Structural, elastic and electronic properties of transition metal carbides TMC (TM=Ti, Zr, Hf and Ta) from first-principles calculations

The structural, elastic and electronic properties of TiC, ZrC, HfC and TaC have been investigated by first-principles calculations using the plane-wave pseudopotential method. Different exchange-correlation functionals regarding the local density approximation and the PBE, RPBE and PW91 forms of generalized gradient approximation are taken into account. The NaCl-type cubic structures of TMC (TM=Ti, Zr, Hf and Ta) are optimized and confirmed to be mechanically stable. The elastic properties such as the elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of TMC are investigated, and the performances of LDA and GGA are discussed. The electronic density of state, electron charge density and Mulliken population analysis have been explored to discuss the electronic properties and bonding behaviors of TMC. The present calculation results compare satisfactorily with the experimental data and previous theoretical calculations.     

Anisotropic elastic properties of MB (M = Cr,Mo, W) monoborides: a first-principles investigation

First principles calculations were performed to systematically investigate structure properties, phase stability and mechanical properties of MB (M = Cr, Mo, W) monoborides in orthorhombic and tetragonal structures. The results of equilibrium structures are in good agreement with other available theoretical and experimental data. The elastic properties, including bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young’s modulus E and Poisson’s ratio ν were calculated by the Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation. All considered monoborides are mechanically stable. The results of elastic anisotropies show that elastic anisotropy of orthorhombic structure is larger than that of tetragonal structure. Moreover, the minimum thermal conductivities were also estimated using the Cahill’s model, and the results indicate that the minimum thermal conductivities show a dependence on directions.     

Electronic and magnetic properties of silicene nanoflakes by first-principles calculations

The geometric, electronic, and magnetic properties of silicene nanoflakes (SiNFs) and corresponding two-dimensional (2D) framework assembled by SiNFs are studied by first-principles calculations. We find that the hexagonal SiNFs exhibit semiconducting behavior, while the triangular SiNFs is magnetic. Although the triangular SiNFs linked directly is antiferromagnetic, the system linked with an odd-number Si chains can exhibit ferromagnetic (FM) behavior, which is ascribed to anti-parallel spin rule on Si atoms, consistent with the Lieb–Mattis criterion. More interestingly, the 2D framework composed of triangular SiNFs linked by a Si atom shows a half-metallic character with an integer magnetic moment. These results provide a better understanding for silicene-based nanoflakes, and expect to pave an avenue to assemble FM silicon materials in spintronics.     

The structural stability, elastic constants and electronic structure of Al-Sr intermetallics by first-principles calculations

The lattice constants, enthalpies of formation, elastic constants and electronic structures of Al-Sr intermetallics have been calculated by first-principles method within generalized gradient approximation. The calculated lattice constants and enthalpies of formation are in good agreement with experimental and other theoretical results. The polycrystalline bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio are also estimated from the calculated single crystalline elastic constants. The total and partial electronic densities of state for the intermetallics were obtained, and the results indicated that Al₂Sr-oI is more stable than Al₂Sr-cF. Finally, longitudinal, transverse and average sound velocities and Debye temperature are estimated.     

First-principles calculations of structural stability,elastic, dynamical and thermodynamic properties of SiGe,SiSn, GeSn

A first-principles calculations, based on the norm-conserving pseudopotentials and the density functional theory (DFT) and the density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) as implemented in the ABINIT code, have been performed to investigate the structural stability, elastic, lattice dynamic and thermodynamic properties of the ordered SiGe, SiSn and GeSn cubic alloy in zinc-blende (B3) structure. The calculated lattice parameters and bulk modulus agree with the previous results. The second-order elastic constants have been calculated and other related quantities such as the Young’s modulus, shear modulus, anisotropy factor are also estimated. We also obtain the data of lattice dynamics and the temperature dependent properties currently lacking for SiGe, SiSn and GeSn. Findings are also presented for the temperature-dependent behaviors of some thermodynamic properties such as the internal energy, Helmholtz free energy, entropy and heat capacity.     

