Defect introduced paramagnetism and weak localization in two-dimensional metal VSe.

We have carried out a detailed investigation of the magnetism, valence state, and magnetotransport in VSe bulk single crystals, as well as in laminates obtained by mechanical exfoliation. In sharp contrast to the ferromagnetic behavior reported previously, here, no ferromagnetism could be detected for VSe single crystal and laminate from room temperature down to 2 K. Neither did we find the Curie paramagnetism expected due to the 3d odd-electronic configuration of covalent V ions. Rather, intrinsic VSe is a non-magnetic alloy without local moment. Only a weak paramagnetic contribution introduced by defects is noticeable below 50 K. A weak localization effect due to defects was also observed in VSe single crystals for the first time.