Robust large-gap quantum spin Hall insulators in chemically decorated arsenene films

Abstract

Based on first-principles calculations, we propose one new category of two-dimensional topological insulators (2D TIs) in chemically functionalized (-CH _3 and -OH) arsenene films. The results show that the surface decorated arsenene (AsCH _3 and AsOH) films are intrinsic 2D TIs with sizeable bulk gap. The bulk energy gaps are 0.184 eV, and 0.304 eV in AsCH _3 and AsOH films, respectively. Such large bulk gaps make them suitable to realize quantum spin Hall effect in an experimentally accessible temperature regime. Topologically helical edge states in these systems are desirable for dissipationless transport. Moreover, we find that the topological properties in these systems are robust against mechanical deformation by exerting biaxial strain. These novel 2D TIs with large bulk gaps are potential candidate in future electronic devices with ultralow dissipation.

Keywords

• quantum spin Hall insulator
• arsenene film
• chemical decoration
• first-principles calculations