Dissociation Energy Research Articles

Comparison of Cu3, Cu5, and Cu7 clusters as potential antioxidants: A theoretical quest.

Herein, we compare and contrast the dual roles of Cun clusters (n = 3, 5, and 7 atoms) in scavenging or generating RO• free radicals from ROH at the theoretical levels (where R = H, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, and phenyl). This investigation is performed in water media to mimic the actual environment in the biological system. In the presence of the Cun clusters, bond dissociation energy (BDE) of RO-H and R-OH is reduced. This is clear evidence for the increased possibility of both the RO-H and R-OH bonds breakage and scavenging of RO• radicals. The nature of anchoring bonds responsible for the interaction of Cun clusters with ROH and RO• are interpreted using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The DFT results indicate that the O•⋅⋅⋅•Cu bond is stronger and has more covalent character in RO•⋅⋅⋅•Cun radical complexes than in ROH⋅⋅⋅•Cun. Therefore, the interactions of Cun clusters with RO• radicals (antioxidant) are more pronounced than their interactions with ROH non-radicals (pro-oxidant). The GAMESS software package was utilized in this paper. The B3LYP and M06 functions with the 6-311 +  + G(d,p), and LANL2DZ/SDD basis sets was used to perform the important geometrical parameters of RO•⋅⋅⋅•Cun and ROH⋅⋅⋅•Cun, binding energy (Eb), and bond dissociation energy (BDE).

Multiple Bonding in AeN- (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba).

Quantum chemical calculations using ab initio methods at the MRCI+Q(8,9)/def2-QZVPPD and CCSD(T)/def2-QZVPPD levels as well as density functional theory are reported for the diatomic molecules AeN- (Ae = Ca, Sr, Ba). The nature of the bonds is analyzed with a variety of methods. The anions CaN- and SrN- have electronic triplet (3Π) ground states with nearly identical bond dissociation energies De ~57 kcal/mol calculated at the MRCI+Q(8,9)/def2-QZVPPD level of theory. In contrast, the heavier homologue BaN- has a singlet (1Σ+) ground state, which is only 1.1 kcal/mol below the triplet (3Σ-) state. The computed bond dissociation energy of (1Σ+) BaN- is 68.4 kcal/mol. The calculations at the CCSD(T)-full/def2-QZVPPD and BP86-D3(BJ)/def2-QZVPPD levels of theory are in reasonable agreement with the MRCI+Q(8,9)/def2-QZVPPD data except for the singlet (1Σ+) state, which has a large multireference character. The calculated atomic partial charges given by the CM5, Voronoi and Hirshfeld methods suggest small to medium-sized charge donation toward Ae atom Ae←N- for most electronic states. In contrast, the NBO method predicts for all species medium to large electronic charge donation toward nitrogen Ae→N-, which is due to the neglect of the (n)p AOs of Ae atoms as genuine valence orbitals.

Systematic analysis of electronic barrier heights and widths for concerted proton transfer in cyclic hydrogen bonded clusters: (HF)n, (HCl)n and (H2O)n where n = 3, 4, 5.

