Plane Wave Method Research Articles

Computational survey of optoelectronic properties and half-metallicity in ZnFeMnS: insight from first principles calculations

The electronic structure, optic and magnetic properties of the ZnFeMnS quaternary compound are studied on the basis of band-structure calculations, using full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FPLAPW) method. The calculations are performed within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The calculated results indicate that ternary ZnMnS has an insulating character for the two directions of spin so, in its current form, it is inappropriate for spintronics devices. In contrary, Fe/Mn codoped ZnS is a half-metallic (HM) ferromagnet with a magnetic moment of 9 μB per formula unit. The integer magnetic moment of this compound indicates the stability of its half-metallic behavior. Consequently ZnFeMnS could be a promising dilute magnetic semiconductor for application in spintronic devices. Moreover, we have computed optical properties (absorption coefficient and reflectivity) of the two compounds, and have found a pronounced peak occurring at low energies for ZnFeMnS in all the optical curves due to transition metal (TM) impurity. The improvement of optical properties allows this compound to be used in manufacturing photovoltaic static converter or in display devices.

Excited-State Forces with the Gaussian and Augmented Plane Wave Method for the Tamm-Dancoff Approximation of Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory.

Augmented plane wave methods enable an efficient description of atom-centered or localized features of the electronic density, circumventing high energy cutoffs and thus prohibitive computational costs of pure plane wave formulations. To complement existing implementations for ground-state properties and excitation energies, we present the extension of the Gaussian and augmented plane wave method to excited-state nuclear gradients within the Tamm-Dancoff approximation of time-dependent density functional theory and its implementation in the CP2K program package. Benchmarks for a test set of 35 small molecules demonstrate that maximum errors in the nuclear forces for excited states of singlet and triplet spin multiplicity are smaller than 0.1 eV/Å. The method is furthermore applied to the calculation of the zero-phonon line of defective hexagonal boron nitride. This spectral feature is reproduced with an error of 0.6 eV in comparison to GW-Bethe-Salpeter reference computations and 0.4 eV in comparison to experimental measurements. Accuracy assessments and applications thus demonstrate the potential use of the outlined developments for large-scale applications on excited-state properties of extended systems.

TB-mBJ for doping concentration effects on magneto-optical properties in [formula omitted] spintronics materials

An investigation for electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of Mn-doped ZnSnAs2 compound performed using advanced computational methods. Using spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) calculations with local orbital linearized augmented plane wave (lo-LAPW) method and Tran–Blaha’s modified Becke–Johnson (TB-mBJ) functional, Mn-doped n-type chalcopyrite semiconductor ZnMnxSn(1−x)As2, studied within varying Mn doping concentration range 0≤x≤0.5. Doping of Mn to Sn site in pure ZnSnAs2 creates a strong spin effect, which makes it useful spintronic materials. We observed with increase the Mn concentration in ZnSnAs2, energy bandgap changes while the magnetic strength of the unit cell remains unchanged, showing stability of system’s magnetism. Optical properties of the Mn doped ZnSnAs2 compounds analysed in term of dielectric function, absorption spectra, and refractive index. Optical properties show, compound is optically low active in the Infrared (IR) region and more active in visible and ultraviolet (UV) region. The electronic and optical properties of Mn-doped ZnSnAs2, offer potential technological advancements in semiconductor device design technology and engineering.

Effect of Ti doping on phase stability and half-metallicity of the Co2FeGe compound: GGA and mBJ-GGA approaches

Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method to study the effect of Ti doping on Co2FeGe systems. The both GGA and mBJ-GGA formalisms were employed in this study. For both the L21 and XA structures, ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic and paramagnetic phases were considered, and lattice optimization was conducted to determine the most stable magnetic phase. The Co2FeGe and Ti2FeGe Heusler alloys were found to be stable in the ferromagnetic state with the L21 structure. In contrast, the XA-type ordering was observed for the CoTiFeGe alloy. The density of states and band structure calculations for the CoTiFeGe (XA structure) alloy revealed half-metallic behavior, which is notable for its potential in achieving high spin polarization. Additionally, half-metallic character was observed for the Co2FeGe alloy with L21-type ordering when using the mBJ-GGA formalism. The calculated elastic constants confirmed that these systems satisfy the mechanical stability criteria. Furthermore, the systems with x = 0.00 (Co2FeGe) and x = 1.00 (Ti2FeGe) comply with the Slater-Pauling rule for half-metallicity in alloys, given by Mtot = NV-24. According to the mBJ-GGA method, the total magnetic moments of Co2FeGe and CoTiFeGe are 6 μB and 1 μB, respectively. Meanwhile, the Ti2FeGe compound follows the condition Mtot = NV-18 and has a total magnetic moment of approximately 2 μB. The optoelectronic properties were examined through analysis of the optical constants, confirming semiconducting behavior for both x = 0.00 and x = 1.00.

