As a host for exchange bias (EB), van der Waals (vdW)
magnetic
materials have exhibited intriguing and distinct functionalities from
conventional magnetic materials. The EB in most vdW systems is far
below room temperature, which poses a challenge for practical applications.
Here, by using Kerr microscopy, we demonstrate a record-high blocking
temperature that approaches room temperature and a huge positive EB
field that nears 2 kOe at 100 K in naturally oxidized two-dimensional
(2D) vdW ferromagnetic Fe3GaTe2 nanoflakes.
Moreover, we realized a reversible manipulation of both the presence/absence
and positive/negative signs of EB via a training magnetic field without
multiple field cooling processes. Thus, our study clearly reveals
the robust, sizable, and sign-tunable EB in vdW magnetic materials
up to near room temperature, thereby establishing Fe3GaTe2 as an emerging room-temperature-operating vdW material and
paving the way for designing practical 2D spintronic devices.