Topological Rashba-like edge states in large-gap quantum spin Hall insulators

The search for large-band-gap quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulators, in which the dissipationless gapless edge states lie inside the bulk gap, is critical for their practical applications at room temperature. Based on first-principles calculations, we propose a sort of QSH insulator in a rectangular structure, i.e., AuSb, AuAs, and CuAs monolayers, which exhibits sizable bulk gaps up to 258 meV. These compounds host unexpected topological Rashba-like edge states, which exhibit strong dispersion with a nearly-free-electron feature. Such nontrivial edge states originate from spin-orbital coupling and an abrupt discontinuous potential across the surface. Furthermore, we argue that the AuSb monolayer can be epitaxially grown on a rutile TiO2(110) surface. Importantly, the thermodynamic stability of AuSb is enhanced while the topological features are perfectly preserved due to the weak van der Waals interaction at the interface. Our findings provide promising large-gap QSH candidates with exotic topological Rashba-like edge states that are in favor of experimental realization at room temperature.