$\hat{I}\pm$-RuCl${}_3$ intercalated into graphite: a new three-dimensional platform for exotic quantum phases

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 $\hat{I}\pm$-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 $\hat{I}\pm$-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 $\hat{I}\pm$-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 $\hat{I}\pm$-RuCl${}_3$ offers a robust route to develop three-dimensional materials with access to novel correlated and topological states.

14 pages, 10 figures, including supplementary information