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Ab initio Investigation of Vibrational, Thermodynamic, and Optical properties of Sc2AlC MAX compound

The structural, vibrational, thermodynamical and optical properties of technologically important, weakly coupled MAX compound, Sc2AlC are calculated using density functional theory (DFT). The structural properties of Sc2AlC are compared with results reported earlier. The vibrational, thermodynamical, and optical properties are theoretically estimated for the first time. The phonon dispersion curve has been calculated and the dynamical stability of this compound has been investigated. The optical and acoustic modes are observed clearly. We have calculated the Helmholtz free energy (F), internal energy (E), entropy (S) and specific heat capacity (Cv) from the phonon density of states. Various optical parameters have also been calculated. The reflectance spectrum shows that it this compound has the potential to be used as a solar reflector.