An ab initio study of niobium (n=2-11) clusters: structure, stability and magnetism

The ground-state configurations of the Nbn （n = 2-11） clusters are studied through the first-principles calculations. It is found that niobium clusters （n = 2-11） tend to form compact structures with low symmetry. The clusters with 4, 8 and 10 atoms axe found to be magic and have relatively large highest occupied-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital （HOMO-LUMO） gaps. The Nbn clusters possess low magnetic moments, which exhibit an odd-even oscillational character. The analyses of calculated electronic density and population of the lowest-energy niobium clusters for n =2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 show that the total magnetic moments of Nbn originate mainly from a few Nb atoms with longer spacings between them in most cases, while they are located on two Nb atoms for n = 2, 3, 5. The total magnetic moments come mainly from the 4d local moments but with the exception of the Nb5 cluster.

Structural and Electronic Properties of ConC3-/0 and ConC4-/0 （n=1-4） Clusters： Mass-Selected Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Calculations

We investigated the structural evolution and elecfronic properties of ConC3-/0 and ConC4-/0 （n=1-4） clusters by using mass-selected photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The adiabatic and vertical detachment energies of CO1-4C3- and COl-4C4- were obtained from their photoelectron spectra. By comparing the theoretical results with the experimental data, the global minimum structures were determined. The results indicate that the carbon atoms of ConC3-/0 and ConC4-/0 （n=1-4） are separated from each other gradually with increasing number of cobalt atoms but a C2 unit still remains at n=4. It is interesting that the Co2C3- and Co2C4- anions have planar structures whereas the neutral Co2C3 and Co2C4 have linear structures with the Co atoms at two ends. The Co3C3- anion has a planar structure with a Co2C2 four-membered ring and a Co3C four-membered ring sharing a Co-Co bond, while the neutral Co3C3 is a three-dimensional structure with a C2 unit and a C atom connecting to two faces of the Co3 triangle.

The geometrical structure, electronic structure and magnetism of bimetallic Au_nM_2 (n=1, 2; M=Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd) clusters

The geometrical structure, stability, magnetism, and electronic structure of bimetallic clusters AuM2 and Au2M2, where M are 4d transition metal elements, are investigated systematically by using the first-principles method based on density functional theory. The calculation results show that there is a large amount of low-energy isomers with the very similar structure. AuM2 and Au2M2 clusters display dramatic magnetism. The magnetic moment of the 4d element is either enhanced or weakened with respect to the bulk value, which is largely dependent on the orbital exchange-splitting.

Comparison of Fungicidal Difference of Two Arylpyrazoles Based on the Crystal Structures, Density Functional Theory Calculation and Molecular Docking

Two arylpyrazoles I andⅡwere synthesized and characterized by NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.Compound I displayed 71.4%fungicidal inhibition rate against Rhizoctonia solani at 0.1 ppm,better than the control pyraclostrobin,whereasⅡhad little activity.Their fungicidal difference was discussed from theoretic level based on the crystal structure,density functional theory(DFT)calculation and molecular docking.The B3 LYP/6-31G^**level was employed to explore the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and charge distribution.Molecular docking was performed on the probable target protein bc1-enzyme complex.DFT calculation and docking studies supported the in vitro findings.

Density functional calculation of equilibrium geometry and electronic structure of pyrite

The equilibrium geometry and electronic structure of pyrite has been studied using self consistent density functional theory within the local density approximation (LDA). The optimum bulk geometry is in good agreement with crystallographic data. The calculated band structure and density of states in the region around the Fermi energy show that valence band maximum (VBM) is at X (100), and the conduction band minimum (CBM) is at G (000). The indirect and direct band gaps are 0.6?eV and 0.74?eV, respectively. The calculated contour map of difference of charge density shows excess charge in nonbonding d electron states on the Fe sites. The density increases between sulfur nuclei and between iron and sulfur nuclei qualitatively reveal that S-S bond and Fe-S bond are covalent binding.

