Weak localization and electron-phonon interaction in layered Zintl phase SrIn₂P₂ single crystal

Abstract

Recently, the Zintl phase SrIn2P2 single crystal was proposed to be a topological insulator candidate under lattice strain. Here, we report systematic electrical transport studies on the unstrained layered SrIn2P2 single crystals. The resistance presents a minimum value around T c = 136 K and then increases remarkably at low temperature. Distinct negative magnetoresistance below T c, combined with the anomalous resistance, implies the carriers are weak localized at low temperature due to strong quantum coherence. Further analysis based on three-dimensional weak localization (WL) model suggests that the electron-phonon interaction dominates the phase decoherence process. Moreover, Hall measurements indicate that the transport properties are mainly dominated by hole-type carriers, and the WL effect is obviously affected by the carrier transport. These findings not only provide us a promising platform for the fundamental physical research but also open up a new route for exploring the potential electronic applications.

Exploiting the fraternal twin nature of thermoelectrics and topological insulators in Zintl phases as a tool for engineering new efficient thermoelectric generators

“…203 Furthermore, a quantum phase transition from a semiconductor to a nontrivial topological phase is reported in both compounds, where the application of a minimal strain leads to a band inversion and the subsequent opening of a band gap along the line node in the presence of SOC. 204,205 The YbMnSb 2 , EuZnSb 2 , and AEAgPn (AE = Ca, Sr, Ba; Pn = Sb, Bi) phases…”