Full Professor with extensive expertise in physical sciences, specializing in magnetic materials and advanced material simulations. Ranked among the top 2% of researchers worldwide according to Stanford’s 2024 global ranking. Prolific author with over 100 indexed publications and a strong record of international collaborations, doctoral mentorship, and contributions to academic governance and research excellence.
EDUCATION
I earned my HDR in Physics from Hassiba Benbouali University in June 2015 and completed my Ph.D. in Materials Physics at Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria, in May 2012.
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Physics and Astronomy, Materials Science, Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Metals and Alloys
A Combined First-Principles and Machine Learning Framework for XMnH3 (X = Li, Na, K) Perovskite Hydrides: Hydrogen Storage Capacity and Stability Under Extreme Conditions Ismail Ouadha, Mohamed Hichem Elahmar, Habib Rached, Youcef Si Larbi, Noureddine Bouteldja, et al. Advanced Theory and Simulations, 2026 Perovskite‐type hydrides have emerged as promising candidates for next‐generation solid‐state hydrogen storage owing to their tunable structural, mechanical, and thermal properties. Here, we combine density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML) to investigate cubic XMnH 3 perovskites (X = Li, Na, K) and extend predictions to unexplored compositions and pressures. DFT calculations confirm that all compounds stabilize in a ferromagnetic cubic phase with negative formation energies, competitive hydrogen storage capacities (4.66 wt.% for LiMnH 3 , 3.73 wt.% for NaMnH 3 , and 3.12 wt.% for KMnH 3 ), and hydrogen desorption temperatures between 517–886 K. Elastic constants establish mechanical stability up to 30 GPa, though with inherent brittleness, while thermal analysis via the quasi‐harmonic Debye model highlights pressure‐driven stiffening of the lattice. To circumvent the limitations of small DFT datasets, we trained Random Forest, XGBoost, and neural network models on direct and derived DFT descriptors, and we demonstrated that ensemble tree models yield the most accurate predictions. LiMnH 3 continuously outperforms heavier analogues, and expected monotonic trends are reproduced when the Debye and melting temperatures are extended to 60 GPa. Moreover, screening of about 46 ABH 3 hydrides was made possible by composition‐based descriptors created with Matminer, which showed systematic ionic‐radius trends and identified BeMnH 3 and MgMnH 3 as promising candidates with superior vibrational stability and hardness. This integrated DFT–ML framework establishes a predictive strategy for accelerating the discovery of hydrides with optimized hydrogen storage performance.
First-Principles Study of Double Perovskite Hydrides Cs2RbAlH6 and Rb2CaNiH6 for Combined Hydrogen Storage and Semiconducting Applications Djamel Rached, Mohamed Hichem Elahmar, Messaoud Caid, Habib Rached, Youcef Rached, et al. Advanced Theory and Simulations, 2026 We report a first‐principles investigation of the structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of the double perovskite hydrides Cs 2 RbAlH 6 and Rb 2 CaNiH 6 . Density functional theory calculations were performed within the GGA‐PBE framework, with an on‐site Hubbard correction applied to Ni‐3d states, using the FP‐LAPW method as implemented in the Wien2k code and plane‐wave calculations in CASTEP. Both compounds are found to crystallize in the cubic Fm‐3m (No. 225) structure and satisfy the mechanical stability criteria, exhibiting brittle behavior according to Pugh's and Poisson's ratios. The calculated hydrogen storage capacities amount to 1.55 and 2.14 wt.% for Cs 2 RbAlH 6 and Rb 2 CaNiH 6 , respectively, with corresponding volumetric densities of 56.16 and 73.36 g H 2 /L, comparable to those reported for related hydride perovskites. Electronic structure calculations indicate that Cs 2 RbAlH 6 is an indirect‐gap semiconductor with a bandgap of 2.35 eV, while Rb 2 CaNiH 6 exhibits an indirect bandgap of 1.10 eV after inclusion of the Hubbard U. The optical response is characterized by pronounced absorption in the ultraviolet region, finite optical conductivity, and distinct plasmonic features. These results establish Cs 2 RbAlH 6 and Rb 2 CaNiH 6 as representative model systems for exploring structure‐property relationships in double perovskite hydrides relevant to hydrogen‐based energy applications.