The MP2 and CCSD(T) methods are paired with correlation consistent basis sets as large as aug-cc-pVQZ to optimize the structures of the cyclic minima for (HF)n, (HCl)n and (H2O)n where n = 3-5, as well as the corresponding transition states (TSs) for concerted proton transfer (CPT). MP2 and CCSD(T) harmonic vibrational frequencies confirm the nature of each minimum and TS. Both conventional and explicitly correlated CCSD(T) computations are employed to assess the electronic dissociation energies and barrier heights for CPT near the complete basis (CBS) limit for all 9 clusters. Results for (HF)n are consistent with prior studies identifying Cnh and Dnh point group symmetry for the minima and TSs, respectively. Our computations also confirm that CPT proceeds through Cs TS structures for the C1 minima of (H2O)3 and (H2O)5, whereas the process goes through a TS with D2d symmetry for the S4 global minimum of (H2O)4. This work corroborates earlier findings that the minima for (HCl)3, (HCl)4 and (HCl)5 have C3h, S4 and C1 point group symmetry, respectively, and that the Cnh structures are not minima for n = 4 and 5. Moreover, our computations show the TSs for CPT in (HCl)3, (HCl)4 and (HCl)5 have D3h, D2d, and C2 point group symmetry, respectively. At the CCSD(T) CBS limit, (HF)4 and (HF)5 have the smallest electronic barrier heights for CPT (≈15 kcal mol-1 for both), followed by the HF trimer (≈21 kcal mol-1). The barriers are appreciably higher for the other clusters (around 27 kcal mol-1 for (H2O)4 and (HCl)3; roughly 30 kcal mol-1 for (H2O)3, (H2O)5 and (HCl)4; up to 38 kcal mol-1 for (HCl)5). At the CBS limit, MP2 significantly underestimates the CCSD(T) barrier heights (e.g., by ca. 2, 4 and 7 kcal mol-1 for the pentamers of HF, H2O and HCl, respectively), whereas CCSD overestimates these barriers by roughly the same magnitude. Scaling the barrier heights and dissociation energies by the number of fragments in the cluster reveals strong linear relationships between the two quantities and with the magnitudes of the imaginary vibrational frequency for the TSs.

Photoswitching Reagent for Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy.

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) has revolutionized optical microscopy by exceeding the diffraction limit and revealing previously unattainable nanoscale details of cellular structures and molecular dynamics. This super-resolution imaging capability relies on fluorophore photoswitching, which is crucial for optimizing the imaging conditions and accurately determining the fluorophore positions. To understand the general on and off photoswitching mechanisms of single dye molecules, various photoswitching reagents were evaluated. Systematic measurement of the single-molecule-level fluorescence on and off rates (kon and koff) in the presence of various photoswitching reagents and theoretical calculation of the structure of the photoswitching reagent-fluorophore pair indicated that the switch-off mechanism is mainly determined by the nucleophilicity of the photoswitching reagent, and the switch-on mechanism is a two-photon-induced dissociation process, which is related to the power of the illuminating laser and bond dissociation energy of this pair. This study contributes to a broader understanding of the molecular photoswitching mechanism in SMLM imaging and provides a basis for designing improved photoswitching reagents with potential applications extending to materials science and chemistry.

High-Resolution Photoelectron Spectroscopy of the Ground and First Excited Electronic States of MgXe.

We report on the characterization of the X+ 2Σ+ ground and the A+ 2ΠΩ (Ω = 1/2, 3/2) and B+ 2Σ+ electronically excited states of MgXe+. Rotationally cold MgXe in the a 3Π0(v″ = 0) metastable electronic state was generated in a laser-ablation supersonic-beam source. Following single-photon excitation from the metastable state, the vibrational structure of the X+ state of MgXe+ was measured by pulsed-field-ionization zero-kinetic-energy photoelectron spectroscopy, and the adiabatic ionization energy of the X+ ← a ionizing transition was determined to be EI/(hc) = 37,468.3(6) cm-1. Spectra of the A+ ← X+ and B+ ← X+ transitions were recorded by using the method of isolated-core Rydberg-dissociation spectroscopy. The observation of the Mg+(3p) 2P1/2 + Xe 1S0 dissociation limit enabled the determination of the dissociation energies of the X+ [D0(X+) = 2970(7) cm-1] and A+ states [D0(A1/2+) = 9781(7) cm-1 and D0(A3/2+) = 9603(7) cm-1]. We compare these results with those of earlier experimental studies and ab initio quantum-chemical calculations.

Pivotal Impact Factors in Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Value-Added C1 and C2 Products.

Over the past decades, CO2 greenhouse emission has been considerably increased, causing global warming and climate change. Indeed, converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels is a desired option to resolve issues caused by its continuous emission into the atmosphere. Nevertheless, CO2 conversion has been hampered by the ultrahigh dissociation energy of C=O bonds, which makes it thermodynamically and kinetically challenging. From this prospect, photocatalytic approaches appear promising for CO2 reduction in terms of their efficiency compared to other traditional technologies. Thus, many efforts have been made in the designing of photocatalysts with asymmetric sites and oxygen vacancies, which can break the charge distribution balance of CO2 molecule, reduce hydrogenation energy barrier and accelerate CO2 conversion into chemicals and fuels. Here, we review the recent advances in CO2 hydrogenation to C1 and C2 products utilizing photocatalysis processes. We also pin down the key factors or parameters influencing the generation of C2 products during CO2 hydrogenation. In addition, the current status of CO2 reduction is summarized, projecting the future direction for CO2 conversion by photocatalysis processes.

