On possibility of superconductivity in SnSb: A first principle study

• Superconducting property of SnSb is predicted by ab-initio calculations.
• Electronic properties of SnSb in RS phase shows metallic behaviour similar to SnAs.
• Phonon dispersion confirms the dynamical stability of SnSb in RS phase.
• Superconducting transition temperature is 3.1 K, slightly lower than that of SnAs.
• Calculated thermodynamic properties are also reported.

The electronic, phonon structure and superconducting properties of tin antimonide (SnSb) in rock-salt (RS) structure are calculated using first-principles density functional theory. The electronic band structure and density of states show metallic behavior. The phonon frequencies are positive throughout the Brillouin zone in rock-salt structure indicating its stability in that phase. Superconductivity of SnSb in RS phase is discussed in detail by calculating phonon linewidths, Eliashberg spectral function, electron-phonon coupling constant and superconducting transition temperature. SnSb is found to have a slightly lower TC (3.1 K), as compared to SnAs.