Prediction of Piezoelectric Properties by First Principles Calculations and Hydrothermal Crystal Growth of Si1−xSnxO2 Α-Quartz Phase

First principles calculations of the α-quartz phase of Si1−xSnxO2 predict great benefits of the substitution of Si by Sn with d11 piezoelectric constant. Moreover, the substitution with Sn atoms is more efficient than with Ge atoms.