Review: Exploring spin properties in van der Waals materials with star-of-David pattern

The spin properties in van der Waals (vdW) low-dimensional materials have attracted increasing research interest due to their potential application in future nano-spintronic devices. Among the vast members of vdW materials, those with star-of-David (SOD) charge density wave (CDW) patterns are emergent. Here, we give a review of the recent experimental and theoretical progress achieved on this kind of material. First, the features and advantages of exploring spin properties in SOD materials are briefly introduced. Second, the influences of different stacking on the spin properties of SOD systems are discussed, from single-layer to bilayer and then to bulk with different phase combinations by taking advantage of the vdW nature, manifesting various spin phenomena such as the 120° in-plane antiferromagnetism, quantum spin liquid, and the Kondo effect. Then we give some examples of manipulation methods such as doping, strain, and electric field, which can induce the change of spin features. Finally, the current challenges and opportunities at the frontier in this research field are discussed.