Experimental X-ray Absorption Spectra Research Articles

Predicting the X-ray Absorption Spectrum of Ozone with Single Configuration State Functions.

X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of biradicaloid species are often thought to represent a challenge to theoretical methods. This has led to the testing of recently developed multireference techniques on the XAS of ozone, but reproduction of the experimental spectral profile has proven difficult. We utilize a minimal model consisting of a single configuration state function (CSF) per excited state to model core-level excitations of ozone, with the orbitals of each CSF optimized using the restricted open-shell Kohn-Sham (ROKS) method. This protocol leads to semiquantitative agreement with experimental XAS. In fact, we find that low-lying core-hole excited states in biradicaloids can be approximated with individual CSFs, despite the presence of multireference character in the ground state. We also report that the 1s → π* and 1s → σ* transitions have quite distinct widths for O3. This reveals the importance of sampling over a representative range of geometries from the vibrational ground state for properly assessing the accuracy of electronic structure methods against experiments instead of the popular procedure of uniformly broadening stick spectra at the equilibrium geometry.

Core-Excited States and X-ray Absorption Spectra from Multireference Algebraic Diagrammatic Construction Theory.

We report the development and benchmark of multireference algebraic diagrammatic construction theory (MR-ADC) for the simulations of core-excited states and X-ray absorption spectra (XAS). Our work features an implementation that incorporates core-valence separation into the strict and extended second-order MR-ADC approximations (MR-ADC(2) and MR-ADC(2)-X), providing efficient access to high-energy excited states without including inner-shell orbitals in the active space. Benchmark results on a set of small molecules indicate that at equilibrium geometries, the accuracy of MR-ADC is similar to that of single-reference ADC theory when static correlation effects are not important. In this case, MR-ADC(2)-X performs similarly to single- and multireference coupled cluster methods in reproducing the experimental XAS peak spacings. We demonstrate the potential of MR-ADC for chemical systems with multiconfigurational electronic structure by calculating the K-edge XAS spectrum of the ozone molecule with a multireference character in its ground electronic state and the dissociation curve of core-excited molecular nitrogen. For ozone, the MR-ADC results agree well with the data from experimental and previous multireference studies of ozone XAS, in contrast to the results of single-reference methods, which underestimate relative peak energies and intensities. The MR-ADC methods also predict the correct shape of the core-excited nitrogen potential energy curve, and are in good agreement with accurate calculations using driven similarity renormalization group approaches. These findings suggest that MR-ADC(2) and MR-ADC(2)-X are promising methods for the XAS simulations of multireference systems and pave the way for their efficient computer implementation and applications.

Gas-liquid interface influencing electronic structure of phenol based on molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The study of atomic-scale molecular properties is vital for understanding mass transfer mechanisms and chemical reactions at the gas-liquid interface of plasma in contact with liquid. In this study, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations based on density functional theory to investigate the influences of the gas-liquid interface on the electronic structure of phenol. The probability distribution of the polar angles of phenol at the gas-liquid interface indicated that the OH group preferred to remain in the liquid phase, contrary to the aromatic ring that preferred to remain in the gaseous phase. The geometric configurations at various polar angles were extracted based on the probability distribution to evaluate the inner-shell X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of phenol. Moreover, the chemical shifts of all carbon and oxygen atoms were obtained for the atomic-selected merit of XAS. As compared to the gaseous phase, the first transition energies from the O(1s) transition of phenol at the gas-liquid interface decreased by approximately 0.6380 ± 0.3273 eV. Furthermore, the gas-liquid interface disassociated the plane symmetric Cs group and significantly altered the oscillator strengths, thus converting forbidden transition to allowed transition. The data obtained in this study provide insightful guidance for interpreting the experimental XAS and influences of the gas-liquid interface on the molecular electronic structure of phenol.

