Highly efficient and stable Ra2LaNbO6 double perovskite for energy conversion device applications

Abstract

Using first-principles calculations, in this piece of work, authors have investigated the physical properties of Ra₂LaNbO₆ double perovskite by employing the linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method. Structural and electronic properties are determined by using LDA, GGA (WC and PBE), LDA + mBJ, and GGA + mBJ potentials. We have found that Ra₂LaNbO₆ is an indirect band gap (E_g = 2.4 eV) semiconductor. Its elastic and thermodynamic parameters demonstrate its stability. Its optical study indicates that this material opens the door to its applications in optical devices such as photodetectors, solar cells, superlenses, optical fibers, filters, electromagnetic shielding devices, photovoltaic devices, etc. This material is very good for its practical implementation in thermoelectric devices as both p- and n-type material and extends the interest of experimentalists for further investigations. Thus, Ra₂LaNbO₆ is found thermodynamically stable and identified as a potential candidate for photovoltaic and thermoelectric devices.