Energy Density Functional Theory Research Articles

Optimizing Cu 3d Bands with Nanotubular SnO2 to Boost Their Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation Activity.

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) using Cu nanocatalysts offers significant advantages over direct high-pressure hydrogenation. However, the active hydrogen (H*) in this process exhibits poor adsorption and tends to release H2 readily due to the fully occupied 3d states of Cu. To address this issue, a tubular SnO2 support with electron-accepting ability was selected to host Cu nanoparticles, aiming to optimize the Cu 3d bands. The Cu/SnO2 nanohybrids were prepared through an electrospinning technique, followed by hydrothermal synthesis. As evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) binding energy shifts and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, some electrons from Cu transferred to SnO2 in the Cu/SnO2 nanohybrids due to their different work functions. Such electron transfer enables the Cu 3d orbitals to lose electrons and alters its valence configuration from 3d10 to 3d10-x, which enhances the adsorption of active H* atoms and thereby inhibits undesirable H2 release. The 15 wt % Cu/SnO2 exhibits improved catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol with NaBH4, with an optimal normalized rate constant of 56.98 mg-1 min-1 and a turnover frequency of 4.82 min-1, surpassing most reported catalysts. The enhanced activity is attributed to the optimized electronic states, improved hydrogen adsorption, and the tubular structure of the support. This work might shed light on developing more non-noble metal nanocatalysts for CTH by tuning their d bands with appropriate oxide supports.

Hydrogen diffusion on Ni(100): A combined machine-learning, ring polymer molecular dynamics, and kinetic Monte Carlo study.

We introduce a methodological framework coupling machine-learning potentials, ring polymer molecular dynamics (RPMD), and kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) to draw a comprehensive physical picture of the collective diffusion of hydrogen atoms on metal surfaces. For the benchmark case of hydrogen diffusion on a Ni(100) surface, the hydrogen adsorption and diffusion energetics and its dependence on the local coverage is described via a neural-network potential, where the training data are computed via periodic density functional theory (DFT) and include all relevant optimized diffusion and desorption paths, sampled by nudged elastic band optimizations and molecular dynamics simulations. Nuclear quantum effects, being crucial for processes involving hydrogen at low temperatures, are treated by RPMD. The diffusion rate constants are calculated with a combination of umbrella samplings employed to map the free energy profile and separate samplings of recrossing trajectories to obtain the transmission coefficient. The calculated diffusion rates for different temperatures and local environments are then combined and fitted into a kMC model allowing access to larger time and length scales. Our results demonstrate an outstanding performance for the trained neural network potential in reproducing reference DFT energies and forces. We report the effective diffusion rates for different temperatures and hydrogen surface coverages obtained via this recipe in good agreement with the experimental results. The method combination proposed in this study can be instrumental for a wide range of applications in materials science.

Robustness of the $N=152$ and $Z=108$ shell closures in superheavy mass region

Abstract The neutron shell gap at $N=152$ has been experimentally confirmed through high-precision mass measurements on nobelium ($Z=102$) and lawrencium ($Z=103$) isotopes. The experimental measurements on $\alpha$-decay properties suggest the deformed doubly-magic nature of $^{270}$Hs. However, the magic gaps in the superheavy region are generally expected to be fragile. In this study, we test the robustness of the $N=152$ shell closure in $N=152$ isotones and $Z=108$ shell closure in Hs isotopes by employing an alternative approach where both theoretical analysis and available experimental data are required. Combined with existing experimental measurements on $\alpha$-decay energies, it is found that the robust $N=152$ neutron shell persists at least in
$Z=101-105$ isotopes, and the robust $Z=108$ proton shell persists in Hs isotopes with $N=159, 160$. These results provide crucial benchmarks for constraining effective interactions suitable for superheavy nuclei in nuclear energy-density functional theory.

Δ-Machine Learning to Elevate DFT-Based Potentials and a Force Field to the CCSD(T) Level Illustrated for Ethanol.

