Although Fe${}_2$C and Fe${}_2$N are technologically important materials, the exact nature of the chemical bonding of C and N atoms and the related impact on the electronic properties are at present unclear. Here, results of first-principles electronic structure calculations for Fe${}_2$X (X $=$ C, N) phases are presented. The electronic structure calculations show that the roles of N and C in iron nitrides and carbides are comparable, and that the X-X interactions have significant impact on electronic properties. Accurate analysis of the spatially resolved differences in electron densities reveals a subtle distinction between the chemical bonding and charge transfer of N and C ions.

• Received 1 June 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.094102