The disproportionation reaction phase transition,mechanical, and lattice dynamical properties of the lanthanum dihydrides under high pressure: A first principles study

The pressure-induced disproportionation reaction phase transition, mechanical, and dynamical properties of LaH₂ with fluorite structure under high pressure are investigated by performing first-principles calculations using the projector augmented wave (PAW) method. The phase transition of 2LaH₂ → LaH + LaH₃ obtained from the usual condition of equal enthalpies occurs at the pressure of 10.38 GPa for Perdew–Wang (PW91) functional and 6.05 GPa for Ceperly–Adler (CA) functional, respectively. The result shows that the PW91 functional calculations agree excellently with the experimental finding of 11 GPa of synchrotron radiation (SR) X-ray diffraction (XRD) of Machida et al. and 10 GPa of their PBE functional theoretical result. Three independent single-crystal elastic constants, polycrystalline bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, elastic anisotropy, Poisson's ratio, the brittle/ductile characteristics and elastic wave velocities over different directions dependences on pressure are also successfully obtained. Especially, the phonon dispersion curves and corresponding phonon density of states of LaH₂ under high pressure are determined systematically using a linear-response approach to density functional perturbation theory (DFPT). Our results demonstrate that LaH₂ in fluorite phase can be stable energetically up to 10.38 GPa, stabilized mechanically up to 17.98 GPa, and stabilized dynamically up to 29 GPa, so it may remain a metastable phase above 10.38 GPa up to 29 GPa, these calculated results accord with the recent X-Ray diffraction experimental finding and theoretical predictions of Machida et al.     

First-principles investigations on structural,electronic and elastic properties of BeSe under high pressure

The structural, electronic and elastic properties of BeSe in both B3 and B8 structures have been studied by first-principles calculations within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The calculated lattice parameters and bulk modulus of BeSe are in reasonable agreement with previous results. The predicted value of phase transition pressure from B3 to B8 is 50.24 GPa, which is well in line with the experimental data (56 ± 5 GPa). The calculation of the electronic band structure shows that the energy gap is indirect for B3 and B8 phases. Especially, the elastic constants of B8 BeSe under high pressure were studied for the first time. The bulk modulus, shear modulus, compressional and shear wave velocities of B8 BeSe evaluated from elastic constants as a function of pressure were investigated. In addition, Poisson's radio, elastic anisotropy and Debye temperature were analyzed successfully.     

Characterization of the high-pressure structural transition and thermodynamic properties in sodium chloride: a computational investigation on the basis of the density functional theory

Using first-principles calculations, the elastic constants, the thermodynamic properties, and the structural phase transition between the B1 (rocksalt) and the B2 (cesium chloride) phases of NaCl are investigated by means of the pseudopotential plane-waves method. The calculations are performed within the generalized gradient approximation to density functional theory with the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof exchange-correlation functional. On the basis of the third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of states, the transition pressure Pt between the B1 phase and the B2 phase of NaCl is determined. The calculated values are generally speaking in good agreement with experiments and with similar theoretical calculations. From the theoretical calculations, the shear modulus, Young's modulus, rigidity modulus, and Poisson's ratio of NaCl are derived. According to the quasi-harmonic Debye model, we estimated the Debye temperature of NaCl from the average sound velocity. Moreover, the pressure derivatives of elastic constants, partial differentialC11/partial differentialP, partial differentialC12/partial differentialP, partial differentialC44/partial differentialP, partial differentialS11/partial differential P, partial differentialS12/partial differentialP, and partial differentialS44/partial differentialP, for NaCl crystal are investigated for the first time. This is a quantitative theoretical prediction of the elastic and thermodynamic properties of NaCl, and it still awaits experimental confirmation.     

