Semiconducting MnB5 monolayer as a potential photovoltaic material

Abstract

Abstract Exploring new two-dimensional (2D) materials is of great significance for both basic research and practical applications. Although boron can form various 3D and 2D allotropes due to its ease of forming multi-center bonds, the coexistence of honeycomb and kagome boron structures has never been observed in any 2D material yet. In this article we apply first-principle swarm structural searches to predict the existence of a stable MnB5 structure, consisting of a sandwich of honeycomb and kagome borophenes. More interestingly, a MnB5 nanosheet is a semiconductor with a band gap of 1.07 eV and a high optical absorption in a broad band, which satisfies the requirements of a very good photovoltaic material. Upon moderate strain, MnB5 undergoes a conversion from an indirect to a direct band gap semiconductor. The power conversion efficiency of a heterostructure solar cell made of MnB5 is up to 18%. The MnB5 nanosheet shows a robust dynamical and thermal stability, stemming from the presence of intra- and interlayer multi-center σ and π bonds. These characteristics make MnB5 a promising photovoltaic material.