On the ordering mechanism of Cu+ in 2D van der Waals multiferroic CuCrP2S6

Abstract

CuCrP2S6 is a van der Waals multiferroic where the tunable Cu+ sublattice underpins its exceptional ferroelectric and electronic switching properties. Yet, the microscopic mechanism governing Cu+ ordering has remained elusive. Here, we combine single-crystal X-ray and neutron diffraction with pair distribution function analysis to uncover a temperature-driven evolution of Cu+ ordering, giving rise to an incommensurate quasi-antipolar phase between the paraelectric and antiferroelectric states. The modulation originates from correlated Cu+ occupancy redistribution coupled to breathing distortion of surrounding S3 triangles, establishing a symmetry-adapted lattice distortion mode. Diffuse scattering persisting over 35 K above the transition confirms that the structural instability follows an order-disorder mechanism. The spontaneous off-centering of Cu+ positions CuCrP2S6 as a model platform for correlated order-disorder phenomena in 2D layered ferroics, and provides design principles for next-generation memory and logic devices.