Oxygen vacancy induced site-selective Mott transition in LaNiO3

While defects such as oxygen vacancies in correlated materials can modify their electronic properties dramatically, understanding the microscopic origin of electronic correlations in materials with defects has been elusive. Lanthanum nickelate with oxygen vacancies, LaNiO$_{3-x}$, exhibits the metal-to-insulator transition as the oxygen vacancy level $x$ increases from the stoichiometric LaNiO$_3$. In particular, LaNiO$_{2.5}$ exhibits a paramagnetic insulating phase, also stabilizing an antiferromagnetic state below $T_N\simeq152$K. Here, we study the electronic structure and energetics of LaNiO$_{3-x}$ using first-principles. We find that LaNiO$_{2.5}$ stabilizes a vacancy-ordered structure with an insulating ground state and the nature of the insulating phase is a "site-selective" paramagnetic Mott state as obtained using density functional theory plus dynamical mean field theory (DFT+DMFT). The Ni octahedron site develops a Mott insulating state with strong correlations as the Ni $e_g$ orbital is half-filled while the Ni square-planar site with apical oxygen vacancies becomes a band insulator. Our oxygen vacancy results can not be explained by the pure change of the Ni oxidation state alone within the rigid band shift approximation. Our DFT+DMFT density of states explains that the peak splitting of unoccupied states in LaNiO$_{3-x}$ measured by the experimental X-ray absorption spectra originates from two nonequivalent Ni ions in the vacancy-ordered structure.

Electronic structure and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism in ferroelectric CaMnTi2O6

We study the electronic and magnetic properties of ferroelectric ${\mathrm{CaMnTi}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{6}$ within density functional theory using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) with the consideration of strong Coulomb correlations $(\mathrm{GGA}+U)$ in the framework of the fully relativistic spin-polarized Dirac linear muffin-tin orbital band structure method. The x-ray absorption spectra (XAS) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) at the Mn, Ti ${L}_{2,3}$, and O $K$ edges have been investigated theoretically. The calculated results are in good agreement with experimental data. The core-hole effect in the final state as well as the effect of the electric quadrupole ${E}_{2}$ and magnetic dipole ${M}_{1}$ transitions have been investigated. The core-hole effect has improved the agreement with the experimental XAS and XMCD spectra at the Ti and Mn ${L}_{2,3}$ edges.

First-Principles Study of Na-Ion Battery Performance and Reaction Mechanism of Tin Sulfide as Negative Electrode.

We study the Na-ion battery characteristics of SnS as a negative electrode by first-principles calculations. From energy analyses, we clarify the discharge reaction process of the Na/SnS half-cell system. We show a phase diagram of Na-Sn-S ternary systems by constructing convex-hull curves, and show a possible reaction route considering intermediate products in discharge reactions. Voltage-capacity curves are calculated based on the Na-SnS reaction path that is obtained from the ternary phase diagram. It is found that the conversion reactions and subsequently the alloying reactions proceed in the SnS electrode, contributing to its high capacity compared with the metallic Sn electrode, in which only the alloying reactions progresses stepwise. To verify the calculated reaction process, x-ray absorption spectra (XAS) are calculated and compared with experimental XAS at S K-edge, showing meaningful XAS changes associated with Na2 S and SnS in discharged and charged states, respectively.

Analysis of the Local Atomic Structure of the MIL-88а Metal–Organic Framework by Computer Simulation Using XANES Data

Experimental X-ray absorption spectra near the Fe K edge for as-synthesized MIL-88а metal–organic framework (MIL stands for Materials Institute Lavoisier) before and after activation have been obtained and analyzed for the first time. The theoretical analysis of experimental spectra has revealed changes in the local atomic structure of iron at the desorption of water from pores of the studied material in the process of activation.

Electronic structure and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism in the Ni-Mn-Ga Heusler alloys

The electronic structure and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectra of the Ni2MnGa and Cu doped Ni2MnGa Heusler alloys were investigated theoretically from first principles, using the fully relativistic Dirac linear MT-orbital (LMTO) band structure method. Densities of valence states, orbital and spin magnetic moments are analyzed and discussed. The electronic and magnetic structure of Ni-Mn-Ga Heusler alloys were investigated for the cubic austenitic and modulated 7M-like incommensurate martensitic phases. The X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) and XMCD at the Mn, Ni, Ga, and Cu L2,3, and Mn, Ni, and Ga K edges were investigated theoretically from first principles. The origin of the XMCD spectra in the Ni2MnGa compound is examined. The ab initio calculations reproduce well experimental XAS and XMCD spectra. The XAS at the Mn L2,3 edges remains mostly unchanged through martensitic phase transition. A fingerprint of the martensitic phase transition has been found in the Ni L2,3 XAS spectra. The experimental Ni L3 XAS has a pronounced shoulder at the L3 peak at around 853 eV. This peak is nearly suppressed in the martensitic state in comparison with the austenitic phase due to the lifting of the degeneracy in the Ni 3d related unoccupied electronic states. The XMCD of the martensitic phase is increased compared to the XMCD of the austenite phase at the Ni and Mn L2,3 edges.

Tracking the Structural and Electronic Configurations of a Cobalt Proton Reduction Catalyst in Water.

