Diamagnetic response in zigzag hexagonal silicene rings

• Hexagonal silicene rings possess unusually large diamagnetic moments.
• The magnetic-field-driven spin-up electrons flow anticlockwise and spin-down electrons flow clockwise along the rings.
• The large diamagnetic moment is the result of competition of spin-up and spin-down electrons.

Hexagonal silicene rings with unusually large diamagnetic moments have been found in a theoretical study of the electronic and magnetic properties. In the presence of effective spin–orbit coupling, the magnetic-field-driven spin-up electrons flow anticlockwise exhibiting colossal diamagnetic moments, while the spin-down electrons flow clockwise exhibiting colossal paramagnetic moments along the rings. The large diamagnetic moment is thus the result of competition of spin-up and spin-down electrons, which can be modulated by spin–orbit coupling strength and exchange field.