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Reversible switching of the environment-protected quantum spin Hall insulator bismuthene at the graphene/SiC interface

Author

Listed:
  • Niclas Tilgner

    (Chemnitz University of Technology
    Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN))

  • Susanne Wolff

    (Chemnitz University of Technology
    Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN))

  • Serguei Soubatch

    (Forschungszentrum Jülich
    Fundamentals of Future Information Technology)

  • Tien-Lin Lee

    (Harwell Science and Innovation Campus)

  • Andres David Peña Unigarro

    (Chemnitz University of Technology
    Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN))

  • Sibylle Gemming

    (Chemnitz University of Technology
    Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN))

  • F. Stefan Tautz

    (Forschungszentrum Jülich
    Fundamentals of Future Information Technology
    RWTH Aachen University)

  • Thomas Seyller

    (Chemnitz University of Technology
    Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN))

  • Christian Kumpf

    (Forschungszentrum Jülich
    Fundamentals of Future Information Technology
    RWTH Aachen University)

  • Fabian Göhler

    (Chemnitz University of Technology
    Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN))

  • Philip Schädlich

    (Chemnitz University of Technology
    Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN))

Abstract

Quantum spin Hall insulators have been extensively studied both theoretically and experimentally because they exhibit robust helical edge states driven by spin-orbit coupling and offer the potential for applications in spintronics through dissipationless spin transport. Here we show that a single layer of elemental Bi, formed by intercalation of an epitaxial graphene buffer layer on SiC(0001), is a promising candidate for a quantum spin Hall insulator. This layer can be reversibly switched between an electronically inactive precursor state and a bismuthene state, the latter exhibiting the predicted band structure of a true two-dimensional bismuthene layer. Switching is accomplished by hydrogenation (dehydrogenation) of the sample. A partial passivation (activation) of Si dangling bonds causes a lateral shift of Bi atoms involving a change of the adsorption site. In the bismuthene state, the Bi honeycomb layer is a prospective quantum spin Hall insulator, inherently protected by the graphene sheet above and the H-passivated substrate below.

Suggested Citation

  • Niclas Tilgner & Susanne Wolff & Serguei Soubatch & Tien-Lin Lee & Andres David Peña Unigarro & Sibylle Gemming & F. Stefan Tautz & Thomas Seyller & Christian Kumpf & Fabian Göhler & Philip Schädlich, 2025. "Reversible switching of the environment-protected quantum spin Hall insulator bismuthene at the graphene/SiC interface," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60440-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60440-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maximilian Bauernfeind & Jonas Erhardt & Philipp Eck & Pardeep K. Thakur & Judith Gabel & Tien-Lin Lee & Jörg Schäfer & Simon Moser & Domenico Di Sante & Ralph Claessen & Giorgio Sangiovanni, 2021. "Design and realization of topological Dirac fermions on a triangular lattice," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Cedric Schmitt & Jonas Erhardt & Philipp Eck & Matthias Schmitt & Kyungchan Lee & Philipp Keßler & Tim Wagner & Merit Spring & Bing Liu & Stefan Enzner & Martin Kamp & Vedran Jovic & Chris Jozwiak & A, 2024. "Achieving environmental stability in an atomically thin quantum spin Hall insulator via graphene intercalation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-7, December.
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    1. Cedric Schmitt & Jonas Erhardt & Philipp Eck & Matthias Schmitt & Kyungchan Lee & Philipp Keßler & Tim Wagner & Merit Spring & Bing Liu & Stefan Enzner & Martin Kamp & Vedran Jovic & Chris Jozwiak & A, 2024. "Achieving environmental stability in an atomically thin quantum spin Hall insulator via graphene intercalation," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-7, December.

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