Theoretical Investigation of the Lattice Thermal Conductivities of II-IV-V2 Pnictide Semiconductors.

Ternary pnictide semiconductors with II-IV-V2 stoichiometry hold potential as cost-effective thermoelectric materials with suitable electronic transport properties, but their lattice thermal conductivities (κ) are typically too high. Insights into their vibrational properties are therefore crucial to finding strategies to reduce κ and achieve improved thermoelectric performance. We present a theoretical exploration of the lattice thermal conductivities for a set of pnictide semiconductors with ABX2 composition (A = Zn, Cd; B = Si, Ge, Sn; and X = P, As) using machine-learning-based regression algorithms to extract force constants from a reduced number of density functional theory simulations and then solving the Boltzmann transport equation for phonons. Our results align well with available experimental data, decreasing the mean absolute error by ∼3 W m-1 K-1 with respect to the best previous set of theoretical predictions. Zn-based ternary pnictides have, on average, more than double the thermal conductivity of the Cd-based compounds. Anisotropic behavior increases with the mass difference between A and B cations, but while the nature of the anion does not affect the structural anisotropy, the thermal conductivity anisotropy is typically higher for arsenides than for phosphides. We identify compounds such as CdGeAs2, for which nanostructuring to an affordable range of particle sizes could lead to κ values low enough for thermoelectric applications.

Anion-Dependent Strength Scale of Interactions in Ionic Liquids from X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics, and Density Functional Theory.

Using a combination of experiments and calculations, we have gained new insights into the nature of anion-cation interactions in ionic liquids (ILs). An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)-derived anion-dependent electrostatic interaction strength scale, determined using XPS core-level binding energies for IL cations, is presented here for 39 different anions, with at least 18 new anions included. Linear correlations of experimental XPS core-level binding energies for IL cations with (a) calculated core binding energies (ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations were used to generate high-quality model IL structures followed by single-point density functional theory (DFT) to obtain calculated core binding energies), (b) experimental XPS core-level binding energies for IL anions, and (c) other anion-dependent interaction strength scales led to three main conclusions. First, the effect of different anions on the cation can be related to ground-state interactions. Second, the variations of anion-dependent interactions with the identity of the anion are best rationalized in terms of electrostatic interactions and not occupied valence state/unoccupied valence state interactions or polarizability-driven interactions. Therefore, the XPS-derived anion-dependent interaction strength scale can be explained using a simple electrostatic model based on electrostatic site potentials. Third, anion-probe interactions, irrespective of the identity of the probe, are primarily electrostatic, meaning that our electrostatic interaction strength scale captures some inherent, intrinsic property of anions independent of the probe used to measure the interaction strength scale.

Probing the thermal resistance of solid-liquid interfaces in nanofluids with molecular dynamics.

The significance of interfacial thermal resistance in the thermal conductivity of nanofluids is not well understood, in part because of the absence of measurements of this quantity. Here, we study the interfacial thermal resistance for metal-oil nanofluids of interest as heat transfer fluids for concentrating solar power, using density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations. Insights on the role of chemical interactions in determining the interfacial thermal resistance are revealed. The results presented here showcase a general picture in which the stronger the chemical interactions between species at the interface, the lower the associated interfacial thermal resistance. The implications toward nanofluid design are discussed. We show that, for this important family of metal-oil nanofluids, the interfacial thermal resistance values are low enough so that it is possible to afford a reduction in particle size, minimizing stability and rheological issues while still offering enhancement in the effective thermal conductivity with respect to the base fluid.

Hydrogen Bonds in Lead Halide Perovskites: Insights from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics.