X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy (X-TAS) has been used to study the light-induced hydrogen evolution reaction catalyzed by a tetradentate macrocyclic cobalt complex with the formula [LCo(III)Cl2](+) (L = macrocyclic ligand), [Ru(bpy)3](2+) photosensitizer, and an equimolar mixture of sodium ascorbate/ascorbic acid electron donor in pure water. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis of a binary mixture of the octahedral Co(III) precatalyst and [Ru(bpy)3](2+) after illumination revealed in situ formation of a Co(II) intermediate with significantly distorted geometry and electron-transfer kinetics of 51 ns. On the other hand, X-TAS experiments of the complete photocatalytic system in the presence of the electron donor showed the formation of a square planar Co(I) intermediate species within a few nanoseconds, followed by its decay in the microsecond time scale. The Co(I) structural assignment is supported by calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). At longer reaction times, we observe the formation of the initial Co(III) species concomitant to the decay of Co(I), thus closing the catalytic cycle. The experimental X-ray absorption spectra of the molecular species formed along the catalytic cycle are modeled using a combination of molecular orbital DFT calculations (DFT-MO) and finite difference method (FDM). These findings allowed us to assign the full mechanistic pathway, followed by the catalyst as well as to determine the rate-limiting step of the process, which consists in the protonation of the Co(I) species. This study provides a complete kinetics scheme for the hydrogen evolution reaction by a cobalt catalyst, revealing unique information for the development of better catalysts for the reductive side of hydrogen fuel cells.

X-Ray absorption spectra of microsolvated metal cations.

Core excited states in clusters or bulk medium are known to undergo a process of internal ionisation, whereby the excited electron delocalises throughout the medium. This delocalisation is visible in the shifting and broadening of lines in X-ray absorption spectra, and it impacts the electronic decay initiated by photoabsorption. In this paper we study the delocalisation of electrons excited from the 1s core orbital of Na(+) and Mg(2+) ions in microsolvated Na(+)(H2O)m and Mg(2+)(H2O)m clusters (m = 1-6) by computing the X-ray absorption spectra and electron distributions in different core excited states. We show that addition of water ligands to the ion leads to more and more pronounced delocalisation of the core-to-valence 1s → 3p and core-to-Rydberg 1s → 4p excitations. Even for the compact 1s → 3p excitation the excited electron is mostly located on the water molecules when the solvation shell is complete. We also found that the degree of delocalisation strongly depends on the cluster geometry and the ionic charge. These results indicate that even in small microsolvated clusters delocalisation of core excited electrons is substantial and will affect the following electronic decay. The accuracy and transferability of our results are corroborated by the good agreement between our XAS spectra of microsolvated Na(+) and experimental X-ray absorption spectra of dilute NaCl solutions.

X-ray spectra and charge states of cations in nanostructured manganites La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 and Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3

From the analysis of experimental X-ray absorption spectra and the calculation of atomic multiplets it is found that the grinding of powder manganites La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 and Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 in a vibration mill results in the formation of nanocrystallites and a partial transformation of trivalent manganese ions into tetravalent. It is shown that in nanostructured manganite La0.5Ca0.5MnO3 the energy gap between the occupied and unoccupied states is absent. It os found that Mn2+ ions arise in Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 due to more intense deformation during the grinding.

Calculation of the Kramers-Kronig transform of X-ray spectra by a piecewise Laurent polynomial method.

An algorithm is presented for the calculation of the Kramers-Kronig transform of a spectrum via a piecewise Laurent polynomial method. This algorithm is demonstrated to be highly accurate, while also being computationally efficient. The algorithm places no requirements on data point spacing and is capable of integrating across the full spectrum (i.e. from zero to infinity). Further, we present a computer application designed to aid in calculating the Kramers-Kronig transform on near-edge experimental X-ray absorption spectra (extended with atomic scattering factor data) in order to produce the dispersive part of the X-ray refractive index, including near-edge features.

