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Group 14 element-based non-centrosymmetric quantum spin Hall insulators with large bulk gap

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Abstract

To date, a number of two-dimensional (2D) topological insulators (TIs) have been realized in Group 14 elemental honeycomb lattices, but all are inversionsymmetric. Here, based on first-principles calculations, we predict a new family of 2D inversion-asymmetric TIs with sizeable bulk gaps from 105 meV to 284 meV, in X2–GeSn (X = H, F, Cl, Br, I) monolayers, making them in principle suitable for room-temperature applications. The nontrivial topological characteristics of inverted band orders are identified in pristine X2–GeSn with X = (F, Cl, Br, I), whereas H2–GeSn undergoes a nontrivial band inversion at 8% lattice expansion. Topologically protected edge states are identified in X2–GeSn with X = (F, Cl, Br, I), as well as in strained H2–GeSn. More importantly, the edges of these systems, which exhibit single-Dirac-cone characteristics located exactly in the middle of their bulk band gaps, are ideal for dissipationless transport. Thus, Group 14 elemental honeycomb lattices provide a fascinating playground for the manipulation of quantum states.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Earth Science, Jacobs University Bremen, Campus Ring 1, Bremen, 28759, Germany

    Yandong Ma & Thomas Heine

  2. School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia

    Liangzhi Kou & Aijun Du

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  1. Yandong Ma
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  2. Liangzhi Kou
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Correspondence to Yandong Ma or Thomas Heine.

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Ma, Y., Kou, L., Du, A. et al. Group 14 element-based non-centrosymmetric quantum spin Hall insulators with large bulk gap. Nano Res. 8, 3412–3420 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-015-0842-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-015-0842-7

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