Abstract: The physics of low-dimensional magnetic systems has gained significant global attention over the last decade. Especially, two-dimensional (2D) layered magnetic systems are of present research interest due to their unusual magnetic properties, arising from the reduction in magnetic dimensionality and consequently, the geometrical spin frustrations. Such magnetic states are highly sensitive to the underlying magnetic lattice geometry. The talk will delve into the diverse magnetic properties of layered transition metal oxide compounds having variety of 2D magnetic lattices, viz., (a) triangular lattice [Na3Fe(PO4)2], (b) maple leaf lattice (Na2Mn3O7), and (c) honeycomb lattice [A2Ni2TeO6(A=Na/Li)] etc. The origin of unique long-range magnetic ground states, magnetic excitations in view of the spin-Hamiltonian of the system, 2D short range magnetic ordering, etc will be discussed. It will be demonstrated that how different types of 2D magnetic lattices (triangular lattice, maple leaf lattice, and honeycomb lattice) and their distortions result variations in geometrical spin frustrations, leading to the possibility of multiple spin structures. 

Furthermore, the layered materials are chosen in such a way that the magnetic layers are well-separated by the non-magnetic alkali-metal ions (A=Li/Na/K) alone. Such layered materials provide high ionic conduction and improved intercalation/de-intercalation properties, making them suitable for battery applications. The talk will discuss the role of underlying crystal structure on the ionic conduction properties within the context of functional battery applications.