Chemical Vapor Deposition of Elemental Crystallogen Thin Films

Abstract A consolidation of the fundamentals of elemental crystallogen chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a necessity in view of the extensive evidence accumulated over the last few decades. An in-depth understanding of deposition mechanisms via hydrides asks for a discerning understanding of molecular hydrogen dissociative adsorption, precursor thermal decomposition, and CVD growth rates. With those, a groundbreaking paradigm shift comes to light. GR activation energy E(GR) fingerprints the surface energy. SE ≈ 2E(GR) / (aa), where SE is surface energy, E(GR) activation energy, a lattice parameter. Hydride precursor thermal decomposition consistency with the corresponding solid growth kinetics is demonstrated. Heterogeneous TD kinetics captures a solid deposition and not a gas phase molecular reaction. Thermodynamic equilibrium is achieved during the heterogeneous thermal decomposition of silicon precursors. The popular split between mass-transfer and kinetic regimes is not supported by evidence. Three mechanisms are apparent. The first is controlled by a Si–H bond dissociation energy. The second is controlled by an H–H bond dissociation energy. The last is controlled by a Si–Si bond dissociation energy as lattice sites are sealed off with Si–H bonds.

Quantum mechanical study of transition metal hydrides: Comparison of determined molecular properties with experimental data.

This study compares results of four relativistic pseudopotential basis sets, which differ mainly by their size: double-zeta introduced by Hay and Wadt from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL2DZ), triple-zeta based on Stuttgart energy-consistent scalar-relativistic pseudopotential (SDD3), its extension with 2fg polarization functions, and combination of Stuttgart pseudopotentials with quintuple-zeta cc-pV5Z base (SDD5). Hydrides of transition metals from Cr to Zn group are chosen as reference molecules. The coupled cluster method (CCSD(T)) is used for evaluation of selected molecular characteristics. Interatomic distances, dissociation energies, vibration modes, and anharmonicity constants are determined and compared with available experimental data. As expected, the accuracy of basis depends mainly on its size. However, only moderate modification of SDD3 basis set significantly improves its accuracy, which becomes comparable to the largest basis set. Nevertheless, the time consumption is significantly lower.

Investigation of Structures, Stabilities, and Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Niobium Carbon Clusters Nb7Cn (n = 1–7)

The geometrical structures, relative stabilities, and electronic and magnetic properties of niobium carbon clusters, Nb7Cn (n = 1–7), are investigated in this study. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, coupled with the Saunders Kick global search, are conducted to explore the structural properties of Nb7Cn (n = 1–7). The results regarding the average binding energy, second-order difference energy, dissociation energy, HOMO-LUMO gap, and chemical hardness highlight the robust stability of Nb7C3. Analysis of the density of states suggests that the molecular orbitals of Nb7Cn primarily consist of orbitals from the transition metal Nb, with minimal involvement of C atoms. Spin density and natural population analysis reveal that the total magnetic moment of Nb7Cn predominantly resides on the Nb atoms. The contribution of Nb atoms to the total magnetic moment stems mainly from the 4d orbital, followed by the 5p, 5s, and 6s orbitals.

Universal Design Strategy for Air-Stable Layered Na-Ion Cathodes toward Sustainable Energy Storage.

