Theoretical study of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of equiatomic quaternary CoPdCrZ (Z = Si, Ge, P) Heusler alloys

In this study, the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Co-based equiatomic quaternary Heusler alloys (EQHA) CoPdCrZ (Z = Si, Ge, P) are investigated by full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. Three different configurations are employed to find out the most stable structure by structural optimization process. The alloys CoPdCrSi and CoPdCrGe are found to be stable in Type-II structure while CoPdCrP is in Type-I. The calculated electronic and magnetic properties show that CoPdCrSi and CoPdCrGe are nearly half metals while CoPdCrP is a ferromagnetic alloy. By following the Slater-Pauling rule Mtot = Nv - 24, the total magnetic moments are calculated. The spin polarization and Curie temperature have also been calculated.