Quantum spin Hall insulating phase and van Hove singularities in Zintl single-quintuple-layer AM2X2 (A = Ca, Sr, or Ba; M = Zn or Cd; X = Sb or Bi) family

Recent experiments on bulk Zintl CaAl2Si2 reveal the presence of nontrivial topological states. However, the large family of two-dimensional (2D) Zintl materials remains unexplored. Using first-principles calculations, we discuss the stability and topological electronic structures of 12 Zintl single-quintuple-layer (1-QL) AM(2)X(2) compounds in the CaAl2Si2-structure (A = Ca, Sr, or Ba; M = Zn or Cd; and X = Sb or Bi). Considering various layer-stackings, we show that the M-X-A-X-M stacking, where the transition metal M is exposed, is energetically most favorable. Phonon dispersion computations support the thermodynamic stability of all the investigated compounds. Nontrivial topological properties are ascertained through the calculation of Z(2) invariants and edge states using the hybrid functional. Insulating topological phases driven by a band inversion at the & UGamma;-point involving Bi-(p(x) + p(y)) orbitals are found in CaZn2Bi2, SrZn2Bi2, BaZn2Bi2, CaCd2Bi2, SrCd2Bi2, and BaCd2Bi2 with bandgaps (eV) of 0.571, 0.500, 0.025, 0.774, 0.650, and 0.655, respectively. Interestingly, van Hove singularities are found in CaCd2Bi2 and BaCd2Bi2, implying the possibility of coexisting insulating and superconducting topological phases. We discuss how topological 1-QL Zintl compounds could be synthesized through atomic substitutions resulting in Janus materials (1-QL AM(2)XY). In particular, the thermodynamically stable Janus BaCd2SbBi film is shown to exhibit both an insulating topological state and the Rashba effect. Our study identifies a new family of materials for developing 2D topological materials platforms and paves the way for the discovery of 2D topological superconductors.

Automated summary

Recent first-principles calculations explore the stability and topological properties of Zintl single-quintuple-layer compounds in the CaAl2Si2 structure. The study reveals insulating topological phases driven by band inversion and the possibility of coexisting insulating and superconducting topological phases. The synthesis of these compounds through atomic substitutions is also discussed.