Tuning the Exotic Quantum Phase of EuA₂X₂ (A = Cd, Zn, Mg, Sb; X = As, P) by using Chemical substitution.

Intrinsic magnetic topological materials (IMTMs) are promising for next-generation spintronics applications. These materials exhibit topologically protected exotic states relevant to their functionality, which can be further enhanced by tuning their topology and magnetism. Among the different classes of IMTMs, EuCd₂P₂ family has been observed to present unique responses in its electrical resistivity. Here, using first-principles, density-functional theory based modeling, we explore the electronic structures of EuA₂X₂ (A = Cd, Zn, Mg, Sb; X = As, P). Our calculations reveal that 3d and 4f orbital localization plays a key role in controlling the bandgap and the electronic states near the Fermi level in this materials family. We show that topological properties can be tuned via chemical substitutions and are not sensitive to spin-orbit coupling effects. Our study highlights the complex relationship between the topology and chemistry of this materials family.