A comprehensive analysis of the structural, phonon, electronic, mechanical, optical, and thermophysical properties of cubic Ca3SbX3 (X = Cl, Br): DFT - GGA and mBJ studies

• Published in: Materials science in semiconductor processing 2025-03, Vol.187, p.109133, Article 109133
• Main Authors: Abdulhussein, Heider A., Hossain, Md Adil, Hosen, Asif, Dahliah, Diana, Abu-Jafar, Mohammed S., Harbi, Amine, Pingak, Redi Kristian, Moutaabbid, M., Ovi, Istiak Ahmed, Islam, Md Riazul, Hossen, Md Kaab Bin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Direct bandgap; Hydrostatic pressure; Phonon; Solar cells; Thermoelectric properties
• ISSN: 1369-8001
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mssp.2024.109133

The current investigation employed first-principles calculation to assess the structural, phonon, mechanical, electronic, optical, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of lead-free cubic Ca3SbX3 (X = Cl, Br). The dynamic stability of both compounds is assessed by analyzing the phonon dispersion spectrum. The distance between atoms is significantly reduced, leading to a large drop in the bond length, cell volume, and lattice constant of Ca3SbX3 (X = Cl, Br) compounds upon applying pressure. Ca3SbCl3 and Ca3SbBr3 compounds have direct bandgaps (Γ-Γ) of 2.57 and 2.27 eV via mBJ functional and 1.82 and 1.34 eV via GGA functional at 0 GPa pressure. Additionally, the bandgaps of Ca3SbCl3 and Ca3SbBr3 decrease to 1.65 eV and 1.45 eV, respectively, when accounting for the quantum effects of spin-orbit coupling (SOC). As the level of pressure rises to 30 GPa, Ca3SbCl3 and Ca3SbBr3 compound's band gaps reduce to 0.89 and 0.65 eV via mBJ functional and 0.27 and 0.12 via GGA functional. Increasing pressure is shown to reduce the effective mass, thereby enhancing the conductivity of both types of charge carriers. The reduced recombination rate signifies both compounds' greater absorption capabilities, making them more suitable for solar absorbers. The analysis of the mechanical properties indicates that as pressure increases, the elastic moduli rise, and the material transitions from being brittle to becoming more ductile. Additionally, both materials show a redshift of absorption and optical conductivity with improved dielectric constants at high pressure owing to the alteration in the bandgap, which is more appropriate for surgical instruments and solar absorbers. Thermodynamic properties show their temperature tolerance and appropriateness for high temperatures. Lastly, their thermoelectric property evaluation indicates high PF and near unity ZT, suggesting their use in thermoelectric devices.