First-principles investigation of spin characteristics and thermoelectric properties in Ba2SmMoO6 and Ba2EuMoO6 double perovskites

This investigation employs first-principles calculations with the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) and modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) exchange-correlation functionals, employing the Full-Potential Linearized Augmented Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) method. The main objective is to investigate the double perovskites Ba2SmMoO6 and Ba2EuMoO6. We conduct a thorough analysis of the structural, electrical, magnetic, thermoelectric and optical properties of these materials. Both compounds are stable in ferromagnetic phase, according to structural studies. Ba2SmMoO6 has a 3.80 eV energy gap, aligned with the W-X direction, which exhibits half-metallic behavior. On the other hand, Ba2EuMoO6 has a 3.03 eV energy gap that is directly aligned with the X-X direction, using mBJ-GGA. Magnetic investigation revealed a total spin magnetic moment of 7 μB for Ba2EuMoO6, mainly due to Eu (5.98 μB) and 6 μB for Ba2SmMoO6, mainly due to Sm (4.53 μB). It was found that both materials have high Seebeck coefficients and electrical conductivities at high temperatures, with performance improving with temperature. However, the figure of merit (ZT) approaches a value of one, indicating their potential for use in thermoelectric applications at high temperatures. Ba2SmMoO6 and Ba2EuMoO6 are identified as highly favourable options for effective thermoelectric devices. The high UV absorption, the unique refractive and reflective properties offer potential in photonics, optical coatings, and other fields requiring precise light manipulation.

Comparative bioengineering and optoelectronic properties of metoprolol by DFT, molecular docking, and molecular dynamic approaches

The biophysical properties of metoprolol are investigated by the full potential-linearized augmented plane wave method and molecular docking and molecular dynamic approaches. The exchange–correlation potentials are calculated by the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof generalized gradient approximation as implemented in the WIEN2k package. The electronic results show the insulator nature of metoprolol with the indirect bandgap of 3.74 eV between HOMO and LUMO states. In the density of state spectra, the p state of O, C, and N elements confirm the stability of metoprolol. Metoprolol exhibits a metallic behavior in the z direction, while it has a dielectric behavior in the x and y directions. The static refractive indices are obtained 1.49, 1.53, and 1.63 in the x, y, and z directions, respectively. It was found that the maximum reflectivity occurs at the ultraviolet region in the z-direction. The calculated absorption spectra also confirm the other’s experimental results. The obtained results of molecular docking indicate the formation of hydrogen bonds between metoprolol and the beta-2 adrenergic receptors, and molecular dynamics showed a human beta-2 adrenoceptor either in its free state or in complex with a metoprolol molecule. The calculated binding energies of elements by molecular docking and the other biological properties of metoprolol by molecular dynamic are in close agreement with obtained Density Functional Theory (DFT) results for Pharmacia applications.

Ab Initio Study of the Crystalline Structure of HgS under Low and High Pressure

This study analyzes the lattice dynamics of HgS under various pressures using ab initio self-consistent calculations based on the plane-wave method (PW) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The static study, performed by enthalpy calculations, predicts that the transition from the cinnabar phase (α-HgS) to the zinc-blende B3 (β-HgS) or wurtzite (2H) structures occurs at very low pressures, at 0.65 or 0.70 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, the transition from β-HgS to the rocksalt (B1) phase occurs at 7 GPa, and at high pressure, specifically at 110 GPa, HgS can adopt the CsCl (B2) phase. The mechanical study confirms the stability of the β and 2H phases at 0 GPa. Phonon calculations corroborate the results of the static and mechanical studies regarding stability (α→0.7GPa2H→0.9GPaβ), and the results indicate that the instabilities of the transverse acoustic (TA) modes, induced by the application of pressures of 10.5 GPa, 21 GPa, and 190 GPa, are responsible for the observed phase transitions in part of the Brillouin.