Structural transitions of NaAlH4 under high pressure by first-principles calculations

First-principles calculations have been performed on NaAlH₄ using the generalized gradient approximation pseudopotential method. The predicted β-NaAlH₄ (α-LiAlH₄-type) structure is energetically more favorable than α-NaAlH₄ for pressures over 15.9 GPa, which is apparently correlated with the experimental transition pressure 14 GPa. This transition is identified as first-order in nature with volume contractions of 1.8%. There is no pressure-induced softening behavior from our calculated phonon dispersion curves near the phase transition pressure. Based on the Mulliken population analysis, the β-NaAlH₄ structure is expected to be the most promising candidate for hydrogen storage.     

Structural stabilities, electronic, elastic and optical properties of SrTe under pressure: A first-principles study

The structural, electronic, elastic and optical properties as well as phase transition under pressure of SrTe have been systematically investigated by first-principles pesudopotential calculations. Five possible phases of SrTe have been considered. Our results show that SrTe undergoes a phase transition from NaCl-type (B1) to CsCl-type (B2) structure at 10.9 GPa with a volume collapse of 9.43%, and no further transition is found. We find that SrTe prefer h-MgO instead of wurtzite (B4) structure for its metastable phase because that the ionic compound prefers a high coordination. The elastic moduli, energy band structures, real and imaginary parts of the dielectric functions have been calculated for all considered phases, and we find that a smaller energy gap yields a larger high-frequency dielectric constant. Our calculated results are discussed and compared with the available experimental and theoretical data.     

Narrow band in the intermetallic compounds MNiSn (M=Ti,Zr, Hf)

The presence of a narrow band below conduction band of nonmagnetic compounds MNiSn (M=Ti, Zr, Hf) is assumed to explain their low temperature properties such as the heat capacity, IR optics, electronics transport. A computation of the Seebeck coefficient supplies support for this assumption.     

Structural,elastic and mechanical properties of orthorhombic SrHfO3 under pressure from first-principles calculations

Structural, elastic and mechanical properties of orthorhombic SrHfO₃ under pressure have been investigated using the plane-wave ultrasoft pseudopotential technique based on the first-principles density functional theory. The calculated equilibrium lattice parameters and elastic constants of orthorhombic SrHfO₃ at zero pressure are in good agreement with the available experimental and calculational values. The lattice parameters, total enthalpy, elastic constants and mechanical stability of orthorhombic SrHfO₃ as a function of pressure were studied. With the increasing pressure, the lattice parameters and volume of orthorhombic SrHfO₃ decrease whereas the total enthalpy increases. Orthorhombic SrHfO₃ is mechanically stable with low pressure (<52.9 GPa) whereas that is mechanically instable with high pressure (>52.9 GPa). The bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus and mechanical anisotropy of orthorhombic SrHfO₃ as a function of pressure were analyzed. It is found that orthorhombic SrHfO₃ under pressure has larger bulk modulus, better ductility and less mechanical anisotropy than orthorhombic SrHfO₃ at 0 GPa.     

Prediction study of structural and elastic properties under pressure effect of M2SnC (M=Ti, Zr, Nb, Hf)

Using first-principles calculations, we have studied the structural and elastic properties of M₂SnC, with M=Ti, Zr, Nb and Hf. Geometrical optimization of the unit cell is in good agreement with the available experimental data. The effect of high pressures, up to 20 GPa, on the lattice constants shows that the contractions along the a-axis were higher than those along the c-axis. We have observed a quadratic dependence of the lattice parameters versus the applied pressure. The elastic constants and their pressure dependence are calculated using the static finite strain technique. A linear dependence of the elastic stiffnesses on the pressure is found. We derived the bulk and shear moduli, Young's moduli and Poisson's ratio for ideal polycrystalline M₂SnC aggregates. We estimated the Debye temperature of M₂SnC from the average sound velocity. This is the first quantitative theoretical prediction of the elastic properties of Ti₂SnC, Zr₂SnC, Nb₂SnC, and Hf₂SnC compounds.     

The elastic and bonding properties of the sulvanite compounds: A first-principles study by local and semi-local functionals

The elastic properties of the compound family of the sulvanite Cu₃TMX₄ (TM=V, Nb, Ta; X=S, Se) have been calculated using first-principles total energy calculations within the density functional theory along with the local density and the generalized gradient approximations. The calculated elastic properties are the bulk modulus (B), the elastic constants (c₁₁, c₁₂ and c₄₄), the Zener anisotropy factor (A), the isotropic shear modulus (G) and the Young modulus (E). By means of these quantities we have also computed other thermodynamic properties such as the average sound velocity (s) and the Debye temperature (Θ_D). The calculated values of the elastic properties led to the conclusion that these compounds are brittle and fragile. We have also calculated the electron localization function, which exhibits the bonding characteristics in these compounds, showing that the Cu-X bond as well as the TM-X bond have a covalent character, but there is also present some ionicity in these compounds due to the Cu-TMX₄ bond.     