Progress in machine learning has facilitated the development of potentials that offer both the accuracy of first-principles techniques and vast increases in the speed of evaluation. Recently, Δ-machine learning has been used to elevate the quality of a potential energy surface (PES) based on low-level, e.g., density functional theory (DFT) energies and gradients to close to the gold-standard coupled cluster level of accuracy. We have demonstrated the success of this approach for molecules, ranging in size from H3O+ to 15-atom acetyl-acetone and tropolone. These were all done using the B3LYP functional. Here, we investigate the generality of this approach for the PBE, M06, M06-2X, and PBE0 + MBD functionals, using ethanol as the example molecule. Linear regression with permutationally invariant polynomials is used to fit both low-level and correction PESs. These PESs are employed for standard RMSE analysis for training and test data sets, and then general fidelity tests such as energetics of stationary points, normal-mode frequencies, and torsional potentials are examined. We achieve similar improvements in all cases. Interestingly, we obtained significant improvement over DFT gradients where coupled cluster gradients were not used to correct the low-level PES. Finally, we present some results for correcting a recent molecular mechanics force field for ethanol and comment on the possible generality of this approach.

Enhanced catalytic activity of modified g-C3N4 heterojunction for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue from wastewater

Rapid recombination of photoinduced charge carriers and poor photocatalytic degradation performance greatly hinder the large-scale application of g-C3N4 photocatalysis. Therefore, the g-C3N4 is modified by BiPO4 to overcome its poor photocatalytic performance, which is investigated by methylene blue (MB) removal. The S scheme heterojunction is constructed by modifying g-C3N4 with BiPO4, which can effectively preserve the redox activities of holes and electrons on VB and CB, exhibiting good photocatalytic activity. Therefore, the modified g-C3N4 exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity with efficient separation of the photoelectron-hole, compared to pure g-C3N4 and BiPO4. The modified g-C3N4 exhibits large MB degradation removal of 96.7 %, which is significantly larger than the pure g-C3N4 (46.3 %) and BiPO4 (3.3 %) owe to synergy, respectively. The photodegradation rate constant of the modified g-C3N4 is 4.8 and 43 times larger than that of the pure g-C3N4 and BiPO4, respectively. The modified g-C3N4 still has large MB removal of 92.9 % after 5 cycles, indicating excellent stability and recyclability. The fractal density calculation of the modified g-C3N4 is investigated combined with LUMO and HOMO analysis. The MB photocatalytic degradation process follows the S scheme charge transfer mechanism, based on degradation mechanism analysis combined with semiconductor energy band and density functional theory calculation analysis. The MB photocatalytic degradation path is systemically analyzed based on MS-UPLC result analysis, which indicates that MB is finally decomposed into CO2 and H2O, achieving the degradation of MB.

Ab Initio Calculation of Coupling-Constant Averaged Exchange-Correlation Holes for Spherically Symmetric Atoms.

Accurate approximation of the exchange-correlation (XC) energy in density functional theory (DFT) calculations is essential for reliably modeling electronic systems. Many such approximations are developed from models of the XC hole; accurate reference XC holes for real electronic systems are crucial for evaluating the accuracy of these models however the availability of reliable reference data is limited to a few systems. In this study, we employ the Lieb optimization with a coupled cluster singles and doubles (CCSD) reference to construct accurate coupling-constant averaged XC holes, resolved into individual exchange and correlation components, for five spherically symmetric atoms: He, Li, Be, N, and Ne. Alongside providing a new set of reference data for the construction and evaluation of model XC holes, we compare our data against the exchange and correlation hole models of the established local density approximation (LDA) and Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) density functional approximations. Our analysis confirms the established rationalization for the limitations of LDA and the improvement observed with PBE in terms of the hole depth and its long-range decay, which is demonstrated in real-space for this series of spherically symmetric atoms.

Direct Unconstrained Optimization of Molecular Orbital Coefficients in Density Functional Theory.

