Tuning the workfunction of ZnO through surface doping with Mn from first-principles simulations

TL;DR

This study uses first-principles calculations to explore how surface doping of Mn on ZnO (0001) surfaces can tune the workfunction, impacting its suitability for photocatalytic and optoelectronic applications.

Contribution

It provides detailed insights into how Mn surface doping alters the workfunction and surface stability of ZnO, with systematic analysis of different dopant concentrations.

Findings

Workfunction decreases with Mn doping on O-terminated surfaces.

Surface energy drops as Mn concentration increases on O-terminated surfaces.

Complex behavior observed in metal-terminated surfaces.

Abstract

Surface doping of ZnO allows for tailoring the surface chemistry of the material while preserving the superb electronic structure of the bulk. Apart from obvious changes in adsorption energies and activation energies for catalysis, surface doping can alter the workfunction of the material and allow it to be tuned for specific photocatalytic and optoelectronic applications. We present first-principles electronic structure calculations for surface doping of Mn on the ZnO (0001) surface. Various dopant concentrations have been considered at the out-most (surface) layer of Zn atoms, while the interior of the material is kept at the ideal wurtzite structure. For each system, the surface energy and surface workfunction have been calculated. Both workfunction and surface energy drop with increasing Mn concentration for O-terminated surfaces, while more complex behaviour is observed in metal-terminated ones. We discuss trends in surface stability and surface electronic structure of this material and how they affect its properties.