Computational Design of M4GaC3 (M = V, Nb, Ta) MAX-Phases: Stability, Mechanical Strength, and Optical Response Under High Pressure and Temperature I. Ouadha, M. H. Elahmar, H. Rached, M. Caid, D. Rached, et al. Advanced Theory and Simulations, 2026 MAX phases, which combine metallic and ceramic characteristics, are promising candidates for operation in extreme environments owing to their exceptional structural and functional versatility. This study employs first principles density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the stability, mechanical anisotropy, and optical response of the novel M 4 GaC 3 (M = V, Nb, and Ta) MAX‐phases. All three compounds are confirmed to be thermodynamically and mechanically stable. A key finding is their outstanding performance, exhibiting ultra‐high stiffness and strong thermal resilience, which establishes their suitability for extreme thermomechanical conditions. Electronic structure analysis confirms metallic conductivity, while the optical spectra reveal high reflectivity in the visible and infrared ranges. These first‐principles predictions provide critical design insights, identifying the M 4 GaC 3 family as promising multifunctional materials for structural and functional roles in aerospace and high‐performance energy systems.
Lead-Free Cs2(Cd/Sn)BeCl6 Halide Double Perovskites: A Comprehensive First-Principles Study of Structural, Optoelectronic, and Thermoelectric Properties for Sustainable Energy Applications Aissa Benkatlane, Djamel Rached, Messaoud Caid, Habib Rached, Engin Deligöz, et al. Physica Status Solidi B Basic Research, 2026 Ab initio simulations based on density functional theory are employed to investigate the structural, electronic, mechanical, optical, and thermoelectric properties of Cs 2 ABeCl 6 (A = Cd, Sn) halide double perovskites. The results demonstrate that both compounds crystallize in the stable cubic Fm‐3m symmetry. Structural and thermodynamic stability are verified through the Goldschmidt tolerance factor ( t G ), octahedral factor ( μ ), modified tolerance factor ( τ ), formation energies (Δ E f ), and Born–Huang criteria. Mechanical property evaluations suggest ductility and significant anisotropy in both compounds. First‐principles calculations using the generalized gradient approximation indicate a direct bandgap of 1.98 eV for Cs 2 CdBeCl 6 and an indirect bandgap of 2.58 eV for Cs 2 SnBeCl 6 . Optical investigations reveal significant absorption, refractive index, extinction coefficient, energy loss spectra, and reflectivity features in the energy range of 0–13 eV, indicating strong interactions within the ultraviolet region. Thermoelectric properties are evaluated using the BoltzTraP code, revealing low thermal conductivities and figure of merit values close to 1 at room temperature, which demonstrates excellent thermoelectric performance. The synergy of semiconducting behavior, strong UV absorption, and high thermoelectric efficiency positions Cs 2 CdBeCl 6 and Cs 2 SnBeCl 6 as promising candidates for optoelectronic and energy applications. This work presents the first theoretical investigation of beryllium‐containing double perovskites, combining beryllium's unique mechanical stability with optoelectronic functionality.
Computational insights into α-M4GaC3 (M = Ti, Zr, and Hf) MAX-phases: Stability, properties, and applications Habib Rached, Ismail Ouadha, Dibya Prakash Rai, Messaoud Caid, Nada Talal Mahmoud, et al. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 2025 MAX‐phase ceramics uniquely combine ceramic and metallic properties, making them ideal for high‐temperature and structural applications. In this study, first‐principle calculations were employed to investigate the stability, properties, and applications of ternary layered ceramic M 4 GaC 3 (M = Ti, Zr, and Hf) within the MAX‐phase family. Structural analysis confirmed the stability of the α‐polymorph, while phonon dispersion and elastic constant analyses revealed strong covalent bonding and mechanical strength, underscoring their suitability for high‐stress environments. The materials exhibited pronounced anisotropic mechanical behaviour, particularly under high pressure, further highlighting their resilience in extreme conditions. Low thermal conductivity and elevated melting points suggested their potential as thermal barrier coatings. Electronic structure examination demonstrated metallic behaviour, characterized by strong hybridization between d ‐states of transition metals and p ‐states of Ga/C. Optical analyses indicated high reflectivity in the infrared and visible ranges, along with strong ultraviolet (UV) absorption, positioning these materials as promising candidates for optical coatings and UV photodetectors. Overall, α‐M 4 GaC 3 MAX‐phases exhibited exceptional mechanical strength, thermal robustness, and unique electronic/optical properties, making them viable for aerospace, automotive, and energy applications in extreme environments.