Structural, electronic and elastic properties of Ti2TlC, Zr2TlC and Hf2TlC

Using First-principle calculations, we have studied the structural, electronic and elastic properties of M₂TlC, with M = Ti, Zr and Hf. Geometrical optimization of the unit cell is in good agreement with the available experimental data. The effect of high pressures, up to 20 GPa, on the lattice constants shows that the contractions are higher along the c-axis than along the a axis. We have observed a quadratic dependence of the lattice parameters versus the applied pressure. The band structures show that all three materials are electrical conductors. The analysis of the site and momentum projected densities shows that bonding is due to M d-C p and M d-Tl p hybridizations. The M d-C p bonds are lower in energy and stiffer than M d-Tl p bonds. The elastic constants are calculated using the static finite strain technique. We derived the bulk and shear moduli, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio for ideal polycrystalline M₂TlC aggregates. We estimated the Debye temperature of M₂TlC from the average sound velocity. This is the first quantitative theoretical prediction of the elastic properties of Ti₂TlC, Zr₂TlC, and Hf₂TlC compounds that requires experimental confirmation.      

Site preference and elastic properties of ternary alloying additions in B2 YAg alloys by first-principles calculations

First-principles calculations were preformed to study the site preference behavior and elastic properties of 3d (Ti–Cu) transition-metal elements in B2 ductility YAg alloy. In YAg, Ti is found to occupy the Y sublattice whereas V, Cr, Co, Fe, Ni and Cu tend to substitute for Ag sublattice. Due to the addition of 3d transition metals, the lattice parameters of YAg is decreased in the order: V<Cu<Cr<Ni<Co<Fe<Ti. The calculated elastic constants show that Cr, Fe, Co and Cu can improve the ductility of YAg alloy, and Fe is the most effective element to improve the ductility of YAg, while Ti, Ni and V alloying elements can reduce the ductility of YAg alloy, especially, V transforms ductile into brittle for YAg alloy. In addition, both V and Ni alloying elements can increase the hardness of YAg alloy, and Y₈Ag₇V is harder than Y₈Ag₇Ni.     

Structural,electronic and elastic properties of potassium hexatitanate crystal from first-principles calculations

The structural, electronic and elastic properties of potassium hexatitanate (K₂Ti₆O₁₃) whisker were investigated using first-principles calculations. The calculated cell parameters of K₂Ti₆O₁₃ including lattice constants and atomic positions are in good agreement with the experimental data. The obtained formation enthalpy (−61.1535 eV/atom) and cohesive energy (−137.4502 eV/atom) are both negative, showing its high structural stability. Further analysis of the electronic structures shows that the potassium hexatitanate is a wide-band semiconductor. Within K₂Ti₆O₁₃ crystal, the TiO bonding interactions are stronger than that of KO, while no apparent KTi bonding interactions can be observed. The structural stability of K₂Ti₆O₁₃ was closely associated with the covalent bond interactions between Ti (d) and O (p) orbits. Further calculations on elastic properties show that K₂Ti₆O₁₃ is a high stiffness and brittle material with small anisotropy in shear and compression.     

Structural, electronic and elastic properties of M2SC (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) compounds

Using ab initio calculations, we have studied the structural, electronic and elastic properties of M₂SC, with M = Ti, Zr and Hf. Geometrical optimization of the unit cell are in good agreement with the available experimental data. The band structures show that all three materials are conducting. The analysis of the site and momentum projected densities shows that the bonding is achieved through a hybridization of M-atom d states with S and C-atom p states. The Md-Sp bonds are lower in energy and are stiffer than Md-Cp bonds. The elastic constants are calculated using the static finite strain technique. We derived the bulk and shear moduli, Young's moduli and Poisson's ratio for ideal polycrystalline M₂SC aggregates. We estimated the Debye temperature of M₂SC from the average sound velocity. This is a quantitative theoretical prediction of the elastic properties of Ti₂SC, Zr₂SC, and Hf₂SC compounds, and it still awaits experimental confirmation.     

