Conducting Behavior of Crystalline α-PbO2 as Revealed by DFT Calculations

In this work the electronic structure of the α-PbO2 polymorph has been investigated, aiming to contribute to the understanding of its high levels of conductivity. DFT calculations using B3LYP hybrid density functional and considering long range interactions among the atoms have been performed.

A direct band gap of 0.90 eV has been found, compatible with high conductivity values. Although the stoichiometric material is somewhat transparent, the band structure indicates that appropriated modifications in the material Fermi level can be performed in order to decrease the absorption of light. Charge distribution plus overlap population analysis show that the material is predominantly ionic.