Recent advances in multiferroics and magnetoelectrics

Multiferroics, where multiple ferroic orders coexist and couple, have been one of the most active fields in condensed matter physics over the past two decades. In particular, the cross-control between magnetic and electric variables, i.e., the magnetoelectric coupling effect, provides a unique advantage for developing low-consumption electronic devices. In recent years, the field has seen a fundamental expansion of its scope to include topological magnetoelectricity and two-dimensional (2D) multiferroics. This review mainly focuses on the progress made in the last decade, covering new material exploration and emerging physical phenomena. It begins with an overview of linear magnetoelectricity, continues with detailed discussions of emerging topological magnetoelectricity and 2D multiferroics, and ends with an outlook on future developments for multiferroicity and magnetoelectric coupling.