Prediction of a quantum anomalous Hall state in Co-decorated silicene

Based on first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that Co-decorated silicene can host a quantum anomalous Hall state. The exchange field induced by the Co atoms combined with the strong spin-orbit coupling of the silicene opens a nontrivial band gap at the K point. As compared to other transition metals, Co-decorated silicene is unique in this respect, since usually hybridization and spin-polarization induced in the silicene suppress a quantum anomalous Hall state.