First-Principles Investigation of Semiconducting d0 Heusler Alloys Li2BaZ (Z= C, Ge, and Si) for Optoelectronic Applications D Amari, SE Rouag, M Mokhtari, F Dahmane, H Rached, K Belakhdar Semiconductors 60 (5), 569-577 , 2026 2026
From LaAlO 3 insulator to multifunctional perovskite: DFT insights into europium-enhanced spin, optical, and elastic properties NT Mahmoud, AW Alsmadi, R Shaltaf, M Alotaibi, M Alyami, H Rached, ... Journal of Materials Science, 1-26 , 2026 2026
A Combined First-Principles and Machine Learning Framework for XMnH3 (X = Li, Na, K) Perovskite Hydrides: Hydrogen Storage Capacity and Stability Under Extreme Conditions I Ouadha, MH Elahmar, H Rached, Y Si Larbi, N Bouteldja, N Hacini, ... Advanced Theory and Simulations 9 (3), e02095 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
First‐Principles Study of Double Perovskite Hydrides Cs 2 RbAlH 6 and Rb 2 CaNiH 6 for Combined Hydrogen Storage and Semiconducting Applications D Rached, MH Elahmar, M Caid, H Rached, Y Rached, DP Rai, ... Advanced Theory and Simulations 9 (2), e02187 , 2026 2026 Citations: 3
First-Principles Insights into Ba2PmMoO6: A Prominent Material for Energy Applications M Caid, T Sahraoui, D Rached, A Hidoussi, H Rached, Y Rached, ... Computational Condensed Matter, e01211 , 2026 2026 Citations: 3
Pb 2 CoMoO 6 as a Promising Energy Material: A First-Principles Perspective M Caid, E Deligöz, D Rached, H Rached, H Mansour, H Ozisik, Y Rached Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials 36 (1), 748-765 , 2026 2026 Citations: 21
First-principles calculations to investigate structural, elastic, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of half-Heusler alloys RhVZ (Z= Bi, Te, Tl): using GGA and TB-mBJ … A Bahlouli, R Arar, M Bachiri, M Caid, D Rached, H Rached, H Mansour, ... Indian Journal of Physics, 1-20 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Computational Design of M4GaC3 (M= V, Nb, Ta) MAX‐Phases: Stability, Mechanical Strength, and Optical Response Under High Pressure and Temperature I Ouadha, MH Elahmar, H Rached, M Caid, D Rached, Y Rached, ... Advanced Theory and Simulations, e01514 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Exploring the multifunctional potential of lead-free Na 2 LiTlZ 6 (Z = Br, Cl) perovskites: a first-principles study of their photovoltaic and thermoelectric behavior: T R … TR Hammad, S Al-Qaisi, N Algethami, A Boutramine, HS Alzahrani, ... Indian Journal of Physics, 1-18 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Revealing the structural, elastic, magneto-electronic and thermoelectric properties of Sc 2 VIn full-Heusler alloy via DFT+U calculations: M Caid et al. M Caid, D Rached, H Rached, Y Rached Indian Journal of Physics 99 (12), 4621-4633 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Exploring the potential of Rb2XYH6 (XY= AlTl, NaGa, NaTl) double perovskite hydrides for hydrogen storage and energy harvesting via DFT M Caid, E Deligöz, H Ozisik, H Rached, D Rached, H Mansour, Y Rached International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 182, 151797 , 2025 2025 Citations: 13
Multifunctional properties of ZrPdSn half-Heusler alloy: A first-principles study for sustainable technologies R Ghanim, H Shanak, NF Alshaikh Mohammad, NT Mahmoud, H Rached, ... AIP Advances 15 (10) , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
August 2025 data-update for" Updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators" J Ioannidis Mendeley Data , 2025 2025 Citations: 54
Beyond conventional half-metals: gapless states and spin gapless semiconducting behavior in X MnGa (X = Ti, Ir) Heusler compounds N Bouteldja, N Hacini, I Ouadha, H Rached arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.12803 , 2025 2025