One-electron orbitals in Kohn-Sham density functional theory (DFT) are typically constrained to be orthogonal during their variational optimization, leading to elaborate parameterization of the orbitals and complicated optimization algorithms. This work shows that orbital optimization can be performed with nonorthogonal orbitals if the DFT energy functional is augmented with a term that penalizes linearly dependent states. This approach, called variable-metric self-consistent field (VM SCF) optimization, allows us to use molecular orbital coefficients, natural descriptors of one-electron orbitals, as independent variables in a direct, unconstrained minimization, leading to very simple closed-form expressions for the electronic gradient and Hessian. It is demonstrated that efficient convergence of the VM SCF procedure can be achieved with a basic preconditioned conjugate gradient algorithm for a variety of systems, including challenging narrow-gap systems and spin-pure two-determinant states of singlet diradicals. This simple reformulation of the variational procedure can be readily extended to electron correlation methods with multiconfiguration states and to the optimization of excited-state orbitals.

Understanding crack growth within the γ′ Fe4N layer in a nitrided low carbon steel during monotonic and cyclic tensile testing

Nitriding is a cost-effective method to realize simultaneous improvements in tensile and fatigue properties and resistance to abrasion and corrosion. Previous studies reported that nitriding pure Fe enhances tensile strength by ~ 70% and fatigue limit by ~ 200%. It is due to the increase in surface hardness caused by the formation of γ′(Fe4N) and ε(Fe2-3N) nitrogen-containing intermetallic compound phases. However, the intermetallic compound layer is prone to brittle-like cracking. To better design nitrided steels, it is crucial to identify the crack growth mechanisms via analysis of the microstructural crack growth paths within the ~ 4–6 µm thick nitride layer. In the current work, we statistically evaluate the crack propagation behavior in the γ′ Fe4N layer during monotonic and cyclic tensile deformation in nitrided low-carbon steel (0.1 wt% C). Since nitriding typically results in the formation of columnar grains, the effect of morphology needs to be clarified. To this end, the steel was shot-peened and subsequently nitrided to promote equiaxed nitride grains morphology (~ 16% increase). Crack growth paths were comparatively evaluated for multiple cracks, and no significant effect of nitride morphology was observed. {100}γ′ is the predominant transgranular crack path in the monotonic tensile tested specimen, followed by {111}γ′. It is despite the elastic modulus of {111}γ′ < {100}γ′. This contrary behavior is explained by {100}γ′ plane having the lowest surface energy (density functional theory calculations). In the cyclic tensile loaded specimen, experiments revealed that transgranular cracking along {100}γ′ (cracking via symmetric dislocation emission) or {111}γ′ (slip plane cracking) is equally likely.Graphical abstract

First and Second Reductions in an Aprotic Solvent: Comparing Computational and Experimental One-Electron Reduction Potentials for 345 Quinones.

Using reference reduction potentials of quinones recently measured relative to the saturated calomel electrode (SCE) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), we benchmark absolute one-electron reduction potentials computed for 345 Q/Q•- and 265 Q•-/Q2- half-reactions using adiabatic electron affinities computed with density functional theory and solvation energies computed with four continuum solvation models: IEF-PCM, C-PCM, COSMO, and SM12. Regression analyses indicate a strong linear correlation between experimental and absolute computed Q/Q•- reduction potentials with Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) between 0.95 and 0.96 and the mean absolute error (MAE) relative to the linear fit between 83.29 and 89.51 mV for different solvation methods when the slope of the regression is constrained to 1. The same analysis for Q•-/Q2- gave a linear regression with r between 0.74 and 0.90 and MAE between 95.87 and 144.53 mV, respectively. The y-intercept values obtained from the linear regressions are in good agreement with the range of absolute reduction potentials reported in the literature for the SCE but reveal several sources of systematic error. The y-intercepts from Q•-/Q2- calculations are lower than those from Q/Q•- by around 320-410 mV for IEF-PCM, C-PCM, and SM12 compared to 210 mV for COSMO. Systematic errors also arise between molecules having different ring sizes (benzoquinones, naphthoquinones, and anthraquinones) and different substituents (titratable vs nontitratable). SCF convergence issues were found to be a source of random error that was slightly reduced by directly optimizing the solute structure in the continuum solvent reaction field. While SM12 MAEs were lower than those of the other solvation models for Q/Q•-, SM12 had larger MAEs for Q•-/Q2- pointing to a larger error when describing multiply charged anions in DMF. Altogether, the results highlight the advantages of, and further need for, testing computational methods using a large experimental data set that is not skewed (e.g., having more titratable than nontitratable substituents on different parent groups or vice versa) to help further distinguish between sources of random and systematic errors in the calculations.

