We investigate the structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of the two-dimensional hexagonal structure of group III-VI binary monolayers, MX (M = B, Al, Ga, In and X = O, S, Se, Te) using first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory. The structural optimization calculations and phonon spectrum analysis indicate that all of the 16 possible binary compounds are thermally stable. In-plane stiffness values cover a range depending on the element types and can be as high as that of graphene, while the calculated bending rigidity is found to be an order of magnitude higher than that of graphene. The obtained electronic band structures show that MX monolayers are indirect band-gap semiconductors. The calculated band gaps span a wide optical spectrum from deep ultraviolet to near infrared. The electronic structure of oxides (MO) is different from the rest because of the high electronegativity of oxygen atoms. The dispersions of the electronic band edges and the nature of bonding between atoms can also be correlated with electronegativities of constituent elements. The unique characteristics of group III-VI binary monolayers can be suitable for high-performance device applications in nanoelectronics and optics.
This paper reveals how the electronic structure, magnetic structure, and topological phase of two-dimensional (2D), single-layer structures of bismuth are modified by point defects. We first showed that a free-standing, single-layer, hexagonal structure of bismuth, named h-bismuthene, exhibits nontrivial band topology. We then investigated interactions between single foreign adatoms and bismuthene structures, which comprise stability, bonding, electronic structure, and magnetic structures. Localized states in diverse locations of the band gap and resonant states in band continua of bismuthene are induced upon the adsorption of different adatoms, which modify electronic and magnetic properties. Specific adatoms result in reconstruction around the adsorption site. Single vacancies and divacancies can form readily in bismuthene structures and remain stable at high temperatures. Through rebondings, Stone-Whales-type defects are constructed by divacancies, which transform into a large hole at high temperature. Like adsorbed adatoms, vacancies induce also localized gap states, which can be eliminated through rebondings in divacancies. We also showed that not only the optical and magnetic properties, but also the topological features of pristine h-bismuthene can be modified by point defects. The modification of the topological features depends on the energies of localized states and also on the strength of coupling between point defects.
We predict that specific group-IV elements and IV-IV, III-V, and II-VI compounds can form stable, freestanding two-dimensional (2D) monolayers consisting of octagon, hexagon, and square rings (ohs), in which the threefold coordination of atoms is preserved to allow sp 2 -type hybridization. These monolayers can also construct bilayers, multilayers, three-dimensional (3D) layered van der Waals solids, and 3D crystals with strong vertical bonds between layers as well as quasi-one-dimensional nanotubes and nanoribbons with diverse edge geometries. All these ohs structures can constitute a large class of 2D materials ranging from good metals to wide bandgap semiconductors and display physical and chemical properties rather different from those of their counterparts in the hexagonal (honeycomb) network. The metallic state of freestanding 2D C, Si, and Ge ohs monolayers and 3D C ohs bulk contrast, respectively, with graphene, silicene, germanene, and graphite.
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