First-principles study of structural,elastic, electronic and vibrational properties of BiCoO3

We used density functional theory (DFT) to study the structural, elastic, electronic, and lattice dynamical properties of tetragonal BiCoO₃ applying the “norm-conserving” pseudopotentials within the local spin density approximation (LSDA). The calculated equilibrium lattice parameters and atomic displacements are in agreement with the available experimental and theoretical results. Moreover, the structural stability of tetragonal BiCoO₃ were confirmed by the calculated elastic constants. In addition, the elastic properties of polycrystalline aggregates including bulk, shear and Young's moduli, and Poisson's ratio are also determined. The electronic band structure, total and partial density of states (DOS and PDOS) with ferromagnetic spin configuration are obtained. The results show that tetragonal BiCoO₃ has an indirect band gap with both up- and down-spin configurations and its bonding behavior is of covalent nature. We compute Born effective charge (BEC) which is found to be quite anisotropic of Bi, Co and O atoms. The infrared and Raman active phonon mode frequencies at the Г point are found. The phonon dispersion curves exhibit imaginary frequencies which lead from the high-symmetry tetragonal phase to low-symmetry rhombohedral phase in BiCoO₃. The six independent elastic constants, including bulk, shear and Young's moduli, and Poisson's ratio, complete BEC tensor and phonon dispersion relations in tetragonal BiCoO₃ are predicted for the first time. Results of the calculations are compared with the existing experimental and theoretical data.     

Theoretical study of the pressure-induced B3–B1 phase transition in Cd1−xMnxTe

The high pressure phase transition in Cd_1−xMn_xTe (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5), which is from the cubic zinc-blende structure (B3) to the NaCl structure (B1), is investigated by using first principles spin-polarized LCAO calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) formalism. The calculations indicate that the transition pressure of the B3-to-B1 structural phase transformation depends on the Mn content of the sample. This result is consistent with the expectation that the substitution of Cd by Mn in CdTe tends to perturb the tetrahedral coordination geometry and thereby to destabilize the B3 structure. Several structural properties (equilibrium lattice constant, bulk modulus, transition pressure, etc.) of Cd_1−xMn_xTe (x = 0.0, 0.25 and 0.5) CdTe have been calculated, which are in agreement with the previous results.     

Theoretical investigations of the elastic,electronic, optical and thermodynamics properties of SrSi

The crystal structural, electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties of SrSi are investigated by using the first-principles plane-wave pseudopotential density function theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). We have calculated the ground states properties and they are in good agreement with the available experimental data and other theoretical results. We have obtained the electronic structure and density of states, and the results showed that both of Immm and Cmcm phases are metal material. The elastic properties such as elastic constants, shear modulus, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are obtained for the first time. Furthermore, the optical properties are reported for radiation up to 30 eV. Finally, the thermodynamic properties of Cmcm phase such as free energy, entropy, enthalpy, heat capacity and Debye temperature are given for reference.     

Structural, electronic, bonding, and elastic properties of NH3BH3: a density functional study

The structural, electronic, bonding, and elastic properties of the low-temperature orthorhombic phase of NH(3)BH(3) are studied by means of first-principles total energy calculations based on the pseudopotential method. The calculated structural parameters of NH(3)BH(3) are found to be in good agreement with the experimental values. From the band structure calculations, the compound is found to be an indirect bandgap insulator with the bandgap of 5.65 eV (5.90 eV) with LDA(GGA) along the Γ-Z direction. The Mulliken bond population and the charge density distributions are used to analyze the chemical bonding in NH(3)BH(3) . The study reveals that B-H bonds are more covalent than N-H bonds. The elastic constants are predicted for ambient as well as pressures up to 6 GPa, from which theoretical values of all the related mechanical properties such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and anisotropy factors are calculated. It is found that NH(3)BH(3) is mechanically stable at ambient and also external pressures up to 6 GPa. As pressure increases all the calculated elastic moduli of NH(3)BH(3) increase, indicating that the compound becomes more stiffer and hard under pressure. From the ratio of shear modulus to bulk modulus (G/B), we conclude NH(3)BH(3) to be ductile in nature, and the ductility increases with pressure. The present results confirm the experimentally observed less plastic nature of the low-temperature phase of NH(3)BH(3) .     