Hydrogen bonds (HBs) play an important role in the rotational dynamics of organic cations in hybrid organic/inorganic halide perovskites, thus affecting the structural and electronic properties of the perovskites. However, the properties and even the existence of HBs in these perovskites are not well established. In this study, we investigate HBs in perovskites MAPbBr3 (MA+ = CH3NH3+), FAPbI3 (FA+ = CH(NH2)2+), and their solid solution with composition (FAPbI3)7/8(MAPbBr3)1/8, using ab initio molecular dynamics and electronic structure calculations. We consider HBs donated by X-H fragments (X = N and C) of the organic cations and accepted by the halides (Y = Br and I) and characterize their properties based on pair distribution functions and on a combined distribution function of the hydrogen-acceptor distance with the donor-hydrogen-acceptor angle. By analyzing these functions, we establish geometrical criteria for HB existence based on the hydrogen-acceptor (H-Y) distance and donor-hydrogen-acceptor angle (X-H-Y). The distance condition is defined as d(H - Y) < 3 Å for N-H-donated HBs and d(H - Y) < 4 Å for C-H-donated HBs. The angular condition is 135° < (X - H - Y) < 180° for both types of HBs. A HB is considered to be formed when both angular and distance conditions are simultaneously satisfied. At the simulated temperature (350 K), the HBs dynamically break and form. We compute the time correlation functions of HB existence and HB lifetimes, which range between 0.1 and 0.3 ps at that temperature. The analysis of HB lifetimes indicates that N-H-Br bonds are relatively stronger than N-H-I bonds, while C-H-Y bonds are weaker, with a minimal influence from the halide and cation. To evaluate the impact of HBs on the vibrational spectra, we present the power spectrum in the region of N-H and C-H stretching modes, comparing them with the normal mode frequencies of isolated cations. We show that the peaks associated with N-H stretching modes in perovskites are redshifted and asymmetrically deformed, while the C-H peaks do not exhibit these effects.

Thermodynamic analysis of the interaction between metal vacancies and hydrogen in bulk Cu.

Using grand canonical thermodynamic analysis with inputs from DFT calculations we calculated equilibrium molar fractions of copper vacancies (VCu), H interstitials (Hi) and their complexes in bulk Cu in a wide range of temperature and hydrogen pressure values. The results show that the equilibrium molar fractions of both VCu and Hi are low in most conditions of interest, in good agreement with available experimental data. Although Hi-VCu complexes have significantly lower formation energies than the isolated defects, the low molar fraction of H is predicted to have little impact on the rise in vacancy molar fraction for external hydrogen pressures below 100 bar. Only at relatively high hydrogen pressures exceeding 10 kbar in the presence of Cu vacancies, the H molar fraction was found to reach the same order of magnitude as the molar fraction of vacancies. These results put thermodynamic limits on the hydrogen-induced vacancy clustering and void formation in bulk Cu.

Understanding X-ray Photoelectron Spectra of Ionic Liquids: Experiments and Simulations of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Thiocyanate.

We demonstrate a combined experimental and computational approach to probe the electronic structure and atomic environment of an ionic liquid, based on core level binding energies. The 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium thiocyanate [C4C1Im][SCN] ionic liquid was studied using ab initio molecular dynamics, and results were compared against previously published and new experimental X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data. The long-held assumption that initial-state effects in XPS dominate the measured binding energies is proven correct, which validates the established premise that the ground state electronic structure of the ionic liquid can be inferred directly from XPS measurements. A regression model based upon site electrostatic potentials and intramolecular bond lengths is shown to account accurately for variations in core-level binding energies within the ionic liquid, demonstrating the important effect of long-range interactions on the core levels and throwing into question the validity of traditional single ion pair ionic liquid calculations for interpreting XPS data.

Tin-Substituted Chalcopyrite: An n-Type Sulfide with Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance.