DFT study of electron energy loss spectra of sulfur in Janus MoSSe, MoSTe, WSSe and WSTe monolayers

In this paper, electronic properties of Janus MSX monolayers (M = Mo, W; X = Se or Te), including electron energy loss near edge structures (ELNES), as K and [Formula: see text] edge spectra of sulfur atoms, have been calculated using a full potential scheme and the augmented plane wave plus local orbitals (APW+lo) method in the framework of density functional theory (DFT). Due to the lack of experimental results, the obtained spectra are compared with the corresponding spectra of MoS2 monolayer. The band structure analysis shows that the Janus MoSSe and WSSe monolayers are direct bandgap semiconductors, while the Janus MoSTe and WSTe monolayers are indirect bandgap semiconductors. In comparison to MoS2, the main structures of the K edge ELNES spectra of sulfur atoms in Janus monolayers occur at lower energies, due to the structural change and increased bond length. The relative reduction of intensities in the main structures predicts the possibility of reducing the number of partial densities of states (PDOS), that is, the reduced p PDOS for the K edge in the corresponding energy range. In the K ([Formula: see text] edge ELNES spectra of the sulfur atom in Janus monolayers and MoS2 monolayers, the main structures are due to the electron transfer to the unoccupied [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] states (3s of sulfur and 4d states of the transition metal).

Ferromagnetism in heavily Fe-doped GaAs: a DFT study

Computational calculations based on density functional theory were carried out to investigate ferromagnetism in gallium arsenide (GaAs) heavily doped with Fe atoms that can substitutionally occupy gallium (Ga) or arsenic (As) sites in the zinc-blende-like crystal structure. The calculations were performed within the spin polarized density functional theory (DFT) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. We investigate and discuss the ab initio calculation results focusing on properties intrinsically important for spintronic applications, such as spin polarization and magnetic anisotropy. The density of states (DOS) was calculated with substitution of Fe atoms in the As and Ga sites, giving the electronic properties, as well as the magnetic ground state. According to DFT calculations, heavily doped GaAs with 25 at. % of Fe becomes a ferromagnetic metal with spin polarization as high as 69% at Fermi level. This is corroborated by experimental results previously published in literature.

FP-LMTO simulation of the physical properties of arsenic-based binary XAs(X = Sc, and Al) compounds

This paper presents a simulation of the structural and optoelectronic properties of Scandium Arsenide (ScAs) and Aluminum Arsenide (AlAs) compounds. Theoretical modeling was performed using ab initio first-principles calculations, specifically the density functional theory (DFT), and the Mindlab numerical software. The software used two methods: the full-potential muffin-tin orbital method (FP-LMTO) and the full-potential plane-wave method (FP-LAPW). These two methods are employed to solve the Schrödinger equation. The exchange correlation effects have been computed using two different approximations: the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the local density approximation (LDA). Our findings indicate that the zinc blende structure (B3) is the stable phase, while the Wurtzite phase (B4) is metastable for the AlAs compound. On the other hand, the ScAs compound crystallizes in the NaCl phase (B1). The AlAs compounds undergo three phase transitions: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. In contrast, ScAs does not undergo any transition. The obtained results for equilibrium energies, lattice parameters and gap energies are in closer agreement with the experimental and theoretical data. The AlAs compound exhibits a semiconducting character, while ScAs exhibits a semi-metallic character. Additionally, the refractive index of these two compounds is similar to that of silicon, which is crucial for their application in photovoltaic cells.

Analytical seismic model for a tunnel with segmental liner buried in the half-space soil

In this paper, by using the wave function expansion (WFE) and the expansion of the cylindrical wave into plane wave (ECPW) methods, an analytical method for the dynamic response of a circular tunnel with segmental liner buried in the half-space soil to harmonic elastic waves is developed. The liner of the tunnel is supposed to consist of several segments and joints. Both the segments and joints are treated as open cylindrical shells, and the segment and joint shells together thus form an equivalent continuous shell (ECS) liner, and the thin shell theory is utilized to describe its vibration. The scattered wave field due to the presence of the tunnel and boundary of the half-space soil is divided into two parts, namely, the direct scattered wave field and secondary scattered wave field. The expressions for the direct scattered cylindrical waves in the soil is determined via the WFE method, while the secondary scattered waves form the boundary of the half-space soil are obtained by the ECPW method together with the application of the boundary condition along the soil surface. Applying the cylindrical shell theory on the ECS liner and using the Fourier series expansions for the variables and parameters of the ECS liner along the azimuthal direction together with introducing the Fourier component constitutive relation for the ECS liner, a system of equations for the Fourier component ECS displacements are derived with the differential equations for the ECS liner displacements. By using the system of equations, the expressions for the free and scattered wave fields and the continuity conditions at the interface between the liner and soil, the system of equations for the ECS liner coupled with the soil are derived. By using the developed analytical method for the tunnel, some results of the ECS tunnel under different incident waves are given.