Theoretical prediction of the structural,elastic, electronic,optical and thermal properties of the cubic perovskites CsXF3 (X = Ca,Sr and Hg) under pressure effect

Some physical properties of the cubic perovskites CsXF₃ (X = Ca, Sr and Hg) have been investigated using pseudopotential plane-wave method based on the density functional theory. The calculated lattice parameters within GGA and LDA agree reasonably with the available experimental data. The elastic constants and their pressure derivatives are predicted using the static finite strain technique. We derived the bulk and shear moduli, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and Lamé’s constants for ideal polycrystalline aggregates. The analysis of B/G ratio indicates that CsXF₃ (X = Ca, Sr and Hg) are ductile materials. The thermal effect on the volume, bulk modulus, heat capacity and Debye temperature was predicted.     

Structural,electronic, elastic,thermodynamic and vibration properties of TbN compound from first principles calculations

We have predicted structural, electronic, elastic, thermodynamic and vibration characteristics of TbN, using density functional theory within generalized-gradient (GGA) apraximation. For the total energy calculation we have used the projected augmented plane-wave (PAW) implementation of the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP). We have used to examine structure parameter in eight different structures such as in NaCl (B1), CsCl (B2), ZB (B3), Tetragonal (L1₀), WC (Bh), NiAs (B8), PbO (B10) and Wurtzite (B4). We have performed the thermodynamics properties for TbN by using quasi-harmonic Debye model. We have, also, predicted the temperature and pressure variation of the volume, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacities and Debye temperatures in a wide pressure (0–130 GPa) and temperature ranges (0–2000 K). Furthermore, the band structure, phonon dispersion curves and corresponding density of states are computed. Our results are compared to other theoretical and experimental works, and excellent agreement is obtained.     

Low-compressibility and hard material carbon nitride imide C2N2(NH): First principles calculations

First principles calculations are performed to investigate the structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of C₂N₂(NH). Our calculated lattice parameters are in good agreement with the experimental data and previous theoretical values. Orthorhombic C₂N₂(NH) phase is found to be mechanically stable at an ambient pressure. Based on the calculated bulk modulus and shear modulus of polycrystalline aggregate, C₂N₂(NH) can be regarded as a potential candidate of ultra-incompressible and hard material. Furthermore, the elastic anisotropy and Debye temperatures are also discussed by investigating the elastic constants and moduli. Density of states and electronic localization function analysis show that the strong C-N covalent bond in CN₄ tetrahedron is the main driving force for the high bulk and shear moduli as well as small Poisson's ratio of C₂N₂(NH).     

The mechanical properties of MoN under high pressure and effect of metallic bonding on its hardness

Using first-principles calculations, the structural, electronic and thermodynamic properties of MoN under high pressure are investigated, as well as the effect of metallic bonding on its hardness. Five structures are considered, i.e., δ-MoN, WC-MoN, NiAs-MoN, NaCl-MoN and CsCl-MoN. The obtained lattice constant, elastic constants are in good agreement with the available experimental data and other theoretical results. δ-MoN phase is found to be energetically the most stable phase closely followed by NiAs-MoN phase at ambient conditions. On the basis of the third-order Birch–Murnaghan equation of states, a pressure-induced structural phase transition from δ-MoN to NiAs-MoN is observed. Elastic properties, Poisson's ratio, Debye temperature, and thermal expansion coefficient of MoN under high pressure are derived. Furthermore, the bonding nature of MoN can be described as covalent-like due to hybridization of N and Mo states, together with ionic and metallic characters. Based on Mulliken population analysis, hardness of MoN is evaluated and the obtained results, namely, NiAs-MoN (26.6 GPa) and δ-MoN (24.7 GPa), are consistent with experimental data excellently. Moreover, the hardness of MoN increases with the pressure. This is a first-principles investigation on the structural and thermodynamic properties of MoN, and it still awaits experimental confirmation.     

Structural,elastic, electronic and optical properties of the newly synthesized monoclinic Zintl phase BaIn2P2

The present study explores the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of the newly synthesized monoclinic Zintl phase BaIn₂P₂ using a pseudopotential plane-wave method in the framework of density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. The calculated lattice constants and internal coordinates are in very good agreement with the experimental findings. Independent single-crystal elastic constants as well as numerical estimations of the bulk modulus, the shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, Pugh's indicator of brittle/ductile behaviour and the Debye temperature for the corresponding polycrystalline phase were obtained. The elastic anisotropy of BaIn₂P₂ was investigated using three different indexes. The calculated electronic band structure and the total and site-projected l-decomposed densities of states reveal that this compound is a direct narrow-band-gap semiconductor. Under the influence of hydrostatic pressure, the direct D–D band gap transforms into an indirect B-D band gap at 4.08 GPa, then into a B–Γ band gap at 10.56 GPa. Optical macroscopic constants, namely, the dielectric function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, reflectivity coefficient, absorption coefficient and energy-loss function, for polarized incident radiation along the [100], [010] and [001] directions were investigated.     

The high-pressure phase transition of TiS2 from first-principles calculations

The structural stability of TiS₂ under high pressures has been investigated by using first-principles plane-wave pseudopotential density functional theory within the local density approximation (LDA). The obtained results predict that TiS₂ undergoes a pressure-induced first-order phase transition from its trigonal 1T-type structure to orthorhombic cotunnite-type structure at 16.20 GPa. The calculated transition pressure agrees quite well with the experimental finding of 20.7 GPa. The equation of state determined from our calculated results yields bulk moduli of 58.91 and 118.10 GPa for the 1T-type and cotunnite-type phases, respectively. This indicates higher incompressibility of the high-pressure phase of TiS₂. In addition, the electronic structures of the two phases of TiS₂ are also calculated and discussed. The results suggest the structural phase transition of TiS₂ at high pressure is followed by a semimetal to metal electronic transition.     

The structural,electronic, elastic,vibration and thermodynamic properties of GdMg

We have investigated the structural, elastic, electronic, vibration and thermodynamic properties of GdMg alloy using the methods of density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for the exchange-correlation functional. We have presented the results on the basic physical parameters, such as the lattice constant, bulk modulus, pressure derivative of bulk modulus with and without spin-polarization (SP), second-order elastic constants, Zener anisotropy factor, Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus, and isotropic shear modulus. The thermodynamic properties of the considered compound are obtained through the quasi-harmonic Debye model. In order to obtain further information, we have also studied the pressure and temperature-dependent behavior of the volume, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacity, and Debye temperature in a wide temperature range of 0–1200 K. We have also calculated phonon frequencies and one-phonon density of states for B2 structure of GdMg compound. The temperature-dependent behavior of heat capacity and entropy obtained from phonon density of states for GdMg compound in B2 phase is also presented.     

First-principles calculations of hydrostatic pressure effects on the structural,elastic and thermodynamic properties of cubic monocarbides XC (X = Ti,V, Cr,Nb, Mo,Hf)

Six transition metal monocarbides (TiC, VC, CrC, NbC, MoC, HfC) with the rock-salt structure were chosen for a detailed comparative ab initio study of their structural, electronic, elastic, and thermodynamic properties at ambient and elevated up to 50 GPa hydrostatic pressures. Special attention was paid to the relation between the elastic and bonding properties and the number of valence electrons in each compound. Elastic anisotropy of the considered carbides was analyzed; the directions in the crystal lattice corresponding to the greatest and smallest Young's moduli values were identified. The calculated values of the elastic constants were used for further estimations of the Debye temperatures, Grüneisen parameters, specific heat capacities and linear coefficients of thermal expansion. Comparison of the calculated results with available experimental and theoretical data for TiC, VC, NbC, HfC yielded good agreement. The specific heat capacities and thermal expansion coefficients for CrC and MoC were calculated for the first time, to the best of the authors' knowledge.     

