Title: DFT mediated X2AuYZ6 (X= Cs, Rb; Z= Cl, Br, I) double Perovskites for photovoltaic and wasted heat management device applications

Abstract: This paper presents the phase stability, opto-electronic and thermo-electric behavior of X2AuYZ6 (X = Cs, Rb; Z = Cl/Br/I) double perovskite halides by using the DFT method. The compounds belong to the cubic arrangement and are verified by the tolerance and octahedral factor. Formation enthalpy and binding energy meet the requirements of structural stability. The ductility behavior was also confirmed by the Cauchy pressure, Pugh's ratio, and Poisson's ratio. The positive frequency of phonon dispersion except Rb2AuYI6 compound shows the dynamical stability and the negative formation energy of each identified competing phase confirms the thermo-dynamic equilibrium of all compounds. The band gap values of 2.85(2.91), 2.35(2.40), and 1.74(1.78) eV of Cs2AuYZ6 (Rb2AuYZ6) [Z = Cl, Br, I) double perovskites has been explored in the context of optoelectronic properties, and the results show that these materials might be useful in such devices. The spectral optical response covers the visible-to-UV area, which governs the solar cell and thermo-electric device applications. A comprehensive study of thermo-electric properties such as the thermal conductivity (electrical and electronic part), carrier concentration, thermo-power, and figure of merit was also observed. The investigated compounds [Cs (Rb)-based] exhibit ZT values of 0.51(0.55), 0.53(0.62), and 0.58(0.75) at room temperature with Cl, Br, and I respectively. Additional routine work was also done on the thermo-mechanical characteristics. These studies provide in-depth knowledge of these materials in preparation for their future use.