Investigation of structural, electronic, and optical properties of halide perovskites with different amide cations: A first-principles approach

Hybrid halide perovskites (CH3NH3PbI3) have emerged as an appealing candidate in photovoltaic devices due to their low-cost fabrication and remarkable optical and electronic properties. However, the commercial applications of these perovskites are limited by their instability due to the rapid rotation and orientation of methylammonium cation (CH3NH3+), and interaction with PbI2 lattice at high temperatures. Since CH3NH3+ can deteriorate structural stability of MAPbI3 perovskites, it is possible to use molecular cation design and substitution as a mechanism to enhance the stability and remove this limitation. We here investigate the effect of replacing this cation with other organic cations (HCOHNH2PbI3 (FPbI3), CH3COHNH2PbI3 (AcPbI3), and NH2COHNH2PbI3 (UPbI3)) in order to enhance the performance of the perovskites, while also keeping the band gap energy (Eg) in an appropriate range for solar cell applications. The calculations are performed using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method, providing lattice parameters and the formation energy of the proposed perovskites. Our results indicate that AcPbI3 perovskite outperforms the other structures in terms of various optical parameters, such as the absorption coefficient, optical conductivity, and reflectance. The optical and electronic band gaps of the AcPbI3 structure and its resonance form (Ac'PbI3) are found to be in agreement with each other, proposing them as optically tunable hybrid perovskites in emerging solar cells.

Investigating the multifaceted characteristics of Ba2FeWO6 double perovskite: Insights from density functional theory

This study undertook a comprehensive examination of the double perovskite complex Ba2FeWO6, investigating its structural, electrical, magnetic, thermal and elastic characteristics. The study used density functional theory (DFT), specifically the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. It also used different approximations, including the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the modified Trans-Blaha (TB-mBJ) approach, to improve the accuracy of the band gap estimation more accurate. Additionlly, the GGA + U approach, incorporating the Hubbard correction term (U), was utilized. Our findings indicate that Ba2FeWO6 exhibits indirect half-metallic band gaps in the (L-X) direction, with value of 0.91 eV and a net magnetic moment of 4 μB, predominatly influenced by the iron atom. The compound demonstrated exceptional characteristics suitable for thermoelectric applications, particularly at lower temperatures. Furthermore, the elasticity analysis revealed low brittleness, facilitates its manipulation in manufacturing procedures.

Photocatalytic Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) utilizing magnetic CrFe2O4 nanoparticle: Green synthesis, characterization, ab initio studies, electronic, magnetic features and water treatment application

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are priority pollutants due to their mutagenicity, persistence, and proven carcinogenicity. Consequently, we investigated the photooxidative degradation of prototypical toxic PAHs, namely anthracene (ANTH) and phenanthrene (PHEN), and naphthalene (NAPH) utilizing magnetic CrFe2O4 nanoparticles under visible light LED irradiation. The prepared nanoparticles, characterized by P-XRD, IR, and SEM, reveal a cubic (FCC) structure and an average particle size of 25.6 nm. On Ab initio study we employed spin polarized first-principle calculations using the Full-Potential Linearized Augmented Plane-Wave (FLAPW) method with GGA-mBJ potentials implemented in the Wien2k package to investigate the properties of CrFe2O4 spinel compound; the calculations reveal that CrFe2O4 adopts a cubic crystal structure with space group 227 (Fd-3 m), and exhibits semiconductor characteristics in both spin channels, featuring indirect band gaps of 1.12 eV (spin-up) and 0.43 eV (spin-down) at the Γ-L and K-Γ points, respectively. Furthermore, the material demonstrates ferromagnetic behavior, with a spin magnetic moment of 20 µB per unit cell. Optical spectra analysis concurs with band structure calculations, suggesting the suitability of this material for photovoltaic applications. The CrFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized through an eco-friendly approach using Boswellia carteri resin as a natural surfactant in an aqueous medium. Our synthesized materials exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance, leading to a rapid exponential decay of ANTH and PHEN over 3 h under visible LED light. The effect of different radical scavengers revealed the role of the percentage of active species OH, h+, and ˙O2− in the oxidation of selected PAHs. At neutral pH, the photo-degradation of PAHs (200 g L−1) by CrFe2O4 (10 mg) followed first-order kinetics and the Langmuir model (R2: 0.99). Exceptional degradation efficiencies were achieved, with ANTH exhibiting a removal efficiency of 99 %, PHEN of 90 %, and NAPH of 86 %. These results show the effectiveness of the synthesized materials as benign and environmentally friendly magnetic nanoparticles for removing carcinogenic PAHs, offering a sustainable, green, and reusable (n = 7) catalytic system to address this environmental challenge.

