Unraveling the Emerging Photocatalytic, Thermoelectric, and Topological Properties of Intercalated Architecture MZX (M = Ga and In; Z = Si, Ge and Sn; X = S, Se, and Te) Monolayers

Abstract

The continuous advancements in studying twodimensional (2D) materials pave the way for groundbreaking innovations across various industries. In this study, by employing density functional theory calculations, we comprehensively elucidate the electronic structures of MZX (M = Ga and In; Z = Si, Ge, and Sn; X = S, Se, and Te) monolayers for their applications in photocatalytic, thermoelectric, and spintronic fields. Interestingly, GaSiS, GaSiSe, InSiS, and InSiSe monolayers are identified to be efficient photocatalysts for overall water splitting with band gaps close to 2.0 eV, suitable band edge positions, and excellent optical harvest ability. In addition, the InSiTe monolayer exhibits a ZT value of 1.87 at 700 K, making it highly appealing for applications in thermoelectric devices. It is further highlighted that GaSnTe, InSnS, and InSnSe monolayers are predicted to be 2D topological insulators (TIs) with bulk band gaps of 115, 54, and 152 meV, respectively. Current research expands the family of 2D GaGeTe materials and establishes a path toward the practical utilization of MZX monolayers in energy conversion and spintronic devices.

A first-principles prediction of the structural, electronic, transport and photocatalytic properties of GaGeX3 (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers

“…24,28 Recently, chalcogenide twodimensional materials with two transition-metal elements have attracted substantial attention due to the ability to tailor and enrich their structural and electronic properties, which should be due to the presence of a second transition-metal element in the structure. 24,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] Using rst-principles calculations, Hao et al 29 discovered 40 stable 2D materials of the MGeX 3 family (M = metallic elements, X = O, S, Se or Te), including eight ferromagnetic, 21 antiferromagnetic, and 11 ferroelectric semiconductors. The MnGeSe 3 and MnGeTe 3 monolayers are predicted to be ferromagnetic metals at room temperature.…”