Electron self-trapping in Ge2 Se3 and its role in Ag and Sn incorporation

Abstract

We present a set of density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the electronic structure of Ag and Sn in Ge2 Se3 in a periodic model. We show that electron self-trapping is a persistent feature in the presence of many defects. Ag and Sn autoionize upon entering Ge2 Se3 becoming Ag2+ and Sn2+, respectively, and the freed electrons self trap at the lowest energy site. Both Ag and Sn can substitute for Ge, and we present formation energies as a function of Fermi level that show that Sn can substantially alter the incorporation of Ag into the Ge2Se3 network. © 2012 Materials Research Society.