Strain effects on the electronic properties of cobalt-based coordination nanosheets

We theoretically study strain effects on the electronic properties of cobalt-based benzenehexathiol (CoBHT) coordination nanosheets using first-principles calculations. Two distinct crystal structures, high-density structure (HDS) and low-density structure (LDS), are explored. Our results reveal that HDS behaves as a metal, while LDS exhibits semiconducting properties. Spin-polarized electronic band structures highlight the presence of energy band structures of the Kagome lattice, and the inclusion of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) results in band gap openings at high-symmetric <i>K</i> points. Furthermore, we construct a tight-binding model to investigate the topological properties of CoBHT, demonstrating anomalous Hall conductivity driven by the intrinsic Berry curvature. The impact of uniaxial strain on the electronic and magnetic properties of CoBHT is also studied. Strain induces significant modifications in magnetic moments and density of states, particularly in the HDS. Anomalous Hall conductivity is enhanced under hole-doping conditions, suggesting that strain can be used to tailor the electronic properties of CoBHT for specific applications. Our findings underscore the potential of CoBHT nanosheets for use in next-generation electronic, optoelectronic, and catalytic devices with tunable properties through strain engineering.