A S-scheme 0D/2D heterojunction formed by decorating Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanoparticles on Cu2MoS4 plates for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Rationally designing a Step-scheme (S-scheme) hetero-structured photocatalyst with high redox capability and separation efficiency of photoinduced carriers is considered as an attractive approach to address the shortcomings of single component and traditional hetero-structured photocatalyst. Herein, enlightened by the predictions of density functional theory (DFT), a unique S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully fabricated by incorporating zero-dimensional (0D) Cd0.5Zn0.5S (CZS) on two-dimensional (2D) lamellar Cu2MoS4 (CMS) plates via a facile coprecipitation method, which substantially enhances the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen (H2) generation. CZS nanoparticles deposited on the surface of CMS nanoplates play a crucial role in creating highly intimate heterojunction interfaces and abundant exposed reaction sites, laying the foundation for improved photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, the significant difference in Fermi levels and band structures between CZS and CMS result in the formation of the internal electric field (IEF) and energy band bending at the interface of the heterojunction. This S-scheme charge transfer path enables 0D/2D CZS/CMS heterojunction possesses an exceptional capacity to maintain the robust redox potential and boosts the separation efficiency of light-induced carriers, as verified by DFT calculations and energy band structure analyses. As expected, the optimal heterojunction exhibits a satisfactory H2 generation rate of 13.1 mmol·g-1·h−1, which is nearly 7.7-fold higher than that of individual CZS. This study is expected to inspire the design of morphology-controlled hetero-structured photocatalyst with S-scheme charge transfer route for photocatalytic H2 generation.

Enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 production through synergistic double-vacancy engineering in Z-scheme TiO2-x/g-C3N4-x heterojunction

The photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an environmentally benign and sustainable approach. In this study, we have synthesized a TiO2-x/g-C3N4-x(A-TxCNx) photocatalyst with a Z-scheme heterojunction by introducing oxygen and nitrogen double vacancies through a one-step reduction process. The optimized A-TxCNx catalyst exhibited a superior H2O2 yield of 1131.59 μmol L–1h−1 under visible light, which is 5.85 times greater than that of the A-TCN catalyst. This enhancement is ascribed to the synergistic effects of the oxygen vacancies (Ov) and nitrogen vacancies (Nv) defects, which amplify light absorption, facilitate electron-hole pair separation, and augment the number of active sites on the catalyst surface. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and energy band analysis were employed to elucidate the photocatalytic mechanism of A-TxCNx, revealing that H2O2 synthesis predominantly occurs through two consecutive reactions, enabled by the catalyst’s unique electronic structure and defect configuration. This study not only validates the exceptional photocatalytic performance of A-TxCNx but also provides valuable insights for the design and optimization of future photocatalysts aimed at sustainable H2O2 production.

Construction of 2D/2D ZnIn2S4/Nb2CTx (MXene) hybrid with hole transport highway and active facet exposure boost photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

In this study, leveraging the tunable surface groups of MXene, the two-dimensional (2D) Nb2CTx with OH terminal (NC) was synthesized. 2D ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) nanosheets were prepared with the aid of sodium citrate, enhancing the exposure ratio of active (110) facet. On this basis, 2D/2D ZnIn2S4/Nb2CTx heterojunctions were fabricated to improve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. The optimized 6 wt%Nb2CTx/ZnIn2S4-450 (6NC/ZIS-450) photocatalyt exhibits a remarkable HER rate of 3603 μmol g−1h−1, which is 10 times superior to that of the original ZnIn2S4. Its apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) at 380 nm reaches 14.9 %. Meanwhile, even after 5 rounds of HER, the activity of 2D/2D ZnIn2S4/Nb2CTx heterojunction remained at 90 %, far superior to that of pure ZnIn2S4 (34 % and 31 %). Energy band structure analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculation indicate that Nb2CTx adsorbed with OH exhibit a low work function. By serving as a hole cocatalyst, it effectively boosts the photocatalytic HER rate of ZnIn2S4/Nb2CTx heterojunction and inhibits the photocorrosion of ZnIn2S4. This unique insight, via hole transport highways and increased exposure of active facets, effectively enhances the activity and stability of sulfides photocatalysts.

