DFT Insights into MAX Phase Borides Hf₂AB [A = S, Se, Te] in Comparison with MAX Phase Carbides Hf₂AC [A = S, Se, Te]

In this work, density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations were performed to compute the physical properties (structural stability, mechanical behavior, and electronic, thermodynamic, and optical properties) of synthesized MAX phases Hf₂SB, Hf₂SC, Hf₂SeB, Hf₂SeC, and Hf₂TeB and the as-yet-undiscovered MAX carbide phase Hf₂TeC. Calculations of formation energy, phonon dispersion curves, and elastic constants confirmed the stability of the aforementioned compounds, including the predicted Hf₂TeC. The obtained values of lattice parameters, elastic constants, and elastic moduli of Hf₂SB, Hf₂SC, Hf₂SeB, Hf₂SeC, and Hf₂TeB showed fair agreement with earlier studies, whereas the values of the aforementioned parameters for the predicted Hf₂TeC exhibit a good consequence of B replacement by C. The anisotropic mechanical properties are exhibited by the considered MAX phases. The metallic nature and its anisotropic behavior were revealed by the electronic band structure and density of states. The analysis of the thermal properties-Debye temperature, melting temperature, minimum thermal conductivity, and Grüneisen parameter-confirmed that the carbide phases were more suited than the boride phases considered herein. The MAX phase's response to incoming photons further demonstrated that they were metallic. Their suitability for use as coating materials to prevent solar heating was demonstrated by the reflectivity spectra. Additionally, this study demonstrated the impact of B replacing C in the MAX phases.