Structural, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of a new equiatomic quaternary heusler compound FeZrCrZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn): A first-principles investigation

In this investigation, we undertake an ab initio exploration of the structural, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, optical, and thermoelectric characteristics of equiatomic quaternary Heusler compounds (EQH), specifically FeZrCrZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn). Our investigation involves the utilization of the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FP-LAPW) in density functional theory (DFT) framework, employing the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The findings reveal that the Y-type-I arrangement, demonstrating ferromagnetic alignment, emerges as the most thermodynamically favored configuration among all FeZrCrZ (Z = Si, Ge, and Sn) compounds. Computed values for formation energy substantiate the feasibility of experimental synthesis.Furthermore, we meticulously determine elastic constants, confirming the structural robustness of the quaternary compounds. Dynamic stability analysis reinforces their stability. Electronic property assessments unveil the semi-metallic nature of FeZrCrZ (Z = Si, Ge, and Sn) alloys, showcasing complete spin polarization at the Fermi energy (100 %), a minimal energy gap, and magnetic moments of 2 μB when Z = Si, Ge, and 4 μB when Z = Sn. Optical property calculations encompass complex refractive index, dielectric function, reflectivity, absorption coefficient, and optical conductivity, indicating potential suitability of these compounds for optoelectronic applications. Employing Boltzmann transport theory, we investigate the thermoelectric performance of the compounds concerning temperature, and chemical potential. Evaluation of the thermoelectric response underscores their viability as thermoelectric materials, linked to a substantial figure of merit, increased Seebeck coefficient, and diminished thermal conductivity. This study provides crucial theoretical insights for experimental researchers, offering valuable information for the synthesis and application of these compounds in spintronics, thermoelasticity, and optoelectronics.

Investigation of the structural, Electronic and magnetic properties of Mn2PdSn Heusler alloy under hydrostatic pressure

The pressure effect on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Mn2PdSn Heusler alloy was investigated by the first-principles full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on density functional theory (DFT). The exchange and correlation function has been chosen using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) within the parameterization of Perdew-burke-ernzerhof. The lattice constant, electronic density of state (DOS), and magnetic properties such as total magnetic moment were obtained under pressure. It was determined that the calculated lattice parameters are in good agreement with the literature. The Mn2PdSn is stable in the Hg2CuTi-type structure. Furthermore, we expect an extraordinary occurrence of pressure-induced metallic ferrimagnetism to half-metallic ferromagnetism transition in the cubic phase of Mn2PdSn alloy at hydrostatic pressures of 10 GPa.

Contribution to the study of the CoFeTi Asquaternary Heusler material's structural, electronic, and magnetic properties

By simulating the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of the QuateryCoFeTiAs Heusler compound, we presented a theoretical investigation in this work The calculations were performed using the generalized gradient (GGA) approximation and the WIEN2k code's application of the augmented plane wave method (FP-LAPW)which is based on density functional formalism (DFT). The results are consistent with important theoretical calculations.Our results showed that this compound conforms with the (Slater-Pauling) Mtot = (ZT - 24) μB rule and is a half-metallic material.

Effect of strain on the photoelectric properties of molybdenum ditelluride under vacancy defects: a DFT investigation.

