Carla Boix Constant, researcher at the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol), located in the scientific-academic area of the Science Park University of Valencia (PCUV), has been awarded the Best Doctoral Thesis 2024 by the Spanish Chapter of the IEEE Magnetic Society for its work on 2D and twistronic magnetic materials. The organization has valued the pioneering contribution to the study of two-dimensional magnetic materials, in which the scientist has demonstrated an exceptional combination of multidisciplinary training, innovative capacity, scientific leadership and outstanding research productivity.
The doctoral thesis of Carla Boix, entitled "Tuning the Properties of Two-Dimensional Magnetic Heterostructures via Interface Engineering with Molecular and Inorganic van der Waals Crystals", has been recognized with a second place in the GENAM Awards for the best doctoral theses presented in 2024, an award that highlights the most relevant research in the field of nanoscience and advanced materials.
The work was defended in September 2024 at the Universitat de València, and developed at the Institute of Molecular Science, under the supervision of Eugenio Coronado, director of ICMol, and Samuel Mañas-Valero (TU Delft).
Among the advances highlighted in the thesis of Carla Boix (ICMol), is the development of the first cross magnetic system based on monolayers of the compound CrSBr rotated 90o, where the appearance of hysteresis and magnetic domains is first observed in the presence of an external magnetic field, not observed in the pristine material
The thesis focuses on the design and electronic characterization of van der Waals magnetic heterostructures manufactured from two-dimensional (2D) materials, both inorganic and molecular, with the aim of modulating their electronic properties through proximity effects on the interface. The work carried out combines solid-state synthesis techniques with the manufacture of nano-devices, as well as their subsequent characterization by means of low temperature magneto-transport techniques. Among the advances highlighted is the development of the first cross magnetic system based on monolayers of the compound CrSBr rotated 90o, where the appearance of hysteresis and magnetic domains in the presence of external magnetic field is observed for the first time, not observed in pristine material.
Thus, he now receives this recognition from the Spanish Chapter of the IEEE Magnetic Society. The IEEE Magnetics Society is the leading international professional organization of magnetism and related professionals worldwide, with a mission to promote the advancement of science, technology, applications and education in magnetism.
Carla Boix Constant holds a PhD in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from the University of Valencia, as well as a researcher at ICMol. His work focuses on the symbiosis between condensed matter physics, crystal growth and device nanofabrication. Thanks to his training as a chemist, he has developed a solid experience in the synthesis of laminar materials and in the study of magnetic systems at the two-dimensional limit (2D), seeking new synergies in the field of twistronics (from the English twist, 'giro', and electronics, 'electronics') or by incorporating molecular materials sensitive to external stimuli into miniaturised electronic devices.
This recognition highlights the scientific quality of the research carried out at ICMol and its contribution to the advancement of new generation functional materials.
Source: ICMol