Ballistic thermoelectric transport properties of two-dimensional group III-VI monolayers

Ballistic transport and thermoelectric properties of group III-VI compounds (XY: X = B, Al, Ga, In, Tl; Y = O, S, Se, Te, Po) are investigated based on first-principles calculations and Landauer formalism. This large family is composed of 25 compounds which stands out with their unique electronic band structures. Mexican hat shaped valence band, which exhibits quartic energy-momentum relation gives rise to a sharp peak in the density of states as well as a steplike electronic transmission spectrum near the valence band edge. The intriguing electronic band structure and transport properties motivate us to explore thermoelectric properties of group III-VI monolayers. We find that, in addition to the stepwise transmission at the band edge, flat bands, valley degeneracy, and band degeneracy are the factors that enhance thermoelectric efficiencies. For heavier compounds, better thermoelectric efficiencies are possible for both n-type and p-type carriers.