Pb-free semiconductor ferroelectrics: A theoretical study of Pd-substituted Ba (Ti 1− x Ce x) O 3 solid solutions

J. W Bennett, I Grinberg, P. K Davies, A. M Rappe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We use first-principles density-functional-theory calculations to investigate the ground state structures of Ba(Ti1−xCex)O3 solid solutions containing Pd. Previous studies have shown that the properties of BaTiO3, a Pb-free ferroelectric ABO3 perovskite, can be tailored via B-site substitution. In the present study, we substitute Ce for Ti to increase the overall volume of the perovskite, to then accommodate an O-vacancy-stabilized Pd substitution. Using the LDA+U method, we predict that these proposed materials will display a decreased band gap compared to BaTiO3 while maintaining polarization. These features, combined with their environmentally friendly characteristics make these materials promising candidates for use as semiconducting ferroelectrics in solar-energy conversion devices.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume82
Issue number18
StatePublished - 2010

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