Excited-State Charge Transfer Coupling from Quasiparticle Energy Density Functional Theory.

The recently developed Quasiparticle Energy (QE) scheme, based on a DFT calculation with one more (or less) electron, offers a good description of excitation energies, even with charge transfer characters. In this work, QE is further extended to calculate electron transfer (ET) couplings involving two excited states. We tested it with a donor-acceptor complex, consisting of a furan and a 1,1-dicyanoethylene (DCNE), in which two low lying charge transfer and local excitation states are involved. With generalized Mülliken-Hush and fragment charge-difference schemes, couplings from the QE approach generally agree well with those obtained from TDDFT, except that QE couplings exhibit better exponential distance dependence. Couplings from half-energy gaps with an external field are also calculated and reported. Our results show that the QE scheme is robust in calculating ET couplings with greatly reduced computational time.

Heterostructure CoSe2/Sb2Se3 nanocrystals embedded into nanocage-in-nanofiber carbon framework for ultralong-life sodium-ion batteries

Transition metal selenides are considered as one of the most promising anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) on account of their high theoretical specific capacity. However, the poor conductivity, sluggish kinetics and volume expansion during the (de)sodiation process hinder its application. Herein, a novel heterostructure of CoSe2/Sb2Se3 nanocrystals embedded into nanocage-in-nanofiber carbon framework is designed and constructed via electrospinning, carbonization, ion exchange and selenization processes. In this structure, bimetallic selenide heterostructure accelerates electron/ion transfer kinetics and Na+ adsorption capacity, carbon nanocages structure alleviates the volume expansion and maintains structural integrity during the (de)sodiation process, and carbon nanofibers connect the nanocages in series to shorten the electron transmission path and enhance electrical conductivity. As a self-supporting anode for SIBs, as-synthesized CoSe2/Sb2Se3@C@CNF shows a high reversible capacity of 406 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 after 200 cycles and displays excellent rate capability. More remarkably, the CoSe2/Sb2Se3@C@CNF anode manifests an outstanding cycling stability for over 2000 and 12,000 cycles at 1 and 5 A g-1, with the capacity retention being 97 % and 103 % respectively. Meanwhile, the excellent sodium storage performance is revealed by kinetic analysis, energy level analysis and density functional theory calculations.

Gas adsorption and framework flexibility of CALF-20 explored via experiments and simulations

In 2021, Svante, in collaboration with BASF, reported successful scale up of CALF-20 production, a stable MOF with high capacity for post-combustion CO2 capture which exhibits remarkable stability towards water. CALF-20’s success story in the MOF commercialisation space provides new thinking about appropriate structural and adsorptive metrics important for CO2 capture. Here, we combine atomistic-level simulations with experiments to study adsorptive properties of CALF-20 and shed light on its flexible crystal structure. We compare measured and predicted CO2 and water adsorption isotherms and explain the role of water-framework interactions and hydrogen bonding networks in CALF-20’s hydrophobic behaviour. Furthermore, regular and enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations are performed with both density-functional theory (DFT) and machine learning potentials (MLPs) trained to DFT energies and forces. From these simulations, the effects of adsorption-induced flexibility in CALF-20 are uncovered. We envisage this work would encourage development of other MOF materials useful for CO2 capture applications in humid conditions.

