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Generating Tunable Magnetism in AlN Nanoribbons Using Anion/Cation Vacancies:a First-Principles Prediction

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Abstract

Using first-principles approach, we theoretically study the effect of anion/cation vacancies on structural and electro-magnetic properties of zigzag AlN nanoribbons (ZAlNNRs). Calculations were performed using a full spin-polarized method within the density functional theory (DFT). Our findings shed light on how the edge states combined with vacancy engineering can affect electro-magnetic properties of ZAlNNRs. We found that depending on the nature and number of vacancies, ZAlNNRs can design as half-metal or semiconductor. Our results reveal a significant amount of spin magnetic moment for ZAlNNR with Al vacancies (VAl). These results may open new applications of AlN nano-materials in spintronics.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by a grant of research of the Ayatollah Boroujerdi University (No. 93-011).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Science and Engineering, Ayatollah Boroujerdi University, Boroujerd, Iran

    Mahdieh Chegeni & Razieh Beiranvand

  2. Plasma Physics Research Center, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 14665-678, Tehran, Iran

    Shahoo Valedbagi

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  1. Mahdieh Chegeni
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Correspondence to Mahdieh Chegeni.

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Chegeni, M., Beiranvand, R. & Valedbagi, S. Generating Tunable Magnetism in AlN Nanoribbons Using Anion/Cation Vacancies:a First-Principles Prediction. Braz J Phys 47, 137–144 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13538-016-0480-x

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