PNNL

Abstract

Using density functional calculations, we investigate the geometries, electronic structures and magnetic properties of hexagonal BN sheets with 3d transition metal (TM) and nonmetal atoms embedded in three types of vacancies: VB, VN, and VB+N. We show that some embedded configurations, except TM atoms in VN vacancy, are stable in BN sheet and yield interesting phenomena. For instance, the band gaps and magnetic moments of BN sheet can be tuned depending on the embedded dopant species and vacancy type. In particular, embedment such as Cr in VB+N, Co in VB, and Ni in VB leads to half-metallic BN sheets interesting for spin filter applications. From the investigation of Mn-chain (CMn) embedments, a regular 1D structure can be formed in BN sheet as an electron waveguide, a metal nanometer wire with a single atom thickness.