We have systematically studied the mechanical stability of all noble metal
carbides with the rock-salt structure by calculating their elastic constants
within the density function theory scheme. It was found that only four carbides
(RuC, PdC, AgC and PtC) are mechanically stable. In particular, we have shown
that RuC, PdC, and PtC have very high bulk modulus, which has been remarkably
observed by the most recent experiment for the case of PtC. From the calculated
density of states, we can conclude that these compounds are metallic, like the
conventional group IV and group V transition metal carbides.Comment: Appl. Phys. Lett. 89, 071913 (2006