Tuning magnetism at the two-dimensional limit: A theoretical perspective

The discovery of two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials provides an ideal testbed for manipulating the magnetic properties at the atomically thin and the 2D limit. This review gives recent progress on the emergent 2D magnets and heterostructures, focusing on the theory side. We summarize different theoretical models, ranging from atomic to micrometer-scale, used to describe magnetic orders. Then, the current strategies for tuning magnetism in 2D materials are further discussed, such as electric field, magnetic field, strain, optics, chemical functionalization, and spin-orbit engineering. Finally, we conclude with the future challenges and opportunities on 2D magnetism.