DFT insights into the new Hf-based chalcogenide MAX phase Hf2SeC

The physical characteristics of the novel chalcogenide MAX phase Hf2SeC have been investigated using the DFT method. The obtained lattice constant and elastic constants (Cij) are compared with previous results to check the consistency of our setting parameters during calculations Moreover, the elastic properties such as elastic constants, moduli, anisotropy, and hardness are also compared with preexisting MAX phases of its kind. The checking of mechanical stability has been done based on Cij in accordance with the previously stated stability criteria. The reason for the higher hardness of Hf2SeC compared to Hf2SC is explained using the density of states (DOS). The brittleness character of Hf2SeC has been revealed using the Pugh ratio, Poisson’s ratio, and Cauchy pressure. The electronic properties…