Metal to semiconductor switching in the AgTe monolayer via decoration with alkali metal and alkaline earth metal atoms: a first-principles perspective.

In this work, employing first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the atomic structure and electronic and optical properties of the AgTe monolayer, as well as the impact of alkali metal (Li, Na, K) and alkaline earth metal (Be, Mg, Ca) atoms decoration. The AgTe monolayer exhibits metallic characteristics. When Li, Na, K, and Mg atoms are decorated on the AgTe monolayer, the decorated AgTe monolayers are dynamically stable. In contrast, with Be and Ca atoms, the decorated structures are found to be dynamically unstable. Interestingly, the decoration of Li, Na, and K atoms into the AgTe monolayer can open the band gaps in the decorated Li-, Na- and K-AgTe monolayers around the Fermi level, leading to the actualization of metal-to-semiconductor transitions. In contrast, the decorated Mg-AgTe monolayer maintains its metallic characteristic. The highest electron and hole mobilities are achieved in the Na-AgTe monolayer among the decorated structures, suggesting the applicability of this structure in photovoltaic applications. The optical study shows that Li-, Na- and K-decorated AgTe monolayers have improved light absorption in the visible light region. Consequently, our findings shed light on the decoration of these 2D material monolayers and can potentially enhance and motivate studies in producing these monolayers for current nanodevices and future applications.

Two-dimensional penta-like PdPSe with a puckered pentagonal structure: a first-principles study.

Low-symmetry penta-PdPSe (Pd4P4Se4) with intrinsic in-plane anisotropy was synthesized successfully [P. Li et al., Adv. Mater., 2021, 2102541]. Motivated by this experimental discovery, we investigate the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of PdPSe nanosheets via density functional theory calculations. The phonon dispersion, molecular dynamics simulation, and cohesive energy mechanical properties of the penta-PdPSe are verified to confirm its stability. The phonon spectrum represents a striking gap between the high-frequency and the low-frequency optical branches and an out-of-plane flexure mode with a quadratic dispersion in the long-wavelength limit. The Poisson's ratio indicates that penta-PdPSe is a brittle nanosheet. The penta-PdPSe is a semiconductor with an indirect bandgap of 1.40 (2.07) eV using the PBE functional (HSE06 hybrid functional). Optical properties simulation suggests that PdPSe is capable of absorbing a substantial range of visible to ultraviolet light. Band alignment analysis also reveals the compatibility of PdPSe for water splitting photocatalysis application. By combining the electrical and thermal transport properties of PdPSe, we show that a high power factor is achievable at room temperature, thus making PdPSe a candidate material for thermoelectric applications. Our findings reveal the strong potential of penta-PdPSe nanosheets for a wide array of applications, including optoelectronic, water splitting and thermoelectric device applications.

Two-dimensional carbon nitride C6N nanosheet with egg-comb-like structure and electronic properties of a semimetal.

In this study, the structural, electronic and optical properties of theoretically predicted C6N monolayer structure are investigated by means of Density Functional Theory-based First-Principles Calculations. Phonon band dispersion calculations and molecular dynamics simulations reveal the dynamical and thermal stability of the C6N single-layer structure. We found out that the C6N monolayer has large negative in-plane Poisson's ratios along bothXandYdirection and the both values are almost four times that of the famous-pentagraphene. The electronic structure shows that C6N monolayer is a semi-metal and has a Dirac-point in the BZ. The optical analysis using the random phase approximation method constructed over HSE06 illustrates that the first peak of absorption coefficient of the C6N monolayer along all polarizations is located in theIRrange of spectrum, while the second absorption peak occurs in the visible range, which suggests its potential applications in optical and electronic devices. Interestingly, optically anisotropic character of this system is highly desirable for the design of polarization-sensitive photodetectors. Thermoelectric properties such as Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, electronic thermal conductivity and power factor are investigated as a function of carrier doping at temperatures 300, 400, and 500 K. In general, we predict that the C6N monolayer could be a new platform for study of novel physical properties in two-dimensional semi-metal materials, which may provide new opportunities to realize high-speed low-dissipation devices.

