Curie Temperatures of III–V Diluted Magnetic Semiconductors Calculated from First-Principles in Mean Field Approximation

Electronic structure and ferromagnetism in III–V compound-based diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMS) are investigated based on first-principles calculations by using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method combined with the coherent-potential-approximation. The stability of the ferromagnetic phase in GaN-, GaAs-, GaP-, GaSb-based DMS is investigated systematically. The calculations show that 3d-impurities from the first-half of the transition metal series favor the ferromagnetic state, while impurities from the latter-half of the series exhibit spin-glass behavior. This chemical trend in the magnetism is explained by the double exchange mechanism taking the local symmetry at the impurity gap states into account. Curie temperatures of GaAs- and GaN-based DMS are estimated by using the Heisenberg model in a mean field approximation with the parameters calculated from first-principles. It is suggested that room-temperature ferromagnetism can be realized in these systems.     

First-principles calculation of phase equilibria and phase separation of the Fe-Ni alloy system

Theoretical investigation of the phase equilibria of the Fe-Ni alloy has been performed by combining the FLAPW total energy calculations and the Cluster Variation Method through the Cluster Expansion Method. The calculations have proved the stabilization of the LIE phase at 1：3 stoichiometry, which is in agreement with the experimental result, and predicted the existence of L1 0 as a stable phase below 550 K; this L1 0 phase has been missing in the conventional phase diagram. The calculations are extended to the Fe-rich region that is characterized by a wide range phase separation and has drawn considerable attention because of the intriguing Invar property associated with a Fe concentration of 65%. To reveal the origin of the phase separation, a P-V curve in an entire concentration range is derived by the second derivative of free energy functional of the disordered phase with respect to the volume. The calculation confirmed that the phase separation is caused by the breakdown of the mechanical-stability criterion. The newly calculated phase separation line combined with the L1 0 and L12Eorder-disordered phase boundaries provides phase equilibria in the wider concentration range of the system. Furthermore, a coefficient of thermal expansion （CTE） is attempted by incorporating the thermal vibration effect through harmonic approximation of the Debye-Gruneisen model. The Invar behavior has been reproduced, and the origin of this anomalous volume change has been discussed.     

Local orders,lattice distortions,and electronic structure dominated mechanical properties of (ZrHfTaM1M2)C (M = Nb,Ti, V)

High-entropy carbides (HECs) are regarded as potential candidate structural materials with attractive mechanical properties due to their ultra-high hardness. It is essential to reveal the atomic and electronic basis for strengthening mechanism in order to develop the advanced HECs. In the present work, C (M = Nb, Ti, V) are selected as case studies. The effects of transition metals (M) on the lattice parameters, bulk modulus, enthalpy of formation, electron work function (EWF), and bonding morphology/strength of HECs are comprehensively studied by first-principles calculations. It is found that the lattice parameters, equilibrium volumes, and bulk modulus of HECs are improved with the increase of M atomic volumes. The atomic-size differences among various groups of elements not only result in the lattice mismatch/distortion but also contribute to the formation of weak spots. In the view of bonding charge density, the electron redistributions caused by the coupling effect of the lattice distortion and valance electron differences can be revealed obviously, which identify the different bonding strength. Moreover, in terms of EWF, the proposed power-law-scaled hardness of HECs is validated and matches well with those reported theoretical and experimental results, providing a strategy to design advanced HECs with excellent mechanical properties.     

钙钛矿型ScRh3X（X=B，C，N）的第一性原理研究

利用第一性原理研究了钙钛矿型的ScRh3X（X=B,C,N）及其固溶体的结构、弹性、电子性质等。研究结果表明,对于平衡状态下的ScRh3BxC1-x（0〈x〈1）固溶体,其结构参数和已知的实验数据相一致,和ScRh3C结构相比,在0〈x〈1的范围内,固溶体ScRh3BxC1-x的体积弹性模量和弹性常数C44随着价电子浓度的增加增大,而剪切模量却表现出单调下降的趋势。本文根据计算得到的电子结构信息对这些现象进行了分析,发现剪切模量比体积弹性模量或C44能更好的预测该体系的硬度。     

密度泛函理论的基本计算方法研究进展

密度泛函理论(DFT)作为处理多粒子体系的近似方法已经在凝聚态物理、材料科学和量子化学等领域取得了巨大成功并获得广泛应用。综述了密度泛函理论及其数值方法的发展历程和最新进展,重点对基本理论和各类交换关联泛函进行分析,并对DFT的发展趋势做出了展望。     

Defect formation and its effect on the thermodynamic properties of Pu2Zr2O7 pyrochlore: a first-principles study