Direct calculations of charge densities of solids: Applications to the alkali-earth sulfides

We performed ab initio self-consistent calculations for the five alkali–earth sulfides—BeS, MgS, CaS, SrS, and BaS—by a method which allows the direct calculation of the ground-state electron density without a preliminar determination of the wave functions and of the energy eigenvalues of the system. We report the results for the standard cohesive properties (equilibrium lattice parameters, dissociation energies, bulk moduli), a study of the relative stability of the 131 (NaCl), B2 (CsCl), and B3 (ZnS) phases, and of the behavior under pressure of these compounds (equation of state; pressure and change of volume associated to the structural phase transition B1 → B2 or B3 → B1). © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

First principles study of structural,electronic, elastic and thermal properties of YX (X = Cd,In, Au,Hg and Tl) intermetallics

The structural, electronic, elastic and thermal properties of YX (X = Cd, In, Au, Hg and Tl) intermetallic compounds crystallizing in B₂-type structure have been studied using first principles density functional theory within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for the exchange correlation potential. Amongst all the YX compounds, YIn is stable in distorted tetragonal (P4/mmm) CuAu-type structure at ambient pressure with very small energy difference of 0.00681 Ry. but it undergoes to CsCl-type (B₂ phase) structure at 23.3 GPa. Rest of the compounds are stable in B₂ structure at ambient condition. The values of elastic moduli as a function of pressure are also reported. The ductility of these compounds has been analyzed using the Pugh rule. Our calculated results indicate that YTl is the most ductile amongst all the B₂-YX compounds. YAu is the hardest and less compressible compound due to the largest bulk modulus. The elastic properties such as Young's modulus (E), Poisson's ratio (σ) and anisotropic ratio (A) are also predicted. The anisotropic factor is found to be unity for YHg which shows that this compound is isotropic.     

Brillouin scattering of H2O ice to megabar pressures

The sound velocity in polycrystalline ice was measured as a function of pressure at room temperature to 100 GPa, through the phase field of ice VII and crossing the ice X transition, by Brillouin scattering in order to examine the elasticity, compression mechanism, and structural transitions in this pressure range. In particular, we focused on previously proposed phase transitions below 60 GPa. Throughout this pressure range, we find no evidence for anomalous changes in compressibility, and the sound velocities and elastic moduli do not exhibit measurable discontinuous shifts with pressure. Subtle changes in the pressure dependence of the bulk modulus at intermediate pressures can be attributed to high shear stresses at these compressions. The C(11) and C(12) moduli are consistent with previously reported results to 40 GPa and increase monotonically at higher pressures.     

Theoretical investigation on the structural and thermodynamic properties of FeSe at high pressure and high temperature

A theoretical investigation on structural and thermodynamic properties of 11-type iron-based superconductor FeSe at high pressure and high temperature was performed by employing the first-principles method based on the density functional theory. Some structural parameters of FeSe in both tetragonal and hexagonal phases are reported. According to the fourth-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of states, the transition pressure P(t) of FeSe from the PbO-type phase to the NiAs-type phase was determined. The calculated results are found to be in good agreement with the available experimental data. Based on the quasi-harmonic Debye model, the pressure and temperature dependence of the thermodynamic properties for hexagonal phase FeSe were investigated. Our theoretical calculations suggest that the pressure and temperature have significant effects on the heat capacity, vibrational internal energy, vibrational entropy, vibrational Helmholtz free energy, thermal expansion coefficient and Debye temperature. Even though few theoretical reports on the structural properties of FeSe are found in the current literature, to our knowledge, this is a novel theoretical investigation on the structural and thermodynamic properties of FeSe at high temperature. We hope that the theoretical results reported here can give more insight into the structural and thermodynamic properties of other iron-based superconductors at high temperature.