The dearth of n-type sulfides with thermoelectric performance comparable to that of their p-type analogues presents a problem in the fabrication of all-sulfide devices. Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) offers a rare example of an n-type sulfide. Chemical substitution has been used to enhance the thermoelectric performance of chalcopyrite through preparation of Cu1-x Sn x FeS2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1). Substitution induces a high level of mass and strain field fluctuation, leading to lattice softening and enhanced point-defect scattering. Together with dislocations and twinning identified by transmission electron microscopy, this provides a mechanism for scattering phonons with a wide range of mean free paths. Substituted materials retain a large density-of-states effective mass and, hence, a high Seebeck coefficient. Combined with a high charge-carrier mobility and, thus, high electrical conductivity, a 3-fold improvement in power factor is achieved. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that substitution leads to the creation of small polarons, involving localized Fe2+ states, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Small polaron formation limits the increase in carrier concentration to values that are lower than expected on electron-counting grounds. An improved power factor, coupled with substantial reductions (up to 40%) in lattice thermal conductivity, increases the maximum figure-of-merit by 300%, to zT ≈ 0.3 at 673 K for Cu0.96Sn0.04FeS2.

Tilt and shift polymorphism in molecular perovskites.

Molecular perovskites, i.e. ABX3 coordination polymers with a perovskite structure, are a chemically diverse material platform for studying fundamental and applied materials properties such as barocalorics and improper ferroelectrics. Compared to inorganic perovskites, the use of molecular ions on the A- and X-site of molecular perovskites leads to new geometric and structural degrees of freedom. In this work we introduce the concept of tilt and shift polymorphism, categorising irreversible perovskite-to-perovskite phase transitions in molecular perovskites. As a model example we study the new molecular perovskite series [(nPr)3(CH3)N]M(C2N3)3 with M = Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and nPr = n-propyl, where different polymorphs crystallise in the perovskite structure but with different tilt systems depending on the synthetic conditions. Tilt and shift polymorphism is a direct ramification of the use of molecular building units in molecular perovskites and as such is unknown for inorganic perovskites. Given the role of polymorphism in materials science, medicine and mineralogy, and more generally the relation between physicochemical properties and structure, the concept introduced herein represents an important step in classifying the crystal chemistry of molecular perovskites and in maturing the field.

Sulfate and Molybdate Incorporation at the Calcite-Water Interface: Insights from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics.

Sulfur and molybdenum trace impurities in speleothems (stalagmites and stalactites) can provide long and continuous records of volcanic activity, which are important for past climatic and environmental reconstructions. However, the chemistry governing the incorporation of the trace element-bearing species into the calcium carbonate phases forming speleothems is not well understood. Our previous work has shown that substitution of tetrahedral oxyanions [XO4]2- (X = S and Mo) replacing [CO3]2- in CaCO3 bulk phases (except perhaps for vaterite) is thermodynamically unfavorable with respect to the formation of competing phases, due to the larger size and different shape of the [XO4]2- tetrahedral anions in comparison with the flat [CO3]2- anions, which implied that most of the incorporation would happen at the surface rather than at the bulk of the mineral. Here, we present an ab initio molecular dynamics study, exploring the incorporation of these impurities at the mineral-water interface. We show that the oxyanion substitution at the aqueous calcite (10.4) surface is clearly favored over bulk incorporation, due to the lower structural strain on the calcium carbonate solid. Incorporation at surface step sites is even more favorable for both oxyanions, thanks to the additional interface space afforded by the surface line defect to accommodate the tetrahedral anion. Differences between sulfate and molybdate substitutions can be mostly explained by the size of the anions. The molybdate oxyanion is more difficult to incorporate in the calcite bulk than the smaller sulfate oxyanion. However, when molybdate is substituted at the surface, the elastic cost is avoided because the oxyanion protrudes out of the surface and gains stability via the interaction with water at the interface, which in balance results in more favorable surface substitution for molybdate than for sulfate. The detailed molecular-level insights provided by our calculations will be useful to understand the chemical basis of S- and Mo-based speleothem records.

Bandgap Engineering in the Configurational Space of Solid Solutions via Machine Learning: (Mg,Zn)O Case Study.

Computer simulations of alloys' properties often require calculations in a large space of configurations in a supercell of the crystal structure. A common approach is to map density functional theory results into a simplified interaction model using so-called cluster expansions, which are linear on the cluster correlation functions. Alternative descriptors have not been sufficiently explored so far. We show here that a simple descriptor based on the Coulomb matrix eigenspectrum clearly outperforms the cluster expansion for both total energy and bandgap energy predictions in the configurational space of a MgO-ZnO solid solution, a prototypical oxide alloy for bandgap engineering. Bandgap predictions can be further improved by introducing non-linearity via gradient-boosted decision trees or neural networks based on the Coulomb matrix descriptor.

