Quantum spin Hall insulating phase and van Hove singularities in Zintl single-quintuple-layer AM2X2 (A = Ca, Sr, or Ba; M = Zn or Cd; X = Sb or Bi) family
Abstract
Recent experiments on bulk Zintl CaAl2Si2 reveal the presence of nontrivial topological states. However, the large family of two-dimensional (2D) Zintl materials remains unexplored. Using first-principles calculations, we discuss the stability and topological electronic structures of 12 Zintl single-quintuple-layer (1-QL) AM2X2 compounds in the CaAl2Si2-structure (A = Ca, Sr, or Ba; M = Zn or Cd; and X = Sb or Bi). Considering various layer-stackings, we show that the M-X-A-X-M stacking, where the transition metal M is exposed, is energetically most favorable. Phonon dispersion computations support the thermodynamic stability of all the investigated compounds. Nontrivial topological properties are ascertained through the calculation of Z2 invariants and edge states using the hybrid functional. Insulating topological phases driven by a band inversion at the Γ-point involving Bi-(px + py) orbitals are found in CaZn2Bi2, SrZn2Bi2, BaZn2Bi2, CaCd2Bi2, SrCd2Bi2, and BaCd2Bi2 with bandgaps (eV) of 0.571, 0.500, 0.025, 0.774, 0.650, and 0.655, respectively. Interestingly, van Hove singularities are found in CaCd2Bi2 and BaCd2Bi2, implying the possibility of coexisting insulating and superconducting topological phases. We discuss how topological 1-QL Zintl compounds could be synthesized through atomic substitutions resulting in Janus materials (1-QL AM2XY). In particular, the thermodynamically stable Janus BaCd2SbBi film is shown to exhibit both an insulating topological state and the Rashba effect. Our study identifies a new family of materials for developing 2D topological materials platforms and paves the way for the discovery of 2D topological superconductors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 25, 2022
- Source ID
- 10.1063/5.0071687
Entities
People
- Aniceto B. Maghirang
- Arun Bansil
- Chia-Hsiu Hsu
- Chih-Peng Cheng
- Feng-Chuan Chuang
- Liang-Ying Feng
- Marku Nyevel R. Perez
- Rovi Angelo B. Villaos
- Zhi-Quan Huang
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- National Center for theoretical Sciences
- National Science and Technology Council
- National Sun Yat-sen University
- Northeastern University