Local Structure Analysis of Lead Zinc Niobate-Barium Titanate Ceramic by X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy and Density Functional Calculation

The local structure of an alternative Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3-based perovskite ceramic is investigated. The 0.07BaTiO33-0.93Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3 ceramic is synthesized using a combination of Zn3Nb2O8 B-site precursor and BaTiO33 perovskite phase stabilizer. Then, x-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory are employed to calculate the local structure configuration and formation energy of the prepared samples. Ba2＋ is found to replace Pb2＋ in AA-site with Zn2＋ occupying BB-site in Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3, while in the neighboring structure, Ti4＋4＋ replaces Nb5＋5＋ in BB-site with Pb2＋2＋ occupying AA-site. With the substitution of BaTiO33 in Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3, the bond length between Zn2＋ and Pb2＋ is longer than that of the typical perovskite phase of Pb（Zn1/3Nb2/3）O3. This indicates the key role of BaTiO33 in decreasing the steric hindrance of Pb2＋ lone pair, and the mutual interactions between Pb2＋ lone pair and Zn2＋ and the formation energy is seen to decrease. This finding of the formation energy and local structure configuration relationship can further extend a fundamental understanding of the role of BaTiO33 in stabilizing the perovskite phase in PbZn13Nb23O3-based materials, which in turn will lead to an improved preparation technique for desired electrical properties.

Structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of F-doped Sin （n=1～12） clusters：Density functional theory investigation

The geometries, stabilities, and electronic properties of FSin （n=1～12） clusters are systematically investigated by using first-principles calculations based on the hybrid density-functional theory at the B3LYP/6-311G level. The geometries are found to undergo a structural change from two-dimensional to three-dimensional structure when the cluster size n equals 3. On the basis of the obtained lowest-energy geometries, the size dependencies of cluster properties, such as averaged binding energy, fragmentation energy, second-order energy difference, HOMO–LUMO （highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital） gap and chemical hardness, are discussed. In addition, natural population analysis indicates that the F atom in the most stable FSin cluster is recorded as being negative and the charges always transfer from Si atoms to the F atom in the FSin clusters.

Density Functional Study on the Geometries and Magnetic Properties of Bimetallic Clusters:Au_nM^-(1≤n≤8;M=In,Tl)

The geometries, relative stabilities, energy gaps, binding energies, frequencies, electronic structures and magnetic properties of the AunM＂ clusters （l^n^8; M = In, TI） are systematically investigated by the first-principles method at the PW91PW91 level with the basis set of CEP-121G. The results show that doping with a single In/Tl atom can dramatically affect the ground-state geometries of gold clusters. The energy calculations show that the M-doped can enhance the stability of Aun＋（ clusters and change their chemical activities. NPA results show charge transfers occur among the atoms and valence electrons within one atom. The calculated energy gap shows the same odd-even alternation tendency with cluster size. Furthermore, both the total and local magnetic moments display an obvious even-odd alternation phenomenon with the increase of gold atoms.

Density functional theory study of Mg_nNi_2(n=1-6) clusters

The geometries of MgnNi2（n = 1 6） clusters are studied by using the hybrid density functional theory （B3LYP） with LANL2DZ basis sets. For the ground-state structures of MgnNi2 clusters, the stabilities and the electronic properties are investigated. The results show that the groundstate structures and symmetries of Mg clusters change greatly due to the Ni atoms. The average binding energies have a growing tendency while the energy gaps have a declining tendency. In addition, the ionization energies exhibit an odd-even oscillation feature. We also conclude that n = 3, 5 are the magic numbers of the MgnNi2 clusters. The Mg3Ni2 and Mg5Ni2 clusters are more stable than neighbouring clusters, and the MgaNi2 cluster exhibits a higher chemical activity.

Density functional theory study of Mg_2Ni_n(n= 1–8) clusters

The density functional theory B3PW91 with LANL2DZ basis sets has been used to study the possible geometries of Mg2Nin(n = 1–8) clusters. For the lowest energy structures of the clusters, stabilities, electronic properties, and natural bond orbital(NBO) are calculated and discussed. The results show that the doped Mg atoms reduce the stabilities of pure Ni clusters. The Mg2Ni2, Mg2Ni4, and Mg2Ni6clusters are more stable than neighboring clusters. The system appears magic number characteristics. In addition, the hybridization phenomenon occurs, owing to the interaction of Mg and Ni. The result of charge transfer is that Ni atom is negative and the Mg atom is positive. We also conclude that the 3p and 4d orbitals of the Ni atom have an effect on the stabilities of the clusters.

Geometrical Structures of Certain Class of Statistical Manifolds

The geometrical structures of the certain class of statistical manifolds are investigated. The geometwhich includes the original geometrical metrics of S.Amari.

