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

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 Mg_Sbimpurity 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 V_Sbis the most stable, while in Sb-rich circumstances the point defect of V_Algets 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.