Two-dimensional FeTe2 and predicted Janus FeXS (X: Te and Se) monolayers with intrinsic half-metallic character: tunable electronic and magnetic properties via strain and electric field.

Driven by the fabrication of bulk and monolayer FeTe2 (ACS Nano, 2020, 14, 11473-11481), we explore the lattice, dynamic stability, electronic and magnetic properties of FeTeS and FeSeS Janus monolayers using density functional theory calculations. The obtained results validate the dynamic and thermal stability of the FeTeS and FeSeS Janus monolayers examined. The electronic structure shows that the FeTe2 bulk yields a total magnetization higher than the FeTe2 monolayer. FeTeS and FeSeS are categorized as ferromagnetic metals due to their bands crossing the Fermi level. So, they can be a good candidate material for spin filter applications. The biaxial compressive strain on the FeTe2 monolayer tunes the bandgap of the spin-down channel in the half-metal phase. By contrast, for FeTeS, the biaxial strain transforms the ferromagnetic metal into a half-metal. The electric field applied to the FeSeS monolayer in a parallel direction transforms the half-metal to a ferromagnetic metal by closing the gap in the spin-down channel.

Electronic, optical and thermoelectric properties of a novel two-dimensional SbXY (X = Se, Te; Y = Br, I) family: ab initio perspective.

Recent developments in the synthesis of highly crystalline ultrathin BiTeX (X = Br, Cl) structures [Debarati Hajra et al., ACS Nano 14, 15626 (2020)] have led to the exploration of the atomic structure, dynamical stability, and electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of SbXY (X = Se, Te; Y = Br, I) monolayers via density functional calculations. The calculated phonon spectrum, elastic stability conditions, and cohesive energy verified the stability of the studied SbXY monolayers. The mechanical properties reveal that all studied monolayers are stable and brittle. Based on PBE (PBE + SOC) functional calculations, the SbXY monolayers are semiconductors with indirect bandgaps. The calculated bandgaps using HSE (HSE + SOC) for SbSeBr, SbSeI, SbTeBr, and SbTeI monolayers are between 1.45 and 1.91 eV, which are appealing for applications in nanoelectronic devices. The signature of the Rashba effect appears in the SbXY monolayer. The SbXY monolayers are visible-light active. Hole doping can be an efficient way to increase the electricity production of SbXY monolayers from waste heat energy. This study suggests that SbXY (X = Se, Te; Y = Br, I) monolayers represent promising new electronic, optical, and energy conversion systems.

Novel two-dimensional AlSb and InSb monolayers with a double-layer honeycomb structure: a first-principles study.

In this work, motivated by the fabrication of an AlSb monolayer, we have focused on the electronic, mechanical and optical properties of AlSb and InSb monolayers with double-layer honeycomb structures, employing the density functional theory approach. The phonon band structure and cohesive energy confirm the stability of the XSb (X = Al and In) monolayers. The mechanical properties reveal that the XSb monolayers have a brittle nature. Using the GGA + SOC (HSE + SOC) functionals, the bandgap of the AlSb monolayer is predicted to be direct, while InSb has a metallic character using both functionals. We find that XSb (X = Al, In) two-dimensional bodies can absorb ultraviolet light. The present findings suggest several applications of AlSb and InSb monolayers in novel optical and electronic usages.

First-principles investigation of nonmetal doped single-layer BiOBr as a potential photocatalyst with a low recombination rate.