Na-ion batteries (NIBs) are sustainable alternatives to Li-ion technologies due to the abundant and widely-distributed resources. However, the most promising cathode materials of NIBs so far, O3 layered oxides, suffer from serious air instability issues, which significantly increases the manufactural cost and carbon footprint because of the long-term use of dry rooms. While some feasible strategies are proposed via case studies, universal design strategies for air-stable cathodes are yet to be established. Herein, the air degradation mechanisms of O3 cathodes are investigated via combined first-principles and experimental approaches, with bond dissociation energy proposed as an effective descriptor for predicting air stability. Experimental validations in various unary, binary, and ternary O3 cathodes confirm that the air stability can indeed be effectively improved via simple compositional design. Guided by the predictive model, the designed material can sustain 30-day air-storage without structural or electrochemical degradation. It is calculated that such air-stable cathodes can significantly reduce both energy consumption (≈4 100 000kWh) and carbon footprint (≈2200-ton CO2) annually for a 2 GWh NIBs manufactory. Therefore, the fundamental understandings and universal design strategy presented open an avenue for rational materials design of NIBs toward both elemental and manufactural sustainability.

Master equation modeling of blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD) of hydrated peroxycarbonate radical anions.

Molecular cluster ions, which are stored in an electromagnetic trap under ultra-high vacuum conditions, undergo blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD). This process can be simulated with master equation modeling (MEM), predicting temperature-dependent dissociation rate constants, which are very sensitive to the dissociation energy. We have recently introduced a multiple-well approach for master equation modeling, where several low-lying isomers are taken into account. Here, we experimentally measure the BIRD of CO4●-(H2O)1,2 and model the results with a slightly modified multiple-well MEM. In the experiment, we exclusively observe loss of water from CO4●-(H2O), while the BIRD of CO4●-(H2O)2 leads predominantly to loss of carbon dioxide, with water loss occurring to a lesser extent. The MEM of two competing reactions requires empirical scaling factors for infrared intensities and the sum of states of the loose transition states employed in the calculation of unimolecular rate constants so that the simulated branching ratio matches the experiment. The experimentally derived binding energies are ΔH0(CO4●--H2O) = 45 ± 3kJ/mol, ΔH0(CO4●-(H2O)-H2O) = 41 ± 3kJ/mol, and ΔH0(CO2-O2●-(H2O)2) = 37 ± 3kJ/mol. Quantum chemical calculations on the CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ//CCSD/aug-cc-pVDZ level, corrected for the basis set superposition error, yield binding energies that are 2-5kJ/mol higher than experiment, within error limits of both experiment and theory. The relative activation energies for the two competing loss channels are as well fully consistent with theory.

Superalkalis with Hydrogen as Central Electronegative Atom and their Possible Applications: Ab Initio and DFT Study.

Superalkalis are unusual species having ionization energies lower than that of the alkali metals. These species with various applications are of great importance in chemistry due to their low ionization energies and strong reducing property. A typical superalkali contains a central electronegative core decorated with excess metal ligands. In the quest for novel superalkalis, we have designed the superalkalis HLi2, HLiNa and HNa2 using hydrogen as central electronegative atom for the first time employing high level ab initio (CCSD(T), MP2) and density functional theory (ωB97X-D) methods. The superalkalis exhibit very low ionization energies, even lower than that of cesium. Stability of these species is verified from binding energy and dissociation energy values. The superalkalis are capable of reducing SO2, NO, CO2, CO and N2 molecules by forming stable ionic complexes and therefore can be used as catalysts for the reduction or activation of systems possessing very low electron affinities. The superalkalis form stable supersalts with tailored properties when interact with a superhalogen. They also show remarkably high non-linear optical responses, hence could have industrial applications. It is hoped that this work will enrich the superalkali family and spur further theoretical and experimental research in this direction.

Investigating the fractional wave function and the impact of topological defects with anisotropic plasma on the dissociation of bottomonium in the fractional non-relativistic quark model

Incorporating a topological defect and anisotropic plasma, this work used the generalized fractional of the Nikiforov–Uvarov technique to solve the fractional-radial Schrödinger equation in the longitudinal-transverse plane. The study produced wave functions and energy eigenvalues in their fractional forms. The results showed that the presence of an anisotropic plasma and a topological defect increases the dissociation energy of bottomonium. Furthermore, regardless of whether the fractional or classical models are taken into account, it was shown that the effect of temperature on the dissociation energy is stronger than the effect of baryonic chemical potential. In addition, the dissociation energy of bottomonium is significantly larger at lower chemical potential levels. Last but not least, the energy of bottomonium is only little influenced by magnetic auxiliaries.

