ferroelectric polarization states in 2D CuCrP₂S₆ nanoflakes is experimentally demonstrated. Moreover, external electric field-induced polarization switching and hysteresis loops are obtained in CuCrP₂S₆ down to ~2.6 nm (4 layers). By using atomically resolved scanning transmission electron microscopy, we unveil the origin of the emerged room-temperature ferroelectricity in 2D CuCrP₂S₆. Our work can facilitate the development of multifunctional nanodevices and provide important insights into the nature of ferroelectric ordering of this 2D vdW material.