Electronic structures and optical properties of Nb-doped SrTiO₃ from first principles

The n-type Nb-doped SrTiO₃ with different doping concentrations were studied by first principles calculations. The effects of Nb concentration on the formation enthalpy, electronic structure and optical property were investigated. Results show that Nb preferentially enters the Ti site in SrTiO₃, which is in good agreement with the experimental observation. The Fermi level of Nb-doped SrTiO₃ moves into the bottom of the conduction band, and the system becomes an n-type semiconductor. The effect of Nb-doping concentration on the conductivity was discussed from the microscopic point of view. Furthermore, the 1.11 at% Nb-doped SrTiO₃ shows strong absorption in the visible light and becomes a very useful material for photo-catalytic activity. The 1.67 at% and 2.5 at% Nb-doped models will be potential transparent conductive materials. (paper)