First Principles Study on the Electronic Properties of Zn(64)Sb(64−)(x)Te(x) Solid Solution (x = 0, 2, 3, 4)

The electronic properties of Te doped-ZnSb systems are investigated by first-principles calculations. We focus on the Zn(64)Sb(64−)(x)Te(x) systems (x = 0, 2, 3, 4), which respond to the 0, 1.56at%, 2.34at% and 3.12at% of Te doping concentration. We confirm that the amount of Te doping will change the conductivity type of ZnSb. In the cases of x = 2 and 3, we find that the Te element in ZnSb introduces some bands originating from Te s and p orbits and a donor energy level in the bottom of the conduction band, which induce the n-type conductivity of ZnSb. From these findings for the electronic structure and the conductivity mechanism, we predict that Te doping amounts such as 1.56at% and 2.34at% can be considered as suitable candidates for use as donor dopant.