Theoretical study of electronic structure, chemical bonding, and X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy in niobium and niobium monoxide

In this work, we calculate band structures, the density of state and chemical bonding of the metallic niobium (Nb) and its mono-oxide (NbO) crystals in their solid states using the Density Functional Theory and X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy. The electronic properties of Nb and NbO are investigated using the Finite Difference Method. These theoretical results are found in good agreement with the most recent experimental data. Our calculations reveal that the NbO crystal behaves like a superconductor.