α−RuCl3 intercalated into graphite as 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 α − 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 analog in which α − 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 α − RuCl 3 . Using a combination of X-ray diffraction, quantum oscillation measurements, scanning transmission electron microscopy and first-principles electronic structure calculations, we study the structural and electronic properties of this intercalated crystals. Our results demonstrate that graphite intercalated with α − RuCl 3 offers a robust route to develop three-dimensional materials with access to novel correlated and topological states.