Lead‐Free Cs2 (Cd/Sn) BeCl6 Halide Double Perovskites: A Comprehensive First‐Principles Study of Structural, Optoelectronic, and Thermoelectric Properties for Sustainable … A Benkatlane, D Rached, M Caid, H Rached, E Deligöz, Y Rached, ... physica status solidi (b), 2500019 , 2025 2025 Citations: 20
Computational insights into α‐M4GaC3 (M = Ti, Zr, and Hf) MAX‐phases: Stability, properties, and applications H Rached, I Ouadha, DP Rai, M Caid, NT Mahmoud, D Rached, ... Journal of the American Ceramic Society, e70098 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Future Insights into Double Perovskites Ba 2 AlTMO 6 (TM = W, Re, and Os) for Sustainable and Clean Energy Production: A DFT Investigation Using GGA, TB … H Rached, D Rached, M Caid, L Amrani, Y Rached, H Mansour, ... Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials 35 (7), 5239-5260 , 2025 2025 Citations: 79
Etude ab-initio des propriétés structurales, magnéto-électroniques des alliages d’Heusler quaternaires R NOURINE, H RACHED Faculty of Exact Sciences and Informatics FSEI, HASSIBA BENBOUALI UNIVERSITY … , 2025 2025
Study of thermo-photovoltaic cells based on quantum nanostructures of III-V materials M TRAICHE, H RACHED Faculty of Exact Sciences and Informatics FSEI, HASSIBA BENBOUALI UNIVERSITY … , 2025 2025
Exploration of the mechanical and thermal properties of Ti1-xOsxX (X = C, N) alloys. K BENDRISS, H RACHED, A CHAHED Faculty of Exact Sciences, Djillali Liabes University of Sidi Bel-Abbès , 2025 2025
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Structural, mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties of a new series of quaternary Heusler alloys CoFeMnZ (Z= Si, As, Sb): a first-principle study MH Elahmar, H Rached, D Rached, R Khenata, G Murtaza, SB Omran, ... Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 393, 165-174 , 2015 2015 Citations: 143
DFT calculations on physical properties of the lead-free halide-based double perovskite compound Cs2CdZnCl6 M Caid, D Rached, S Al-Qaisi, Y Rached, H Rached Solid State Communications 369, 115216 , 2023 2023 Citations: 140
Investigation of Iron-based double perovskite oxides on the magnetic phase stability, mechanical, electronic and optical properties via first-principles calculation H Rached, S Bendaoudia, D Rached Materials Chemistry and Physics 193, 453-469 , 2017 2017 Citations: 135
Electronic structure and magnetic properties of quaternary Heusler alloys CoRhMnZ (Z= Al, Ga, Ge and Si) via first-principle calculations M Benkabou, H Rached, A Abdellaoui, D Rached, R Khenata, ... Journal of Alloys and Compounds 647, 276-286 , 2015 2015 Citations: 133
A theoretical investigation of the lead‐free double perovskites halides Rb2XCl6 (X= Se, Ti) for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications S Al‐Qaisi, AM Mebed, M Mushtaq, DP Rai, TA Alrebdi, RA Sheikh, ... Journal of Computational Chemistry 44 (19), 1690-1703 , 2023 2023 Citations: 114
Full-potential calculation of the structural, elastic, electronic and magnetic properties of XFeO3 (X= Sr and Ba) perovskite H Rached, D Rached, M Rabah, R Khenata, AH Reshak Physica B: Condensed Matter 405 (17), 3515-3519 , 2010 2010 Citations: 108
First‐principles calculations of structural, elastic and electronic properties of Ni2MnZ (Z= Al, Ga and In) Heusler alloys H Rached, D Rached, R Khenata, AH Reshak, M Rabah Physica Status Solidi (b) 246 (7), 1580-1586 , 2009 2009 Citations: 103
First-principles calculations to investigate electronic, structural, optical, and thermoelectric properties of semiconducting double perovskite Ba2YBiO6 S Al-Qaisi, M Mushtaq, JS Alzahrani, H Alkhaldi, ZA Alrowaili, H Rached, ... Micro and Nanostructures 170, 207397 , 2022 2022 Citations: 98
