Efficient electric field control of the magnetic phase in bilayer magnets via interlayer hopping modulation

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals magnets present a promising platform for spintronic applications due to their unique structural and electronic properties. The ability to electrostatically control their interlayer magnetic coupling between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases is particularly advantageous for the development of energy-efficient spintronic components. While effective in bilayer CrI3, achieving this control in other 2D magnets remains a challenge. In this work, we demonstrate that bilayer Cr2Ge2Te6 can achieve efficient electrostatic control through interlayer hopping modulation. We show that an external electric field can effectively manipulate the FM ↔ AFM phase transition when interlayer hopping is enhanced by pressure or sliding. We further develop a four-site interlayer hopping model, revealing that the phase transition is driven by a combined effect of on-site energy splitting and interlayer electronic hopping. Extending our findings, we confirm the model's applicability to other 2D magnets such as YI2. These findings pave the way for designing novel, electrically tunable spintronic devices, offering substantial potential for energy-efficient information processing and storage.