Investigation of the Structural, Mechanical, Electronic, Magnetic, and Thermoelectric Properties of Half Heusler Alloys ZrMnX (X = As, Sb, Te): A DFT-Based Simulation

This study investigates the structural, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties of ZrMnX (X = As, Sb, Te) half Heusler alloys using spin-polarized density functional theory (SPDFT) with WIEN2K code using full potential linearized augmented plane wave(FP- LAPW) technique. Results indicate the ferromagnetic phase’s stability over the non-magnetic phase in all three alloys. Band structures and density of states highlight the half-metallic nature of ZrMnX. These alloys exhibit mechanical stability, ductility, and directional properties. Magnetic moments align with the Slater–Pauling rule. Thermoelectric properties, including Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity, and thermoelectric figure of merit, are evaluated using semi-classical Boltzmann theory. The Seebeck coefficient values for ZrMnX (X = As, Sb, Te) are 144.7, 123.3, and −182.6 µV K⁻¹, respectively at 1200 K with corresponding highest figure of merit 1.0, 0.7, and 1.78. These findings suggest the suitability of these alloys for spintronic devices and high-temperature thermoelectric applications due to their observed spin-polarized character and high figure of merit.