The atomic configuration and metallic state of extrinsic defects in Nb-doped BiFeO3 thin films

Defects in ferroelectric materials can cause microscopic strain and electron doping, which opens up new possibilities for unique physical properties in nanoelectronics. However, comprehending the relationship between these deep-buried defect configurations and the resulting physical properties is a long-term challenge. Here, utilizing the integrated differential phase imaging technique equipped in scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we show the full element-resolved atomic configuration of characteristic extrinsic defects in Nb-doped epitaxial BiFeO3 thin films. Atomic-resolution characterization reveals that the Nb doping substitutes Fe at the center of an oxygen octahedron and creates Fe vacancies near the defect core, leading to the formation of one perovskite cell-wide BiNbO3 chain that is expanded by 19 % in perovskite cell volume and rotated by 45° relative to the matrix lattice. Further quantitative analysis of the defect demonstrates that the ferroelectric polarization distribution around the dopant-induced defects displays a “head-to-head” configuration, indicating the accumulation of negative charges. Supported by electron energy loss spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations, the linear defect leads to one-dimensional metallic channels embedded within the ferroelectric BiFeO3 matrix. These atomic-scale findings establish the structure-functionality relationship of extrinsic defect in Nb-doped BiFeO3 thin films, providing new insight into their fundamental understanding and potential use in low-dimensional nanoelectronics devices.

Bond-selective effect for the dissociative chemisorption of HOD on the Ni(100) surface revealed at the full-dimensional quantum dynamical level.

We present a comprehensive investigation into the dissociative chemisorption of HOD on a rigid Ni(100) surface using an approximate full-dimensional (9D) quantum dynamics approach, which was based on the time-dependent wave-packet calculations on a full-dimensional potential energy surface obtained through neural network fitting to density functional theory energy points. The approximate-9D probabilities were computed by averaging the seven-dimensional (7D) site-specific dissociation probabilities across six impact sites with appropriate relative weights. Our results uncover a distinctive bond-selective effect, demonstrating that the vibrational excitation of a specific bond substantially enhances the cleavage of that excited bond. The product branching ratios are substantially influenced by which bond undergoes excitation, exhibiting a clear preference for the product formed through the cleavage of the excited bond over the alternative product.

Comparative study of alpha scattering from various nuclei at 130 MeV: Microscopic potentials and coupled channel calculations

The angular distributions of the elastic and inelastic scattering cross sections of alpha projectiles on different heavy ion target nuclei including 12C, 16O, 24Mg, 28Si and 40Ca at energy of 130 MeV have been studied using two different microscopic real potentials generated by the energy density functional (EDF) theory, and single folding cluster model as well as phenomenological Woods-Saxon potentials. A new parameterization was considered for the first time by EDF and to make the normalization coefficient tend to unity, it is necessary to consider correction to the calculated real potential. Coupled channel calculations for various low-lying states were performed, and the best fit values for the deformation length with the above models were extracted by fitting the inelastic scattering cross section and compared to previous work values. The total reaction cross section, as well as the real and imaginary volume integrals, have been studied.

Unraveling the Tandem Effect of Nitrogen Configuration Promoting Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Alkaline Seawater

AbstractDeveloping seawater‐based high‐performance oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts is meaningful to renewable energy storage and conversion, and the Fe‐based derivatives encapsulated by nitrogen (N) doped carbon are the typical representative. Nevertheless, unrevealing the mechanism of N configuration to ORR activity and chlorine resistance is still a great challenge. In this work, a feasible strategy is developed to prepare controllable pyridinic/pyrrolic‐N doped carbon‐coated Fe‐based electrocatalysts (FexN‐NC). Drawing support from the H3PO4 blocking based in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) test and density‐functional theory (DFT) calculation, the tandem effect of pyridinic‐N and pyrrolic‐N on ORR is proved. Additionally, the low hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) yield and 4e− pathway of FexN‐NC demonstrate that N doping effectively reduces the adsorption of Cl−, which is consistent with the low Cl− adsorption energy of DFT. The half‐wave potential (E1/2) of FexN‐NC for ORR reaches 0.874 V in alkaline seawater, and ZABs assembled with FexN‐NC as the air cathode deliver a remarkable power density (162 mW cm−2), along with excellent long‐term durability (&gt;400 h).

Global properties of nuclei at finite-temperature within the covariant energy density functional theory

Global properties of nuclei at finite-temperature within the covariant energy density functional theory