Nonmetal doping is an effective approach to modify the electronic band structure and enhance the photocatalytic performance of bismuth oxyhalides. Using density functional theory, we systematically examine the fundamental properties of single-layer BiOBr doped with boron (B) and phosphorus (P) atoms. The stability of the doped models is investigated based on the formation energies, where the substitutional doping is found to be energetically more stable under O-rich conditions than under Bi-rich ones. The results showed that substitutional doping of P atoms reduced the bandgap of pristine BiOBr to a greater extent than that of boron substitution. The calculation of the effective masses reveals that B doping can render the electrons and holes of pristine BiOBr lighter and heavier, respectively, resulting in a slower recombination rate of photoexcited electron-hole pairs. Based on the results of HOMO-LUMO calculations, the introduction of B atoms tends to increase the number of photocatalytically active sites. The top of the valence band and the conduction band bottom of the B doped BiOBr monolayer match well with the water redox potentials in an acidic environment. The absorption spectra propose that B(P) doping causes a red-shift. Overall, the results predict that nonmetal-doped BiOBr monolayers have a reduced bandgap, a slow recombination rate, more catalytically active sites, enhanced optical absorption edges, and reduced work functions, which will contribute to superior photocatalytic performance.

Surface modification of XSe (X = Cu and Ag) monolayers by grope 1 elements: A metal to semiconductor transition by a first-principles perspective.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials can be effectively functionalized by chemically modified using doping. Very recently, a flat AgSe monolayer was successfully prepared through direct selenization of the Ag(111) surface. Besides, the results indicate that the AgSe monolayer like CuSe, has a honeycomb lattice. Motivated by the experimental outcomes, in this work, employing first-principles calculations, we systematically investigate the electronic and optical properties of AgSe and CuSe monolayers, as well as the impact of alkali metals (Li, Na and K). Without functionalization, both the CuSe and AgSe monolayers exhibit metallic characteristics. The Li (Na)-CuSe and Na (K)-AgSe systems are dynamically stable while, the K- and Li-CuSe and Li-AgSe are dynamically unstable. Interestingly, the functionalized CuSe system with Li and Na atom as well as AgSe with K and Na atom, can open the band gaps, leading to the actualization of metal to semiconductor transitions. Our results show that, the electronic characteristics of the Na-CuSe/AgSe system can be modulated by adjusting the adsorption heights, which gives rise to the change in the electronic properties and the band gap may be controlled. Furthermore, from the optical properties we can find that the K-AgSe system is the best candidate monolayer to absorb infrared radiation and visible light. Consequently, our findings shed light on the functionalization of 2D materials based CuSe and AgSe monolayers and can potentially enhance and motivate studies in producing these monolayers for current nanodevices and future applications.

Theoretical prediction of two-dimensional BC2X (X = N, P, As) monolayers: ab initio investigations.

In this work, novel two-dimensional BC[Formula: see text]X (X = N, P, As) monolayers with X atoms out of the B-C plane, are predicted by means of the density functional theory. The structural, electronic, optical, photocatalytic and thermoelectric properties of the BC[Formula: see text]X monolayers have been investigated. Stability evaluation of the BC[Formula: see text]X single-layers is carried out by phonon dispersion, ab-initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation, elastic stability, and cohesive energies study. The mechanical properties reveal all monolayers considered are stable and have brittle nature. The band structure calculations using the HSE06 functional reveal that the BC[Formula: see text]N, BC[Formula: see text]P and BC[Formula: see text]As are semiconducting monolayers with indirect bandgaps of 2.68 eV, 1.77 eV and 1.21 eV, respectively. The absorption spectra demonstrate large absorption coefficients of the BC[Formula: see text]X monolayers in the ultraviolet range of electromagnetic spectrum. Furthermore, we disclose the BC[Formula: see text]N and BC[Formula: see text]P monolayers are potentially good candidates for photocatalytic water splitting. The electrical conductivity of BC[Formula: see text]X is very small and slightly increases by raising the temperature. Electron doping may yield greater electric productivity of the studied monolayers than hole doping, as indicated by the larger power factor in the n-doped region compared to the p-type region. These results suggest that BC[Formula: see text]X (X = N, P, As) monolayers represent a new promising class of 2DMs for electronic, optical and energy conversion systems.