The relativistic density functional investigations on geometries,electronic and magnetic properties of Ir_n (n=1-13) clusters

The Ira （n=1-13） clusters are studied using the relativistic density functional method with generalized gradient approximation. A series of low-lying structures with different spin multiplicities have been considered. It is found that all the lowest-energy Ira （n=4-13） geometries prefer non-compact structures rather than compact structure growth pattern. And the cube structure is a very stable cell for the lowest-energy Ira （n 〉 8） clusters. The second-order difference of energy, the vertical ionization potentials, the electron affinities and the atomic average magnetic moments for the lowest-energy Ira geometries all show odd even alternative behaviours.

Structural,Electronic and Magnetic Properties of ConO(n=2-10)Clusters:A Density Functional Study

The structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of ConO （n = 2- 10） clusters have been systematically investigated within the framework of the generalized gradient approximation density functional theory. The results indicate that the O atom occupies the surface-capped position on ConO （n = 2-10） clusters. The stabilities of the host clusters are improved by adding one O atom. Maximum peaks of the second-order difference energy of the ground-state ConO clusters are found at n = 3, 6 and 8, indicating higher stability than their neighboring clusters. Compared with corresponding pure Con clusters, the O-doped cobalt clusters have larger gaps between the HOMO and LUMO energy levels, indicating their higher chemical stabilities. In addition, the doping of O atom exhibits different influence on the magnetism of the clusters. This is also further investigated by the local magnetic moment, deformation charge density and partial local density of states analysis.

Density-functional theory study on the electronic properties of laves phase superconductor CaIr2

In this work we have used density-functional theory methods such as full-potential local orbital minimum basis（FPLO） and ELK-flapw to study the electronic structure of newly discovered Laves phase superconductor CaIr_2.The calculation of density of states（DOS） indicates that the bands near Fermi level are mostly occupied by the d-electrons of iridium.The simulation of de Haas-van Alphen（dHvA） effect has been performed by using Elk code to check the Fermi surface topology.The results show that there exist four Fermi surfaces in CaIr_2,including two electron-type and two hole-type surfaces.The optical response properties of CaIr_2 have been calculated in the dipole-transition approximations combined with including intra-band Drude-like terms.In the optical spectrum σ（ω） shows that the crossover from intraband to inter-band absorption occur near 1.45 eV.Further analysis on the electron energy loss spectra（EELS） matches the conclusion from that of optical conductivity σ（ω）.

Tetraethylenepentamine-functionalized magnetic mesoporous composites as a novel adsorbent for the removal Cr(Ⅲ)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in complex solution

A novel tetraethylenepentamine(TEPA) functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica adsorbent(FNMs/TEPA) was prepared for the adsorption of Cr(Ⅲ)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid(EDTA)from wastewater. The characterization of the prepared adsorbent certified that TEPA was modified onto the magnetic mesoporous silicon(FNMs), while FNMs/TEPA maintained the ordered mesoporous and pristine magnetic properties. The batch adsorption experiments demonstrated that TEPA significantly enhanced the removal capacity of the adsorbent for Cr(Ⅲ)-EDTA. FNMs/TEPA exhibited an excellent adsorption property(13.84 mg·g-1) at p H 4.0. Even in the presence of high concentrations of coexisting ions and organic acids, the adsorption performance of FNMs/TEPA was stable. Experimental characterization and DFT demonstrated that the adsorption of Cr(Ⅲ)-EDTA was ascribed to the electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and complexation between Cr(Ⅲ)-EDTA and amino groups on the adsorbent surface. The analysis of the independent gradient model(IGM) shows that electrostatic interaction is the main mode of action in the adsorption process. Moreover, FNMs/TEPA demonstrated remarkable reusability in three regeneration cycles. These findings indicated that FNMs/TEPA possessed excellent application prospects in the disposal of wastewater containing Cr(Ⅲ)-EDTA.

