Charge transfer and friction tensor of adsorbate on the SSH chain

Due to their novel and unique electronic properties, topological phases of matter hold great promise for future applications in quantum information, spintronics, and thermoelectrics. However, surface interactions of topological insulators and molecules have yet to be harnessed for chemical catalysis, and the underlying question of whether these new phases of matter can be employed to achieve efficient and selective synthesis remains open. In this presentation, I will describe the main results of our recent study of the electron occupancy and electronic friction of a molecular system adsorbed on a polyacetylene chain in the trivial, metallic, and topological phases. We find that the characteristic signatures of the topological phase transition are manifested in these molecular observables. In addition, the topological phase provides significant advantages and robustness over the metallic for electron donation into the molecular system. This work supports the perspective that topological matter offers a promising direction for future surface reactions and chemisorption applications.