Polaron-Adsorbate Coupling at the TiO2(110)-Carboxylate Interface.

Understanding how adsorbates influence polaron behavior is of fundamental importance in describing the catalytic properties of TiO2. Carboxylic acids adsorb readily at TiO2 surfaces, yet their influence on polaronic states is unknown. Using UV photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), two-photon photoemission spectroscopy (2PPE), and density functional theory (DFT) we show that dissociative adsorption of formic and acetic acids has profound, yet different, effects on the surface density, crystal field, and photoexcitation of polarons in rutile TiO2(110). We also show that these variations are governed by the contrasting electrostatic properties of the acids, which impacts the extent of polaron-adsorbate coupling. The density of polarons in the surface region increases more in formate-terminated TiO2(110) relative to acetate. Consequently, increased coupling gives rise to new photoexcitation channels via states 3.83 eV above the Fermi level. The onset of this process is 3.45 eV, likely adding to the catalytic photoyield.

Linking in situ charge accumulation to electronic structure in doped SrTiO3 reveals design principles for hydrogen-evolving photocatalysts.

Recently, high solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies were demonstrated using La and Rh co-doped SrTiO3 (La,Rh:SrTiO3) incorporated into a low-cost and scalable Z-scheme device, known as a photocatalyst sheet. However, the unique properties that enable La,Rh:SrTiO3 to support this impressive performance are not fully understood. Combining in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements with density functional theory and photoelectron spectroscopy produces a depletion model of Rh:SrTiO3 and La,Rh:SrTiO3 photocatalyst sheets. This reveals remarkable properties, such as deep flatband potentials (+2 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode) and a Rh oxidation state dependent reorganization of the electronic structure, involving the loss of a vacant Rh 4d mid-gap state. This reorganization enables Rh:SrTiO3 to be reduced by co-doping without compromising the p-type character. In situ time-resolved spectroscopies show that the electronic structure reorganization induced by Rh reduction controls the electron lifetime in photocatalyst sheets. In Rh:SrTiO3, enhanced lifetimes can only be obtained at negative applied potentials, where the complete Z-scheme operates inefficiently. La co-doping fixes Rh in the 3+ state, which results in long-lived photogenerated electrons even at very positive potentials (+1 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode), in which both components of the complete device operate effectively. This understanding of the role of co-dopants provides a new insight into the design principles for water-splitting devices based on bandgap-engineered metal oxides.

Adsorption of Aspartic Acid on Ni{100}: A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study.

Understanding the interaction of amino acids with metal surfaces is essential for the rational design of chiral modifiers able to confer enantioselectivity to metal catalysts. Here, we present an investigation of the adsorption of aspartic acid (Asp) on the Ni{100} surface, using a combination of synchrotron X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure, and density functional theory simulations. Based on the combined analysis of the experimental and simulated data, we can identify the dominant mode of adsorption as a pentadentate configuration with three O atoms at the bridge sites of the surfaces, and the remaining oxygen atom and the amino nitrogen are located on atop sites. From temperature-programmed XPS measurements, it was found that Asp starts decomposing above 400 K, which is significantly higher than typical decomposition temperatures of smaller organic molecules on Ni surfaces. Our results offer valuable insights into understanding the role of Asp as a chiral modifier of nickel catalyst surfaces in enantioselective hydrogenation reactions.

Novel WS2-Based Nanofluids for Concentrating Solar Power: Performance Characterization and Molecular-Level Insights.