Ab initio prediction of semiconductivity in a novel two-dimensional Sb2X3 (X= S, Se, Te) monolayers with orthorhombic structure.

[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are well-known layered bulk structures with weak van der Waals interactions. In this work we explore the atomic lattice, dynamical stability, electronic and optical properties of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] monolayers using the density functional theory simulations. Molecular dynamics and phonon dispersion results show the desirable thermal and dynamical stability of studied nanosheets. On the basis of HSE06 and PBE/GGA functionals, we show that all the considered novel monolayers are semiconductors. Using the HSE06 functional the electronic bandgap of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] monolayers are predicted to be 2.15, 1.35 and 1.37 eV, respectively. Optical simulations show that the first absorption coefficient peak for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] monolayers along in-plane polarization is suitable for the absorption of the visible and IR range of light. Interestingly, optically anisotropic character along planar directions can be desirable for polarization-sensitive photodetectors. Furthermore, we systematically investigate the electrical transport properties with combined first-principles and Boltzmann transport theory calculations. At optimal doping concentration, we found the considerable larger power factor values of 2.69, 4.91, and 5.45 for hole-doped [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively. This study highlights the bright prospect for the application of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] nanosheets in novel electronic, optical and energy conversion systems.

Investigation of vacancy defects and substitutional doping in AlSb monolayer with double layer honeycomb structure: a first-principles calculation.

The experimental knowledge of the AlSb monolayer with double layer honeycomb structure is largely based on the recent publication (Le Qinet al2021ACS Nano158184), where this monolayer was recently synthesized. Therefore, the aim of our research is to consequently explore the effects of substitutional doping and vacancy point defects on the electronic and magnetic properties of the novel hexagonal AlSb monolayer. Besides experimental reports, the phonon band structure and cohesive energy calculations confirm the stability of the AlSb monolayer. Its direct bandgap has been estimated to be 0.9 eV via the hybrid functional method, which is smaller than the value of 1.6 eV of bulk material. The majority of vacancy defects and substitutional dopants change the electronic properties of the AlSb monolayer from semiconducting to metallic. Moreover, the MgSbimpurity has demonstrated the addition of ferromagnetic behavior to the material. It is revealed through the calculation of formation energy that in Al-rich conditions, the vacant site of VSbis the most stable, while in Sb-rich circumstances the point defect of VAlgets the title. The formation energy has also been calculated for the substitutional dopants, showing relative stability of the defected structures. We undertook this theoretical study to inspire many experimentalists to focus their efforts on AlSb monolayer growth incorporating different impurities. It has been shown here that defect engineering is a powerful tool to tune the properties of novel AlSb two-dimensional monolayer for advanced nanoelectronic applications.

Biphenylene monolayer as a two-dimensional nonbenzenoid carbon allotrope: a first-principles study.

In a very recent accomplishment, the two-dimensional form of biphenylene network (BPN) has been fabricated. Motivated by this exciting experimental result on 2D layered BPN structure, herein we perform detailed density-functional theory-based first-principles calculations, in order to gain insight into the structural, mechanical, electronic and optical properties of this promising nanomaterial. Our theoretical results reveal the BPN structure is constructed from three rings of tetragon, hexagon and octagon, meanwhile the electron localization function shows very strong bonds between the C atoms in the structure. The dynamical stability of BPN is verified via the phonon band dispersion calculations. The mechanical properties reveal the brittle behavior of BPN monolayer. The Young's modulus has been computed as 0.1 TPa, which is smaller than the corresponding value of graphene, while the Poisson's ratio determined to be 0.26 is larger than that of graphene. The band structure is evaluated to show the electronic features of the material; determining the BPN monolayer as metallic with a band gap of zero. The optical properties (real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function, and the absorption spectrum) uncover BPN as an insulator along thezzdirection, while owning metallic properties inxxandyydirections. We anticipate that our discoveries will pave the way to the successful implementation of this 2D allotrope of carbon in advanced nanoelectronics.