Electronic transport in Layered van der Waals Kagome lattice Cluster Compound, Nb₃X₈

Geometrically frustrated materials based on a Kagome lattice have been long studied as promising “Quantum Spin-Liquid” candidates. Of particular interest are metallic spin liquids – theorized to host exotic transport properties including high temperature superconductivity. Recently, the 2D van der Waals cluster compound, Nb₃Cl₈, which has a Nb Kagome lattice, has been reported as a potential spin liquid material. Due to its insulating behavior, electronic transport properties and their link to the exotic magnetism have not been investigated. Here we report on electronic transport measurements in 10nm-100nm thin flakes of Nb₃X₈ (X= Cl, Br) in Hall bar geometries, fabricated via standard micromechanical exfoliation techniques combined with photolithography and ion-sputtering deposition. Also, results on using electrostatic charge injection via back-gate and top-gate control to metallize the compound and probe a possibly metallic spin liquid state will be presented.