This study explores the impact of deformation on the electrical and optical characteristics of monolayer cadmium telluride (MoTe2) with vacancies, using the foundational principles of density functional theory. It was discovered that both strain and imperfections alter the electrical characteristics of monolayer MoTe2. Under VTe-MoTe2, a direct-to-indirect band-gap transition occurs. In DTe-MoTe2, the band-gap value reduces dramatically, the conduction band changes downward, and the carrier concentration rises. The DVTe-induced band gap state is closer to the Fermi energy level than the VTe-induced band gap state. In this paper, DTe-MoTe2 is chosen for tensile deformation. The results show that the band-gap value tends to decrease by increasing tensile deformation. When the stretching value reaches 10%, the lower bound of the conduction band and the top of the valence band overlap, and the system is converted from a semiconductor to a metal. Considering the density of states, the missing state MoTe2 is mainly contributed by the participation of Te-s, Te-p, and Mo-d orbitals. In terms of optical qualities, the absorption and reflection peaks are red-shifted and blue-shifted, respectively. It is hoped that these effects on the optoelectronic properties will be widely applied. In this study, we utilize the generalized gradient approximation plane-wave pseudopotential method, incorporating Perdew-Burke Ernzerhof (PBE) generalized functions and following the fundamental principles of the density functional theory framework. A 3 × 3 × 1 supercell was constructed as an undoped model based on a MoTe2 monolayer, which consists of 9 Mo atoms and 18 Te atoms. The vacuum flat plate was set to 15Å along the z-direction to avoid interactions between the monolayers. For electronic structure calculations, the energy cutoff was set to 450eV. Each model's computational process and structural optimization were carried out using the Monkhorst-Pack specialized K-point sampling approach. Crystal optimization computations used a 3 × 3 × 1 Monkhorst-Pack K-point grid for molybdenum ditelluride monolayers and a 9 × 9 × 1K-point grid for electronic system analysis, analyzing state density and optical characteristics, respectively. For the structural optimization, the convergence requirements for maximum force, maximum atom displacement, maximum stress, and energy change were defined at 0.03eV/Å, 0.001Å, 0.05 Gpa, and 1.0 × 10-5eV/atom, respectively.

Investigations of the physical behavior of Cr2PX (X = C and N) MAX phases through first-principles calculations

MAX phases display an exclusive combination of ceramic and metallic characteristics, which makes them highly promising for various technological applications. This study investigated MAX phases of 211-type based on Cr2PX (X = C and N) by focusing on their physical properties, mainly the magnetic, electronic, and optical behaviors. The results obtained using the “density functional theory (DFT) based full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method” matched those reported in the literature, indicating the reliability of the adopted methodology. The stabilities of the Cr2PX were validated by calculating their cohesive energies and phonon band structures. These compounds demonstrate identical energies for nonmagnetic, ferromagnetic, and antiferromagnetic phases and exhibit symmetrical arrangements of the “density of states (DOS)” for both up and down spins. Moreover, these MAX phases exhibit high optical absorption (∼10−6cm−1) and anisotropic reflectivity spectra, emphasizing the role of crystallographic orientation and their potential for applications in photovoltaics and other optical devices. These findings will provide valuable insights into the properties and behaviors of Cr2PX-based 211-MAX phases, thereby establishing the foundation for further research and potential applications across diverse areas.

Impact of boron substitution on the thermoelectric, mechanical stability, electronic and optical properties of InP alloys

Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, utilizing the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method, were performed to investigate the effect of boron (B) substitution on the InP system through GGA and mBJ-GGA formalisms, aiming to improve its band gap energy. Lattice equilibrium optimization determined that the stable structure of the alloys at equilibrium energy shows a decrease in lattice constants with increasing boron concentration (x). The calculated formation enthalpies, which are negative, indicate that these systems are experimentally synthesizable. The elastic analysis confirms that the doped alloys are elastically stable and exhibit ductile properties. The optical parameter analysis reveals that the optical energy loss functions are minimal or zero in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet ranges, suggesting their suitability for optical applications across these energy ranges. Specifically, the band gaps were found to range from 0.878 eV for x = 0.25–1.920 eV for x = 0.75 using the mBJ-GGA formalism. Furthermore, the role of B-doping in the InP system for thermoelectric technology was systematically investigated, revealing that our alloys possess good thermoelectric properties with a figure of merit (ZT) reaching up to 0.7 for x = 0.75. These results demonstrate that accurate tuning of the energy band gap through doping is an effective technique for discovering novel materials suitable for both thermoelectric and optoelectronic applications.