Half-metallic ferromagnetism and electronic structures in zinc blende YC: The first-principles calculations

Abstract Applying the first-principles with the generalized gradient approximation and the modified Becke and Johnson potential plus the generalized gradient approximation potential as exchange correlation potential, the electronic structures, half-metallicity and the cohesive energy for hypothetical zinc blende YC compound are calculated. Obtained results show that the zinc blende YC is typical half-metallic with a large half-metallic gap of 0.67(2) eV and magnetic moment of 1.00 μB per molecule. Magnetic moments mainly come from the p orbital of C atom, where p–d hybridization mechanism plays a dominating role in the formation of half-metallicity. The relatively stable ferromagnetic ground state, large half-metallic gap, the robust half-metallicity with respect to the lattice constant compression, and negative cohesive energy indicate zinc blende YC would be a promising half metallic ferromagnet.