Theoretical Study of the Electronic Structures of Li-Doped ZnO

The first-principles with pseudopotentials method based on the density functional theory was applied to calculate the geometric structure, the formation energy of impurities and the electronic structure of Li-doped ZnO. In the system of Li-doped ZnO, LiZn can not result in lattice distortion. In contrast with that case, LiO and Lii result in lattice distortion after Li doping in ZnO. In Li-doped ZnO, LiO is the most unstable than the other cases. Simultaneously, Lii is more stable than LiZn according to that Lii has smaller formation energy. Furthermore, the electronic structure of Li-doped ZnO indicates that that LiZn behaves as acceptor, while Lii behaves as donor. In conclusion, in Li-doped ZnO, Lii is always in the system to compensate the acceptor. Singly doping Li in ZnO is difficult to gain p-ZnO for the self-compensation. The results are in good agreement with other calculated and experimental results.