Transition probabilities and radiative lifetimes of C[formula omitted]: A high level theoretical investigation

Dicarbon species are of particular interest within the physical chemistry community. However, contrary to neutral C2, the theory of electronic structure and spectra concerning C2− ions is not well-established. To address this gap in information, high-level multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) calculations have been performed, and new potential energy curves for fourteen low-lying states of C2− are reported. The best estimate for the ground dissociation energy is 64,720 cm−1 at the MRCI+Q/AV5Z level of theory. The first excited state, A2Πu, lies at 3,836 cm−1 (Re = 2.4829 a0 and ωe = 1649 cm−1). The infrared A2Πu − X2Σg+ transition has Einstein coefficients of the order of 103–104 s−1. The lifetime of the A2Πu state is given in microseconds. For the B2Σu+ state, it was calculated τ0≈ 78 ns in good accord with the experimental value of 77 ± 8 ns. The a4Σu+ state is placed at an excitation energy of 32,369 cm−1, much higher than expected by experimentalists (19,448 cm−1). The spin-forbidden transitions a4Σu+ − X2Σg+ are strong enough to be detected experimentally (A04≈ 3 × 106 s−1). The 14Πg − a4Σu+ transitions are more concentrated in the IR region. The radiative lifetime of 14Πg is computed to be 12μs. There is no doubt that the current data considerably enhance our understanding of the spectroscopy of C2−.

Rationally designing of Co-WS2 catalysts with optimized electronic structure to enhance hydrogen evolution reaction

Designing and developing cost-effective, high-performance catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for advancing hydrogen production technology. Tungsten-based sulfides (WSx) exhibit great potential as efficient HER catalysts, however, the activity is limited by the larger energy required for water dissociation under alkaline conditions. Herein, we adopt a top-down strategy to construct heterostructure Co-WS2 nanofiber catalysts. The experimental results and theoretical simulations unveil that the work functions-induced built-in electric field at the interface of Co-WS2 catalysts facilitates the electron transfer from Co to WS2, significantly reducing water dissociation energy and optimizing the Gibbs free energy of the entire reaction step for HER. Besides, the self-supported catalysts of Co-WS2 nanoparticles confining 1D nanofibers exhibit an increased number of active sites. As expected, the heterostructure Co-WS2 catalysts exhibit remarkable HER activity with an overpotential of 113 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 and stability with 30 h catalyzing at 23 mA cm−2. This work can provide an avenue for designing highly efficient catalysts applicable to the field of energy storage and conversion.

A density functional theory research on the interaction of H2X molecules with the Al2C nanosheet (X = O, S, Se, Te)

The potential application of the 2D material Al2C, as catalysts and as sensor of the hazardous molecules H2S, H2Se and H2Te, is studied using theoretical methods. Density functional theory (DFT) has been applied to study the interaction between the pristine Al2C nanosheet and small molecules, such as H2O, H2S, H2Se and H2Te. Results show the Al2C nanosheet is a promising material to dissociate the studied molecules as well as its potential use as sensor of these molecules in molecular or dissociated state. Molecular interactions are weak even considering the London dispersion forces. Partial dissociative adsorption is strongly preferred to molecular adsorption for all four molecules. Applying the climbing image NEB method, the activation energy for H2O dissociation to OH-H is calculated in ≈ 0.1 eV whereas it is just a few meV for H2S, H2Se and H2Te partial dissociation. The calculated energy gap for the clean Al2C nanosheet is 1.078 eV whereas it is increased to 1.371, 1.338, 1.379 and 1.416 eV for molecular adsorption and to 1.209, 1.363, 1.370 and 1.388 eV for partial dissociative adsorption.

