Group IV chalcogenides are a class of substances that have recently been discovered by material scientists and show great potential for a wide range of technological uses. These materials, which combine elements from Groups IV and VI of the periodic table, such as PbTe, SnTe, and GeTe, have special qualities that enable them to be used in power generation and energy harvesting. A deeper understanding of the electronic mechanisms controlling these materials has been gained by a recent study headed by Professor Umesh Waghmare of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru, India. The study focused on a novel metavalent bonding (MVB) within a single 2D layer of these compounds.
Chalcogenides in Group IV: Special Properties
The capacity of group IV chalcogenides to switch between crystalline and amorphous phases in response to variations in electrical fields, pressure, or temperature is well-known. Because the contrasting optical properties of the two phases are utilized in real-world applications like electronic memory systems and rewritable optical discs, this phase transition is especially helpful. These materials are useful for energy harvesting and power generation because they also have high electrical conductivity and can effectively transform thermal energy into electrical energy through the thermoelectric effect.
In 2D Materials, Metavalent Bonding
Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a journal that publishes research done by Prof. Waghmare’s group, examines the introduction of metavalent bonding in a single 2D layer of Group IV chalcogenides. With funding from the J. C. Bose National Fellowship and the JNCASR research fellowship, this work offers a first-principle theoretical examination of the bonding characteristics of five distinct Group IV chalcogenide 2D lattices. These substances, known as “incipient metals,” have a number of characteristics that contradict accepted notions about chemical bonds. They have exceptionally low thermal conductivity, great thermoelectric efficiency—a feature shared by semiconductors—and electrical conductivity that is comparable to that of metals.
Consequences for Metavalent Bonding
Matthias Wuttig initially introduced the idea of metavalent bonding in 2018, which blends elements of covalent and metallic bonding. This novel bonding style provides a new light on the mysterious behavior of these materials. The roughly two-year-long theoretical work by Prof. Waghmare and his colleagues has important ramifications for a number of businesses.
Because these chalcogenides can alter their optical characteristics during phase transitions, they are already utilized in computer flash memory. Furthermore, new directions for effective and sustainable energy solutions are made possible by the prospective application of these materials in energy storage, particularly as phase transition materials.
Connection to Quantum Materials
In line with the objectives of India’s national mission on quantum technology, the research also has connections to the developing field of quantum materials. These materials are a prime example of quantum topological materials, which are essential to the development of quantum technologies, due to their unique electronic structures and characteristics.
conclusion
Understanding the chemistry of quantum materials has advanced significantly as a result of the ground-breaking research conducted under Prof. Waghmare’s direction. The clarification of metavalent bonding in Group IV chalcogenides creates new avenues for technological progress in power generation, quantum computing, and energy harvesting. “Normal chemical bonding doesn’t explain the unique nature of these materials,” adds Professor Waghmare. Our discovery of the chemistry of quantum materials creates new research opportunities.” The results of this study have the potential to spur innovation and lead to the development of more effective and sustainable energy solutions in the future.