文摘
We have investigated the magnetic stability and electronic properties of the compound Cr2GeC using the framework of an all-electron full-potential linearized augmented-plane wave (FP-LAPW) method within the generalized gradient (GGA) and + U corrected (GGA + U) approximations. An antiferromagnetic spin ordering of Cr atoms is shown to be the grand state for this compound. Based on its electronic band structures and density of state (DOS), Cr2GeC has a metallic character, and from the analysis of the site and momentum projected densities, it is deduced that the bonding is achieved through hybridization of Cr-3d with C-2p states and Cr-3d with Ge-3p states. It is also pointed out that the Cr–C bonding is more covalent than that of Cr–Ge. In the ferromagnetic (FM) phase, the spin-polarized calculation indicates that the total magnetic moment of Cr2GeC increases from 0.016 to 3.7 μ B. Finally, we conclude that the treatment of the correlated electrons is important for the correct description of this material.