Oral: Unveiling the Giant Nernst Angle in van der Waals Magnet Cr_1.25Te₂

The emergence of two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) magnetic materials has significantly advanced technology, particularly thermoelectric applications. This study explores the electronic and thermoelectric properties of Cr_1.25Te₂, a self-intercalated vdW material that exhibits antiferromagnetic ordering at T_N ~ 191 K and transitions to a ferromagnetic-like state at T_C ~ 171 K. Notably, we identify a pronounced topological Hall effect and topological Nernst effect between T_C and T_N, attributed to non-coplanar spin textures that induce a real-space Berry phase due to competing magnetic interactions. Additionally, Cr_1.25Te₂ demonstrates a substantial anomalous Nernst effect, achieving a remarkable Nernst angle of ~37% near T_C and a peak Nernst thermoelectric coefficient of 0.52 µV/K. These findings exceed those observed in conventional ferromagnets and other vdW materials, positioning Cr_1.25Te₂ as a compelling candidate for next-generation thermoelectric devices leveraging the Nernst effect. This research underscores the potential of Cr_1.25Te₂ in advancing thermoelectric technologies through its unique magnetic and transport properties.