First Principles Study of Stability and Electronic Structure of TMH and TMH2 (TM = Y, Zr, Nb)
S. Kanagaprabha a, A.T. Asvinimeenaatci b, G. Sudhapriyanga b, A. JemmyCinthia b, R. Rajeswarapalanichamyb and K. Iyakutti c
aKamaraj College, Tuticorin, Tamil nadu-628003, India
bN.M.S.S. Vellaichamy Nadar College, Madurai, Tamil nadu-625019, India
cSRM University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-603203, India
Received: April 20, 2012; In final form: August 30, 2012
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First principles calculations are performed by using Vienna ab initio simulation package within the framework of density functional theory to understand the electronic and structural properties of yttrium, zirconium and niobium hydrides. The equilibrium lattice constant, the bulk modulus, the total density of states and charge density distribution are analyzed in comparison with the available experimental and theoretical data. The X-ray diffraction pattern is also simulated to estimate the lattice constants of these hydrides. The formation energies are computed for rock-salt and fluorite structures using density functional theory. The calculated elastic constants obey the necessary stability conditions. A detailed analysis of the changes in density of states and electron density upon hydride formation has allowed us to understand the formation of these hydrides.

DOI: 10.12693/APhysPolA.123.126
PACS numbers: 71.20.Be, 71.15.Mb, 73.20.At, 62.20.de