Nano-colloidal suspensions of nanomaterials in a fluid, nanofluids, are appealing because of their interesting properties related to heat transfer processes. While nanomaterials based on transition metal chalcogenides (TMCs) have been widely studied in catalysis, sensing, and energy storage applications, there are few studies of nanofluids based on TMCs for heat transfer applications. In this study, the preparation and analysis of nanofluids based on 2D-WS2 in a typical heat transfer fluid (HTF) used in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants are reported. Nanofluids prepared using an exfoliation process exhibited well-defined nanosheets and were highly stable. The nanofluids were characterized in terms of properties related to their application in CSP. The presence of WS2 nanosheets did not modify significantly the surface tension, the viscosity, or the isobaric specific heat, but the thermal conductivity was improved by up to 30%. The Ur factor, which characterizes the thermal efficiency of the fluid in the solar collector, shows an enhancement of up to 22% in the nanofluid, demonstrating great promise for CSP applications. The Reynolds number and friction factor of the fluid were not significantly modified by the addition of the nanomaterial to the HTF, which is also positive for practical applications in CSP plants. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of the nanoparticle/fluid interface showed an irreversible dissociative adsorption of diphenyl oxide molecules on the WS2 edge, with very low kinetic barrier. The resulting "decoration" of the WS2 edge dramatically affects the nature of the interface interactions and is therefore expected to affect significantly the rheological and transport properties of the nanofluids.

Single-site binding of pyrene to poly(ester-imide)s incorporating long spacer-units: prediction of NMR resonance-patterns from a fractal model.

Co-polycondensation of the diimide-based diols N,N'-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)hexafluoroisopropylidene-diphthalimide, (HFDI), and N,N'-bis(2-hydroxy-ethyl)naphthalene-1,4,5,8-tetracarboxylic-diimide, (NDI), with aliphatic diacyl chlorides ClOC(CH2) x COCl (x = 5 to 8) affords linear copoly(ester-imide)s. Such copolymers interact with pyrene via supramolecular binding of the polycyclic aromatic at NDI residues. This interaction results in upfield complexation shifts and sequence-related splittings of the NDI 1H NMR resonances, but gives a very different final resonance-pattern from the copolymer where x = 2. Computational modelling of the polymer with x = 5 suggests that each pyrene molecule binds to just a single NDI residue rather than by intercalation between a pair of NDI's at a tight chain-fold, as was found for x = 2. The new single-site binding model enables the pattern of 1H NMR resonances for copolymers with longer spacers (x = 5 to 8) to be reproduced and assigned by simulation from sequence-specific shielding factors based on a type of fractal known as the last-fraction Cantor set. As this type of fractal also enables an understanding of pairwise binding systems, it evidently provides a general numerical framework for supramolecular sequence-analysis in binary copolymers.

The closed-edge structure of graphite and the effect of electrostatic charging.

The properties of graphite, and of few-layer graphene, can be strongly influenced by the edge structure of the graphene planes, but there is still much that we do not understand about the geometry and stability of these edges. We present an experimental and theoretical study of the closed edges of graphite crystals, and of the effect of an electric field on their structure. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy is used to image the edge structure of fresh graphite and of graphite that has been exposed to an electric field, which experiences a separation of the graphene layers. Computer simulations based on density functional theory are used to rationalise and quantify the preference for the formation of multiple concentric loops at the edges. A model is also presented to explain how the application of an electric field leads to the separation of the folded edges.

Ensemble-Based Modeling of the NMR Spectra of Solid Solutions: Cation Disorder in Y2(Sn,Ti)2O7.

The sensitivity of NMR to the local environment, without the need for any long-range order, makes it an ideal tool for the characterization of disordered materials. Computational prediction of NMR parameters can be of considerable help in the interpretation and assignment of NMR spectra of solids, but the statistical representation of all possible chemical environments for a solid solution is challenging. Here, we illustrate the use of a symmetry-adapted configurational ensemble in the simulation of NMR spectra, in combination with solid-state NMR experiments. We show that for interpretation of the complex and overlapped lineshapes that are typically observed, it is important to go beyond a single-configuration representation or a simple enumeration of local environments. The ensemble method leads to excellent agreement between simulated and experimental spectra for Y2(Sn,Ti)2O7 pyrochlore ceramics, where the overlap of signals from different local environments prevents a simple decomposition of the experimental spectral lineshapes. The inclusion of a Boltzmann weighting confirms that the best agreement with experiment is obtained at higher temperatures, in the limit of full disorder. We also show that to improve agreement with experiment, in particular at low dopant concentrations, larger supercells are needed, which might require alternative simulation approaches as the complexity of the system increases. It is clear that ensemble-based modeling approaches in conjunction with NMR spectroscopy offer great potential for understanding configurational disorder, ultimately aiding the future design of functional materials.

