Evidence for intrinsic magnetic scatterers in the topological semimetal (Bi2)5(Bi2Se3)7

We report the synthesis and characterization of high-quality thin films of the topological semimetal (Bi2)5(Bi2Se3)7. Cryogenic magneto-transport experiments reveal strong metallic character and spin–orbit coupling in the films. By studying the temperature dependence of the electrical resistance of the topological semimetal, we observe a pronounced Kondo effect, which points toward the presence of magnetic scatterers. With the aid of density functional theory calculations, we identify Bi vacancies as intrinsic magnetic scatterers in this topological semimetal.