Mg-Vacancy-Induced Semiconducting Properties in Mg₂Si_1–x Sb _x from Electronic Structure Calculations

Abstract

We present electronic structure calculations of ordered Mg₂Si as well as disordered Mg₂Si_1−x Sb _x and Mg_2−δ Si_1−x Sb _x systems, carried out by the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker method with the coherent potential approximation (KKR-CPA). The computed densities of states (DOS) clearly show that a vacancy on the Mg site behaves as a double hole donor. Such electronic structure behavior together with n-type doping by antimony leads to electron–hole compensation. Consequently, the semiconductor–metal crossover expected in Mg₂Si_1−x Sb _x due to the Fermi level shift into conduction states is not observed when important vacancy defects appear on the Mg site. Conversely, the Fermi level remains inside the energy gap if the antimony concentration is twice the vacancy concentration. The possible origin of vacancy formation in Mg₂Si_1−x Sb _x is discussed based on the formation energy calculations as well as DOS features. Our KKR-CPA results well support recent electron transport properties measurements.