First-principles calculations to investigate structural, elastic, electronic, optical and thermal properties of La-based ternary intermetallic superconductors LaM2Si2 (M=Co, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au)

Abstract

Different physical properties of ternary intermetallic La-based superconducting materials LaM2Si2 (M = Co, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au) are examined through the self consistent ab-initio scheme depending on the DFT replication. The main purpose of this study is to comprehend several different crucial characteristics of these compounds, including their crystal phase, stability manner, bulk features, band configuration, dielectric, conductivity as well as thermal features. Good accordance in the structural analysis of superconducting materials LaM2Si2 (M = Co, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au) has been observed between the optimized and synthesized lattice parameters. The phonon dispersion curve indicates that the compounds LaCo2Si2, LaCu2Si2, LaRh2Si2, LaPd2Si2, and LaIr2Si2 are dynamically stable, but LaAg2Si2, LaPt2Si2, and LaAu2Si2 are dynamically unstable in nature. Mechanical crystal constancy of the selected materials is verified from the investigated elastic constants. Ductility behaviors of these compounds are ensured by the values of Pugh's and Poisson's ratios. High Young's modulus of LaIr2Si2 ensured its elevated hardness along with huge melting temperature compared than other phases. Anisotropic character of these materials can be ensured through the calculations of elastic anisotropy. The electrical properties of the superconducting LaM2Si2 (M = Co, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au) compounds were also studied in details. Metallic character of the selected solids is observed through the investigation of DOS and band structure calculations. The investigated dielectric function, conductivity, and absorption also reflect the conductive behavior of superconducting LaM2Si2 (M = Co, Cu, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au) materials. The optical phenomena ensured their huge absorption as well as optical conductive nature at the site of ultraviolet energy region. Moreover, high reflectivity in the UV region makes these superconductors good solar reflectors for this energy site. Very low minimum thermal conductivity of these compounds especially of LaPt2Si2 and LaAu2Si2 makes them useful and fascinating for thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials.