Transition metal encapsulated hydrogenated silicon nanotubes: Silicon-based half-metal

One-dimensional hydrogenated silicon nanotubes (H-SiNTs) with transition metal atom encapsulated were systematically studied by using density functional theory. The band structures and magnetic properties of the H-SiNTs can be tailored by doping transition metal (TM) (TM = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co) atoms within the tube. The hydrogenated silicon nanotubes are semiconductors with wide band gaps. TM doping turns H-SiNTs to be metals or semiconductors with a very small gap, and TM atoms at the center of the tubes keep large magnetic moments. Robust half-metallicity is observed in Mn-doped H-SiNTs and it is free from Peierls distortion. Thus, H-SiNTs with encapsulated magnetic elements may find important applications in spintronic devices.