In the past decades, pyrochlores, such as Gd₂Zr₂O₇, have demonstrated great potential to immobilize nuclear wastes such as Pu, which results in the production of Pu₂Zr₂O₇. Due to the high radioactivity of Pu, it is difficult to investigate the radiation response behavior of Pu₂Zr₂O₇ and its physical properties of the damaged state experimentally. Consequently, few related data have been reported in the literature thus far. In this study, first-principles calculations have been carried out to investigate the defect formation and its effect on the thermodynamic properties of Pu₂Zr₂O₇. It reveals that Pu_Zr antisite and O_8a interstitial defects are very easy to form in Pu₂Zr₂O₇. In particular, the O_8a interstitial defect can be formed spontaneously, while it is mechanically unstable. When vacancy, interstitial or antisite defects are formed in Pu₂Zr₂O₇, and the elastic moduli and Debye temperature are decreased. Besides, better ductility is resulted. As compared with other zirconate pyrochlores, such as Gd₂Zr₂O₇, the Pu₂Zr₂O₇ is suggested to be less resistant to radiation-induced amorphization. This study demonstrates that the created defects due to self-radiation from actinide decay have remarkable influences on the thermophysical properties of Pu₂Zr₂O₇.     

Theoretical study on composition-dependent properties of ZnO·nAl2O3 spinels. Part II: Mechanical and thermophysical

Knowledge on the mechanical and thermophysical properties of ZnO·nAl₂O₃ is essential for practical applications. Based on the first-principles calculations and the bond valence method, the disordered spinel-type structure of ZnO·nAl₂O₃ (n = 1–4) was constructed to investigate the composition-dependent mechanical and thermophysical properties. The effects of cation substitution on the hardness, elastic modulus, thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity were revealed from the insights into the chemical bonds. At a higher n, the tetrahedral bond is stronger, manifested as its higher hardness and bulk modulus as well as smaller thermal expansion coefficient. Meanwhile, the octahedral bond is weaker, leading to the lower hardness and bulk modulus, along with the larger expansion coefficient. In consequence, the hardness and elastic moduli of ZnO·nAl₂O₃ are improved moderately while the expansion coefficient is decreased with the rise of n. Due to the different vibration characteristics of Zn^IV and Al^IV, the cation disorder in the 8a site provides the primary source of phonon scattering, resulting in the dramatic reduction of thermal conductivity as n increases. The understanding offers guidance on the application-oriented design of new oxide spinels.     

L12型Al3Sc基金属间化合物有序化行为和力学性能的第一性原理计算

本文采用亚晶格模型,辅助以第一性原理总能计算,研究了L1₂型Al₃Sc基金属间化合物中元素的占位有序化行为和力学性能。结果表明：Al₃Sc合金呈现完全有序化,其中Al占据3c亚晶格位置,Sc占据1a亚晶格位置；L1₂-Al₃(Sc_0.75M_0.25)金属间化合物(M=Y、Ti、Zr和Hf)也呈现完全有序化,第三组元M均只占据1a亚晶格位置,这些元素的占位行为均不受温度的影响。L1₂-Al₃(Sc_0.75M_0.25)金属间化合物均满足力学稳定性条件。M为Y时,L1₂-Al₃(Sc_0.75M_0.25)金属间化合物的剪切模量、体弹模量和杨氏模量和硬度下降；M为Ti、Zr或Hf时,随着原子半径增大,剪切模量、体弹模量、杨氏模量和硬度逐渐降低,其中Ti的加入可使L1₂-Al₃(Sc_0.75M_0.25)金属间化合物的塑性和韧性达到最好。     

InAs基范德华异质结界面电荷转移特性第一性原理计算的研究进展

由低维InAs材料和其他二维层状材料堆叠而成的垂直范德华异质结构在纳米电子、光电子和量子信息等新兴领域中应用广泛。探索跨结界面的电荷转移机制对于全面理解该类器件的非凡特性至关重要。第一性原理计算在揭示界面电荷转移特性与各种能量稳定型InAs基范德华异质结的电、光、磁等原理物理特性和器件性能变化之间的内在关系方面发挥着不可比拟的作用。文中梳理、总结和探讨了近年来InAs基范德华异质结间界面电荷转移特性的理论研究工作与潜在的功能应用,提出在理论方法和计算精度方面大力发展第一性原理计算的几个途径,为更好地开展InAs基范德华异质结的基础科学研究和应用器件设计提供可借鉴的量化研究基础。     

Ni掺杂CdS电子结构和光学性质的第一性原理计算

采用基于密度泛函理论框架下的第一性原理计算方法,对纤锌矿结构CdS和CdS∶Ni几何结构、能带结构、电子态密度和光学性质进行了系统的研究。计算结果表明,Ni原子掺入CdS后晶格常量均减小,晶格发生局部畸变;Ni的掺杂在费米面附近引入杂质能级,极大地提高了CdS系统的导电性。光学性质的计算结果显示,掺杂导致在可见光区域出现了强度微弱的新吸收峰。所有结果表明,Ni掺杂CdS体系是极具潜力的透明导电材料。