Revealing interfacial charge redistribution of homologous Ru-RuS_(2) heterostructure toward robust hydrogen oxidation reaction

Precisely tailoring the surface electronic structures of electrocatalysts for optimal hydrogen binding energy and hydroxide binding energy is vital to improve the sluggish kinetics of hydrogen oxidation reac-tion(HOR).Herein,we employ a partial desulfurization strategy to construct a homologous Ru-RuS_(2) heterostructure anchored on hollow mesoporous carbon nanospheres(Ru-RuS_(2)@C).The disparate work functions of the heterostructure contribute to the spontaneous formation of a unique built-in electric field,accelerating charge transfer and boosting conductivity of electrocatalyst.Consequently,Ru-RuS_(2)@C exhibits robust HOR electrocatalytic activity,achieving an exchange current density and mass activity as high as 3.56 mA cm^(-2) and 2.13 mAμg_(Ru)^(-1),respectively.exceeding those of state-of-the-art Pt/C and most contemporary Ru-based HOR electrocatalysts.Surprisingly,Ru-RuS_(2)@C can tolerate 1000 ppm of cO that lacks in Pt/C.Comprehensive analysis reveals that the directional electron transfer across Ru-RuS_(2) heterointerface induces local charge redistribution in interfacial region,which optimizes and balances the adsorption energies of H and OH species,as well as lowers the energy barrier for water formation,thereby promoting theHoR performance.

Electronic structures of efficient MBiO_-3(M= Li, Na, K, Ag) photocatalyst

In order to deepen the understanding of the relationship between fundamental properties （including： microstructure and composition） and photocatalytic performance, four bismuthate compounds, including： LiBiO3, NaBiO3, KBiO3, and AgBiO3, are regarded as research examples in the present work, because they have particular crystal structures and similar compositions. Using density functional theory calculations, their structural, electronic, and optical properties are inves- tigated and compared systematically. First of all, the calculated results of Crystal structures and optical properties are in agreement with available published experimental data. Based on the calculated results, it is found that the tunneled or layered micro-structural properties lead to the stronger interaction between bismuth and oxygen, and the weaker interaction between alkaline-earth metal and [BiO6] octahedron, resulting in the feature of multi-band gaps in the cases of LiBiO3, NaBiO3, and KBiO3. This conclusion is supported by the case of AgBiO3, in which the feature of multi-band gaps dis- appears, due to the stronger interaction between the noble metal and [BiO6] octahedron. These properties have significant advantages in the photocatalytic performance： absorbing low energy photons, rapidly transferring energy carriers. Fur- thermore, the features of electronic structures of bismuthate compounds are well reflected by the absorption spectra, which could be confirmed by experimental measurements in practice. Combined with the calculated results, it could be considered that the crystal structures and compositions of the photocatalyst determine the electronic structures and optical properties, and subsequently determine the corresponding photocatalytic performance. Thus, a novel Bi-based photocatalyst driven by visible-light could be designed by utilizing specific compositions to form favorable electronic structures or specific micro-structures to form a beneficial channel for energy carriers.

Electronic Structure and Magnetic Properties of Cr-Doped AlN

To understand the electronic and magnetic properties, we have studied Cr-doped zinc-blende AlN system in detail by applying a first-principle plane wave pseudopotential method based on the density functional theory within the local spin density approximation. The analyses of the band structures, density of states, exchange interactions, and magnetic moments show that Al1-xCrxN alloys may exhibit a half-metallic ferromagnetism character, that Cr in the diluted doping limit forms near-midgap deep levels, and that the total magnetization of the cell is 3μB per Cr atom, which does not change with Cr concentration. Moreover, we have succeeded in predicting that Al1-xCrzN alloys in x = 0.0625 has a very high Curie temperature, and lind that ferromagnetic exchange interaction between magnetic dopants is short-ranged.

First-principles prediction of the magnetism of 4f rare-earth-metal-doped wurtzite zinc oxide

Electronic structure and magnetic properties of wurtzite ZnO semiconductor doped with rare earth （RE=La, Ce, Pr, Pm, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm and Yb） atoms were studied using spin-polarized density functional theory based on the full-potential linear augmented plane wave （FP-LAPW） method as implemented in the Wien2k code. In this approach the generalized gradient approximation （GGA） was used for the exchange-correlation （XC） potential. Our results showed that the substitution of RE ions in ZnO induced spins polarized localized states in the band gap. Moreover, the studied DMSs compounds retained half metallicity at dopant concentration x=0.625%for most of the studied elements, with 100%spin polarization at the Fermi level （EF）. The total magnetic moments of these compounds existed due to RE 4f states present at EF, while small induced magnetic moments existed on other non-magnetic atoms as well. Finally, the energy difference between far and near configurations was investigated. It was found that the room temperature ferromagnetism was possible for RE-doped ZnO at near configuration. Since the RE-RE separation was long enough （far configuration） for magnetic coupling, the system became paramagnetic or antiferromagnetic ground state.