Calculated structural, electronic and elastic properties of M2GeC (M=Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W)

Using ab initio calculations, we have studied the structural, electronic and elastic properties of M₂GeC, with M=Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, Ta and W. Geometrical optimizations of the unit cell are in agreement with the available experimental data. The band structures show that all studied materials are electrical conductors. The analysis of the site and momentum projected densities shows that bonding is due to M d-C p and M d-Ge p hybridizations. The elastic constants are calculated using the static finite strain technique. The shear modulus C ₄₄, which is directly related to the hardness, reaches its maximum when the valence electron concentration is in the range 8.41–8.50. We derived the bulk and shear moduli, Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratio for ideal polycrystalline M₂GeC aggregates. We estimated the Debye temperature of M₂GeC from the average sound velocity. This is the first quantitative theoretical prediction of the elastic constants of Ti₂GeC, V₂GeC, Cr₂GeC, Zr₂GeC, Nb₂GeC, Mo₂GeC, Hf₂GeC, Ta₂GeC and W₂GeC compounds, and it still awaits experimental confirmation.     

Physical properties of ternary thallium chalcogenes Tl_2MQ_3(M = Zr,Hf; Q = S,Se, Te) via ab-initio calculations

We have reported a first principles study of structural, mechanical, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of the monoclinic ternary thallium chalcogenes Tl_2MQ_3(M = Zr, Hf; Q = S, Se, Te). The electronic band structure calculations confirm that all compounds exhibit semiconductor character. Especially, Tl_2ZrTe_3 and Tl_2HfTe_3 can be good candidates for thermoelectric materials, having narrow band gaps of 0.169 eV and 0.21 eV, respectively. All of the compounds are soft and brittle according to the second-order elastic constant calculations. Low Debye temperatures also support the softness. We have obtained the transport properties of the compounds by using rigid band and constant relaxation time approximations in the context of Boltzmann transport theory. The results show that the compounds could be considered for room temperature thermoelectric applications(ZT ～ 0.9).     

Anisotropy of elasticity and minimum thermal conductivity of monocrystal M4AlC3 （M = Ti,Zr, Hf）

The elastic constants, elastic anisotropy index, and anisotropic fractional ratios of Ti4AlC3, Zr4AlC3, and Hf4AlC3 are studied by using a plane wave method based on density functional theory. All compounds are characterized by the elastic anisotropy index. The bond length, population, and hardness of the three compounds are calculated. The degrees of hardness are then compared. The minimum thermal conductivity at high temperature limitation in the propagation direction of [0001](0001) is calculated by the acoustic wave velocity, which indicates that the thermal conductivity is also anisotropic. Finally, the electronic structures of the compounds are analyzed numerically. We show that the bonding of the M4AlC3 lattice exhibits mixed properties of covalent bonding, ionic bonding, and metallic bonding. Moreover, no energy gap is observed at the Fermi level, indicating that various compounds exhibit metallic conductivity at the ground state.     

Half-metallic ferromagnetism in rocksalt and zinc-blende MS (M=Li, Na and K): A first-principles study

First-principles full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave method is used to investigate the electronic structure and magnetic properties of hypothetical zinc-blende and rocksalt LiS, NaS and KS. We find that all the compounds except rocksalt LiS exhibit half-metallic ferromagnetism with an integer magnetic moment of 1.00 μ_B per formula unit. The ferromagnetism results from the spin-polarization of p states of anion S. Total energies calculations indicate the rocksalt phase is lower in energy than the zinc-blende one. The total energy differences are about 0.38, 0.36 and 0.32 eV per formula unit for LiS, NaS and KS, respectively. Meanwhile, it is shown that rocksalt NaS and KS have the half-metallic gaps of 0.22 and 0.41 eV, respectively, and the half-metallic gaps are 0.03, 0.46 and 0.65 eV for zinc-blende LiS, NaS and KS, respectively. We also find the half-metallicity is robust against the lattice contraction up to 7% and 13% for rocksalt NaS and KS, respectively. Although rocksalt LiS is nonmagnetic and metallic at the equilibrium lattice constant, it shows half-metallic ferromagnetism when the lattice constant is larger than 5.40 Å.