A DFT theoretical prediction of new half-metallic ferromagnetism, mechanical stability, optoelectronic and thermoelectric properties of ZnCrO₃ perovskites for spintronic applications

ZnCrO₃ perovskites structural stability, optoelectronic, mechanical, along with thermoelectric properties, have all been to be described by calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). To determine the exchange correlation potential, the well-known generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and integration of the mBJ potential were used. The perovskite shows that this is in a cubic structure with Fm3m symmetry. Additionally, to check the stability, cohesive energy, structural optimization, and mechanical stability were requirements. This perovskite was found to be brittle, and their mechanical stability enhanced by the elastic constants. The perovskite has a half-metallic character, as evidenced by the spin-polarized electronic band profile, the behavior of the dielectric constant, and absorption coefficient in the spin-up and down channels. In this article, we also looked at magnetism and the origin of the half-metallic gap. The unpaired electrons in the split d-orbitals of the M-sited elements in the crystal field are responsible for the half-metallic as well as magnetic characteristics. Excellent spin polarization at the Fermi level encourages perovskite's possible use in spintronic technologies. Lastly, we computed the thermoelectric parameters within a chemical potential at various temperatures (300 K, 600, 900 K) to explore the potential application in spin electronic devices. Our finding shows that the ZnCrO₃ alloy is exceptionally promising for the next generation of spintronics and thermoelectric devices at room and high temperatures.