Determination of the local structure in metal-complexes by combining XAS and XES

Nanoscale local atomic structure determines most of unique properties of novel materials without long range order. To study its fine details one has to use both computer nanodesign and advanced experimental methods for nanodiagnostics. The status of modern theoretical analysis of the experimental x-ray absorption spectra to extract structural parameters is presented. Novel in-situ technique for nanodiagnostics - extracting of 3D structure parameters on the basis of advanced quantitative analysis of X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) - has been developed. The possibility to extract information on bond angles and bond-lengths (with accuracy up to 0.002 nm) is demonstrated and it opens new perspectives of quantitative XANES analysis as a 3D local structure probe for any type of materials without long range order in atoms positions (all nanostructured materials and free clusters belong to this class of materials). Even more possibilities are opening by using simultaneously several experimental synchrotron based techniques: XANES and XES and/or RIXS. In the framework of these approaches, the results of recent studies of local atomic structure for several types of nanostructures including nanoclusters with different types of chemical bonding, core-shell nanoneedles and thin films of dilute magnetic semiconductors, 5d-transition metal-organic complexes, Cu1+ and Cu2+ binding sites in amyloid-β peptide, Co aqua complexes in aqueous solution, nanostructured materials for hydrogen storage and nanocatalysts based on zeolites and MOF are reported. Along with the calculations of conventional XANES and XES, we show a possibility to simulate core-to-core and valence-to-core RIXS as well. Molecular orbitals (or DOS) of metal complexes can be directly related to the peaks in XES spectra in RIXS maps. This information is essential for understanding of electronic structure of metal complexes and design of novel materials.

Toward the understanding of the environmental effects on core ionizations.

Experimental X-ray absorption spectra are extensively used to determine electronic structure of small molecules but remain difficult to exploit for proteins due to the large number of peaks within their spectra. For such complex systems, theoretical tools like quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics methodology can greatly ease the assignment of the spectra. This study presents a systematic methodology to evaluate core-ionization energies (E(ion)) in proteins with the help of the asymptotic projection approach (Glushkov and Tsaune, Z. Vichislit. Matem. Mat. Fiz. 1985, 25, 298; Glushkov, Chem. Phys. Lett. 1997, 273, 122; Glushkov, Chem. Phys. Lett. 1998, 287, 189; Glushkov, J. Math. Chem. 2002, 31, 91; Glushkov, Opt. Spectrosc. 2002, 93, 15). An in-depth inspection of E(ion) of systems of increasing complexity is considered, going from amino acids to polyglycine and to glycine in human serum albumin (HSA). Computational analysis can help to better understand experimental data and to discriminate environmental effects by tracing them back to individual and collective electrostatic contributions. In the present work, it was found that E(ion) of alpha carbon of glycine residues in HSA ranges from 285 to 295 eV depending on their surroundings.

Atomic multiplets at theL2,3edge of 3dtransition metals and the ligand K edge in x-ray absorption spectroscopy of ionic systems

Experimental X-ray absorption spectra at the fluorine K and transition metal $L$${}_{2,3}$ absorption edges of the $M$F${}_{2}$ ($M=\text{Cr}$-Ni) family are presented. Ligand field calculations in D${}_{4h}$ symmetry show very good agreement with the transition metal $L$${}_{2,3}$ XAS spectra. To successfully explain nominal Cr${}^{2+}$ $L$${}_{2,3}$ XAS spectrum in CrF${}_{2}$, the inclusion of Cr${}^{+}$ and Cr${}^{3+}$ was needed implying the presence of a disproportionation reaction. The multiplet calculations were then modified to remove the structure of the 2$p$ hole in the calculated $M$ $2p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3d$ absorption spectra. These results for the $3{d}^{n+1}$ states are in one to one correspondence with the leading edge structures found at the fluorine K edge. A direct comparison with the metal $L$${}_{2,3}$ edges also indicates that there is evidence of the metal multiplet at the fluorine K pre-edge structures.

CORE-HOLE EFFECT IN THE Ce L3 X-RAY ABSORPTION SPECTRA OF CeO2 AND CeFe2: NEW EXAMINATION BY USING RESONANT X-RAY EMISSION SPECTROSCOPY

We consider two different resonant X-ray emission spectra for Ce compounds: Ce 3d to 2p X-ray emission (denoted by 3d-RXES) and valence to 2p X-ray emission (v-RXES), both of which follow the Ce 2p to 5d resonant excitation. We propose that the comparison of the 3d- and v-RXES spectra is a new powerful method of directly detecting the core-hole effect in the final state of Ce L 3 X-ray absorption spectra (XAS). We applied this method to recent experimental RXES spectra for CeO 2 and CeFe 2, and showed unambiguously that the core-hole effect should be essential in the XAS of both materials. This result is confirmed by theoretical calculations, which reproduce well the experimental RXES and XAS spectra. We conclude that the ground state of CeO 2 is in the mixed state of 4f0 and [Formula: see text] configurations, where [Formula: see text] is a ligand hole, instead of a pure 4f0 configuration which was proposed recently by first-principles energy band calculations. Also, we conclude that the double peaks observed in L 3 XAS of CeFe 2 are caused by the 4f0 and 4f1 configurations, which are mixed in the ground state but separated in energy by the large core-hole potential in the final state of XAS.