Understanding the origin of disorder in kesterite-type chalcogenides A2ZnBQ4 (A = Cu, Ag; B = Sn, Ge; Q = S, Se): the influence of inter-layer interactions.

Semiconducting quaternary chalcogenides with A2ZnBQ4 stoichiometry, where A and B are monovalent and tetravalent metal ions and Q is a chalcogen (e.g. Cu2ZnSnS4 or CZTS) have recently attracted attention as potential solar-cell absorbers made from abundant and non-toxic elements. Unfortunately, they exhibit relatively poor sunlight conversion efficiencies, which has been linked to site disorder within the tetrahedral cation sub-lattice. In order to gain a better understanding of the factors controlling cation disorder in these chalcogenides, we have used powder neutron diffraction, coupled with Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations, to investigate the detailed structure of A2ZnBQ4 phases, with A = Cu, Ag; B = Sn, Ge; and Q = S, Se. Both DFT calculations and powder neutron diffraction data demonstrate that the kesterite structure (space group: I4[combining macron]) is adopted in preference to the higher-energy stannite structure (space group: I4[combining macron]2m). The contrast between the constituent cations afforded by neutron diffraction reveals that copper and zinc cations are only partially ordered in the kesterites Cu2ZnBQ4 (B = Sn, Ge), whereas the silver-containing phases are fully ordered. The degree of cation order in the copper-containing phases shows a greater sensitivity to the identity of the B-cation than to the chalcogenide anion. DFT indicates that cation ordering minimises inter-planar Zn2+Zn2+ electrostatic interactions, while there is an additional intra-planar energy contribution associated with size mismatch. The complete Ag/Zn order in Ag2ZnBQ4 (B = Sn, Ge) phases can thus be related to the anisotropic expansion of the unit cell on replacing Cu with Ag.

Double-well potential energy surface in the interaction between h-BN and Ni(111).

Density functional theory calculations with non-local correlation functionals, properly accounting for dispersion forces, predict the presence of two minima in the interaction energy between h-BN and Ni(111). These can be described as a physisorbed state with no corrugation of the h-BN structure, and a chemisorbed state exhibiting noticeable corrugation and a shorter distance of h-BN to the metallic support. The latter corresponds indeed to the one reported in most experiments. The relative stability of the two minima depends on the specific density functional employed: of those investigated here only optB86b-vdW yields the correct order of stability. We also demonstrate that the effect of the metal support on the Raman frequency of the chemisorbed boron nitride monolayer cannot be reduced to the associated strain. This is important because the Raman frequency has been proposed as a signature to identify h-BN monolayers from multilayered samples. Our analysis shows that such signatures would be strongly dependent on the nature of the interaction between the support and h-BN.

Screening heteroatom distributions in zeotype materials using an effective Hamiltonian approach: the case of aluminogermanate PKU-9.

We introduce a method to allow the screening of large configurational spaces of heteroatom distributions in zeotype materials. Based on interatomic potential calculations of configurations containing up to two heteroatoms per cell, we parameterize an atomistic effective Hamiltonian to describe the energy of multiple substitutions, with consideration of both short- and long-range interactions. Then, the effective Hamiltonian is used to explore the full configurational space at other compositions, allowing the identification of the most stable structures for further analysis. We illustrate our approach with the aluminogermanate PKU-9, where we show that increasing the aluminium concentration changes the likely siting of Al, in agreement with experiment.