Chemistry of Quantum Spin Liquids

• Published in: Chemical reviews Vol. 121; no. 5; pp. 2898 - 2934
• Main Authors: Chamorro, Juan R, McQueen, Tyrel M, Tran, Thao T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 10.03.2021
• Subjects: Chemistry; Condensed matter physics; Crystal defects; Data analysis; Liquids; Materials science; Materials selection; Physical properties; Playgrounds; Research methods; Spin liquid
• ISSN: 0009-2665; 1520-6890
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c00641

Quantum spin liquids are an exciting playground for exotic physical phenomena and emergent many-body quantum states. The realization and discovery of quantum spin liquid candidate materials and associated phenomena lie at the intersection of solid-state chemistry, condensed matter physics, and materials science and engineering. In this review, we provide the current status of the crystal chemistry, synthetic techniques, physical properties, and research methods in the field of quantum spin liquids. We highlight a number of specific quantum spin liquid candidate materials and their structure–property relationships, elucidating their fascinating behavior and connecting it to the intricacies of their structures. Furthermore, we share our thoughts on defects and their inevitable presence in materials, of which quantum spin liquids are no exception, which can complicate the interpretation of characterization of these materials, and urge the community to extend their attention to materials preparation and data analysis, cognizant of the impact of defects. This review was written with the intention of providing guidance on improving the materials design and growth of quantum spin liquids, and to paint a picture of the beauty of the underlying chemistry of this exciting class of materials.