Theoretical Insight into the Stability, Magneto-electronic and Thermoelectric Properties of XCrSb (X: Fe, Ni) Half-Heusler Alloys and Their Superlattices Y Rached, M Caid, H Rached, M Merabet, S Benalia, S Al-Qaisi, L Djoudi, ... Journal of Superconductivity and Novel Magnetism 35, 875–887 , 2022 2022 Citations: 98
A comprehensive computational investigations on the physical properties of TiXSb (X: Ru, Pt) half‐Heusler alloys and Ti2RuPtSb2 double half‐Heusler Y Rached, M Caid, M Merabet, S Benalia, H Rached, L Djoudi, ... International Journal of Quantum Chemistry 122 (9), e26875 , 2021 2021 Citations: 93
First principles study of the structural, elastic, magneto-electronic and thermoelectric properties of double perovskite Ba2ZrFeO6 in ferrimagnetic phase M Caid, Y Rached, D Rached, H Rached Computational Condensed Matter 37, e00847 , 2023 2023 Citations: 89
First-principles investigations of Na2CuMCl6 (M= Bi, Sb) double perovskite semiconductors: materials for green technology S Al-Qaisi, M Mushtaq, S Alomairy, TV Vu, H Rached, BU Haq, ... Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing 150, 106947 , 2022 2022 Citations: 89
Pressure effects on the structural, elastic, magnetic and thermodynamic properties of Mn2AlC and Mn2SiC MAX phases A Azzouz-Rached, MA Hadi, H Rached, T Hadji, D Rached, ... Journal of Alloys and Compounds 885, 160998 , 2021 2021 Citations: 89
Structural, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of lead-free halide double perovskites Cs2BꞌBꞌꞌBr6 (BꞌBꞌꞌ: BeMg, CdBe, CdGe, GeMg, GeZn, MgZn): Ab initio calculations M CAID, D RACHED, H RACHED, Y RACHED Journal of Molecular Modeling 30, 59 , 2024 2024 Citations: 88
Study of mechanical, optical, and thermoelectric characteristics of Ba 2 XMoO 6 (X = Zn, Cd) double perovskite for energy harvesting S Al‐Qaisi, H Rached, TA Alrebdi, S Bouzgarrou, D Behera, ... Journal of Computational Chemistry 44 (32), 2442-2452 , 2023 2023 Citations: 87
Insight into the structural, electronic, mechanical and optical properties of inorganic lead bromide perovskite APbBr3 (A= Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) I Bourachid, M Caid, O Cheref, D Rached, H Heireche, B Abidri, ... Computational Condensed Matter 24, e00478 , 2020 2020 Citations: 86
Comprehensive exploration of halide double perovskites Cs 2 BʹGeCl 6 (Bʹ: Zn, Cd) for affordable energy technologies: a high-throughput investigation M Caid, D Rached, Y Rached, H Rached Optical and Quantum Electronics 56 (6), 980 , 2024 2024 Citations: 85
Exploring the versatile properties of Cs2BʹGeF6 (Bʹ: Sn, Pb) double perovskites: Insights into their mechanical stability, optoelectronic potential, and high thermoelectric … M CAID, D RACHED, Y RACHED, H RACHED Physica B: Condensed Matter 677, 415742 , 2024 2024 Citations: 85
Study of the structural, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of the new MAX phase compounds (Zr1-xTix) 3AlC2 I Ouadha, H Rached, A Azzouz-Rached, A Reggad, D Rached Computational Condensed Matter 23, e00468 , 2020 2020 Citations: 82
First‐principles calculations to investigate structural stabilities, mechanical and optoelectronic properties of NbCoSn and NbFeSb half‐Heusler compounds T Zerrouki, H Rached, D Rached, M Caid, O Cheref, M Rabah International Journal of Quantum Chemistry 121 (8), e26582 , 2021 2021 Citations: 81
GRANT DETAILS
I was honored to be recognized among the 'World's Top 2% Scientists' in the prestigious Stanford University ranking for 2024. This acknowledgment highlights the global impact and significance of my research contributions to the field of materials science and physics.