Ab initio predictions of pressure-dependent structural, elastic, and thermodynamic properties of CaLiX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) halide perovskites

Abstract

In this comprehensive investigation, we undertook an ab initio exploration of the pressure-dependent structural, elastic and thermodynamic attributes of lithium-based halide perovskite compounds, namely CaLiCl3, CaLiBr3 and CaLiI3. Our analytical approach encompassed a diverse set of parameters, and the main conclusions and implications of our study are summarized as follows: (i) Calculated values of formation enthalpy and cohesion energy were determined for these perovskite compounds. Our results notably affirm the structural and thermodynamic stability of these materials in their cubic lattice configuration. (ii) Our optimized network parameters, derived from ab initio calculations, demonstrated commendable congruence with previously established theoretical predictions. This agreement strengthens the credibility of our conclusions. (iii) Using strain-constraint methodology, we successfully estimated the single-crystal elastic constants (Cij) of these compounds. This data served as the basis for further analysis. (iv) Using the obtained Cij values, we calculated a complete suite of elastic moduli for CaLiX3 (X = Cl, Br and I) in polycrystalline aggregates. This encompassed bulk modulus, Young's modulus, shear modulus, Lame coefficients, Poisson's ratio and Debye temperature, thus providing valuable information on the mechanical behavior of materials. (v) Using Debye's quasi-harmonic approach, we systematically investigated the temperature dependencies of several essential thermodynamic properties. These include the lattice parameter, thermal expansion coefficient, bulk modulus, Debye temperature, and isochoric and isobaric heat capacities. These analyzes covered a wide temperature range while maintaining fixed selected pressures. Overall, our study aims to provide the scientific community with a robust and comprehensive dataset regarding the structural, elastic, and thermodynamic attributes of CaLiX3 perovskite compounds.