Ni-catalyzed enantioconvergent deoxygenative reductive cross-coupling of unactivated alkyl alcohols and aryl bromides

Transition metal-catalyzed enantioconvergent cross-coupling of an alkyl precursor presents a promising method for producing enantioenriched C(sp3) molecules. Because alkyl alcohol is a ubiquitous and abundant family of feedstock in nature, the direct reductive coupling of alkyl alcohol and aryl halide enables efficient access to valuable compounds. Although several strategies have been developed to overcome the high bond dissociation energy of the C − O bond, the asymmetric pattern remains unknown. In this report, we describe the realization of an enantioconvergent deoxygenative reductive cross-coupling of unactivated alkyl alcohol (β-hydroxy ketone) and aryl bromide in the presence of an NHC activating agent. The approach can accommodate substituents of various sizes and functional groups, and its synthetic potency is demonstrated through a gram scale reaction and derivatizations into other compound families. Finally, we apply our convergent method to the efficient asymmetric synthesis of four β-aryl ketones that are natural products or bioactive compounds.

Probing Antioxidant-Related Properties for Phenolic Compounds.

In this work, properties related to antioxidant-potential mechanisms (such as the bond dissociation enthalpy, BDE, for the homolytic cleavage of the O-H bond and ionization energies, IEs) were determined for phenol, pyrocatechol, and gallic acid (GA). Both the protonated and deprotonated forms of GA were investigated. The Feller-Peterson-Dixon (FPD) composite method was employed with a variety of computational approaches, i.e., density functional theory, Möller-Plesset perturbation theory, and coupled-cluster-based methods, in combination with large correlation consistent basis sets with extrapolation to the complete basis set limit and consideration of core electron correlation effects. FPD results were compared to experimental and computational data available in the literature, presenting good agreement. For example, the FPD BDE (298 K) obtained for phenol, which was based on valence-correlated MP2/CBS calculations with contributions from correlating all electrons, was determined to be 87.56 kcal/mol, a value that is 0.42 kcal/mol lower than the result obtained in the most recent experiments, 87.98 ± 0.62. Calibration against coupled-cluster calculations was also carried out for phenol. We expect that the outcomes gathered here may help in establishing a general protocol for computational chemists that are interested in determining antioxidant-related properties for phenolic compounds with considerable accuracy as well as to motivate future IE measurements (particularly for GA) to be accomplished in the near future.

Biogenic sulfur as an effective source for sulfidogenesis via sulfur disproportionation (S0Disp)

Sulfidogensis via element sulfur disproportionation (S0Disp) has been recently suggested to be a cost-effective and low carbon footprint process to produce sulfide for wastewater treatment such as denitrification and the removal of heavy metals. However, studies on this process are limited in using the industrial grade chemical sulfur (Chem-S0). In this study, biogenic sulfur (Bio-S0), a solid waste produced from biogas bio-desulfurization, was investigated for the first time in the S0Disp process with the performance compared to the Chem-S0 with identical size. The results showed that the S0Disp process driven by Bio-S0 was initiated more rapidly than that by the Chem-S0 (8 d vs 13 d) and performed a 1.2-fold higher sulfide production rate in the steady phase. A series of characterizations were conducted to elucidate the difference between using these two types of S0 in disproportionation. The faster initiation of Bio-S0 sets was suggested to correlate its hydrophilic properties, while the higher sulfide production rate was likely due to its higher reactivity as indicated by the lower crystallinity and the presence of organic polysulfane with lower dissociation energy for the S-S bond. Additional tests demonstrated that the Bio-S0 could be more readily attacked by the sulfide to produce polysulfide, a putative rate-limiting step of S0 taken by bacteria in the S0Disp process. Moreover, the sulfur-disproportionating bacteria were found to be enriched more in the Bio-S0 set, which might also contribute to the higher sulfide production rate. This study extended the knowledge of Bio-S0 in good bioavailability and offered new opportunities for reusing this solid waste.

Computational studies on exothermic carbon–carbon bond cleavages

AbstractStructural aspects of single CC bond dissociation energies are examined and it is shown that in certain cases a negative bond dissociation energy (BDE) implies a very weak bond and an unstable species prone to bond breaking resulting in dissociation or structural rearrangement. It is proposed that, in such cases, a better quantitative indicator for the strength of the bond is the activation energy required for its fission. o‐Phenelylene bis(nitrene) 1 is computed to have the most negative CC BDE for an observable species. Under cryogenic conditions, activation energy for the dissociation of this bond has been measured as only 2.8 kcal/mol, making it the weakest that we know of. An explanation based on the formation of two new bonds as responsible for this extremely weak bond is given.