A first principles calculations of structural, electronic, magnetic and dynamical properties of mononitrides FeN and CoN

Using first principles density functional theoretical calculations, the present paper reports a systematic nonspin and spin polarized total energy calculations of the lattice dynamical and a number of other properties such as band structure, structural and magnetic moment of two mononitrides FeN and CoN. The phonon dispersion curves and phonon density of states in the case of FeN and CoN have been determined for the first time and discussed. The structural and dynamical calculations suggest that the zinc blende structure is preferred at ambient pressure for both compounds. The rocksalt FeN has a nonzero magnetic moment while for FeN in zinc blende phase, it is either zero or very small. The zinc blende phase for both compounds is nonmagnetic. The spin calculation offers an intensive opportunity to understand the role of spin on the phonon properties of two mononitrides. Majority of the modes are sensitive to the effect of spin due to the modification of lattice constant. In this work we reveal that spin modifies the interionic interactions and local structure and leads to a flexible lattice which can be used for the functional materials design. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.