A combined DFT and restricted open-shell configuration interaction method including spin-orbit coupling: Application to transition metal L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy

A novel restricted-open-shell configuration interaction with singles (ROCIS) approach for the calculation of transition metal L-edge X-ray absorption spectra is introduced. In this method, one first calculates the ground state and a number of excited states of the non-relativistic Hamiltonian. By construction, the total spin is a good quantum number in each of these states. For a ground state with total spin S excited states with spin S' = S, S - 1, and S + 1 are constructed. Using Wigner-Eckart algebra, all magnetic sublevels with MS = S,..., -S for each multiplet of spin S are obtained. The spin-orbit operator is represented by a mean-field approximation to the full Breit-Pauli spin-orbit operator and is diagonalized over this N-particle basis. This is equivalent to a quasi-degenerate treatment of the spin-orbit interaction to all orders. Importantly, the excitation space spans all of the molecular multiplets that arise from the atomic Russell-Saunders terms. Hence, the method represents a rigorous first-principles approach to the complicated low-symmetry molecular multiplet problem met in L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In order to gain computational efficiency, as well as additional accuracy, the excitation space is restricted to single excitations and the configuration interaction matrix is slightly parameterized in order to account for dynamic correlation effects in an average way. To this end, it is advantageous to employ Kohn-Sham rather than Hartree-Fock orbitals thus defining the density functional theory∕ROCIS method. However, the method can also be used in an entirely non-empirical fashion. Only three global empirical parameters are introduced and have been determined here for future application of the method to any system containing any transition metal. The three parameters were carefully calibrated using the L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy spectra of a test set of coordination complexes containing first row transition metals. These parameters are universal and transferable. Hence, there are no adjustable parameters that are used to fit experimental X-ray absorption spectra. Thus, the new approach classifies as a predictive first-principles method rather than an analysis tool. A series of calculations on transition metal compounds containing Cu, Ti, Fe, and Ni in various oxidation and spin states is investigated and a detailed comparison to experimental data is reported. In most cases, the approach yields good to excellent agreement with experiment. In addition, the origin of the observed spectral features is discussed in terms of the electronic structure of the investigated compounds.

Identification of 13- and 14-Coordinated Structures of First Hydrated Shell of [AuCl4]− Acid Aqueous Solution by Combination of MD and XANES

Molecular dynamics simulations combined with multiple scatting X-ray absorption spectral calculations have been employed to study the local geometry of an [AuCl4](-) cluster in acid aqueous solution. It is found that the previously assumed simple octahedral structure with two H atoms located in the axial position of the [AuCl4](-) plane fails to correctly reproduce the experimental X-ray absorption spectra. Molecular dynamics simulations have revealed a very complicated first hydrated water shell that mainly consists of 13 or 14 ligand water molecules. In general, the first hydrated water molecules are located in two orthogonal quasi-elliptic surfaces around [AuCl4](-) cluster. The water molecules' configuration in the first hydrated shell is further confirmed by the X-ray absorption spectral analysis, which gives a good agreement with the experiment when the 13-hydrated and 14-hydrated complexes are evenly mixed. It shows the power of the combined molecular dynamics simulations and spectra calculations in determining the local structure of molecular ligands around the metal center.

2p x-ray absorption of iron-phthalocyanine

3d transition metal ions, like Fe(II) in a planar organic environment are subject to the details of the ligand coordination. In this study the 3d orbital splitting in planar D4h symmetry is investigated for Fe(II) using the charge transfer multiplet program. By variation of the 10Dq, Ds and Dt crystal field parameters, the 3d orbitals split differently giving rise to different spin multiplicity. The relative occupations of the 3d orbitals yield a range of ground states. Experimental x-ray absorption spectra of FePc powder are compared with theoretical simulations, resulting in the spin ground state of the Fe(II) ion being 3E.

Small copper clusters: Study of the local atomic and electronic structure by the XANES and DFT methods

The Cu L3 edge X-ray absorption spectra of free Cun clusters containing 5–15 atoms were obtained for the first time. It is shown that the geometry of small clusters, including the bond length and bond angle, can be studied by analyzing the X-ray absorption spectra. The experimental X-ray absorption spectra of Cu13 clusters were theoretically interpreted using the self-consistent method of full multiple scattering, the finite difference method in the muffin-tin potential approximation, and the full potential method for the icosahedral cluster structure. Good agreement between the theoretical and experimental spectra is achieved for the calculation in the full potential approximation.