Three-dimensional weak localization and negative magnetoresistance in high-quality PtP2 crystals

Pentagonal-ring-structured PtP2 bulk crystals and the two-dimensional (2D) PtP2 with rich theoretical physical and chemical properties have attracted considerable attention for the applications in high-performance electronic and optoelectronic devices. Here, high-quality PtP2 single crystals have been successfully prepared by using a tin flux method with the optimal molar ratios of Pt and P. 3D weak localization effect and negative magnetoresistance (NMR) are observed in the high-quality PtP2 single crystals for the first time. Crystalline structure, magnetization, and optical spectral characterizations have demonstrated that the defects in PtP2 crystals can suppress the NMR effect and magnetic ordered states. These findings open up a way to synthesize the bulk and low-dimensional noble-metal-based phosphides of high quality and provide new platforms for studying the different correlated electronic states.