A model study for the breaking of N2 from CNx within DFT

A hypothetical CN₂ structure was investigated as a model to study the release of N₂ from the octahedral hole of 3D carbon based ultra hard compounds, which is the most important drawback in the attempts to synthesize ultra hard compounds like C₃N₄ and C₁₁N₄. Full structure relaxations using DFT methods led to a structure at the energy minimum showing a significantly enlarged NN distance of 1.34 Å compared to the molecular N₂ (1.09 Å). While for small volume changes a high hardness for CN₂ of 405 GPa is calculated, we found that enlargements of the cell constant lead to the release of N₂ that could be followed calculating the ELF and the charge transfer within the AIM theory. The whole procedure simulates an inverted “harpoon mechanism”.     

Die Elektronen-Lokalisierungs-Funktion in closo-Bor-Clustern

The Electron Localization Function in closo Boron Clusters The structure and the electron density in the closo boron clusters B₄X₄ (X = H, Cl, Br, I), B₆X₆^2? (X = H, Cl, Br, I) and B₁₂H₁₂^2? were determined by pseudopotential Hartree-Fock calculations. The Electron Localization Function (ELF) was used to interpret the bonding characteristics. The regions of high ELF values in all cases have the form of the dual polyhedron of the boron cage. They show perfectly the 3 center 2 electron bonds. The comparison between Hartree-Fock and Extended Hückel calculations point out that semiempirical calculations can also be a good basis for ELF interpretations.     

First principles search of hard materials within the SiCN ternary system

Starting from C₃N₄ and Si₃N₄ stoichiometries and from the pseudocubic model structure of the former, intermediate phases SiC₂N₄ and Si₂CN₄ are proposed and geometry optimised within density functional built pseudopotential method using both local density (LDA) and generalised gradient approximations (GGA). The ternary compounds are found to be less stable than the two binary systems but the trends in the calculated magnitudes of the bulk moduli B₀ from the fit of the E(V) curves with Birch equation of state: B₀ (SiC₂N₄)=334.5 GPa and B₀ (Si₂CN₄)=270.3 GPa can be interpolated from those of the two extreme compounds: B₀ (C₃N₄)=424.1 GPa and B₀ (Si₃N₄)=219.8 GPa. This translates the chemical role of the substituting element on one hand and allows validating Cohen's semiempirical law relating B₀ to the inverse powers of the average interatomic distances on the other hand. From a mismatch of the chemical bonding in Si(C)NC(Si) chain observed by the electron localisation function (ELF) plot we propose an interpretation for the instability of the intermediate ternary phases. The electronic structure (density of states and band structures) obtained from augmented spherical wave (ASW) calculations of the relaxed structures point to semiconducting behaviour with smaller band gaps for the intermediate phases (∼2 eV, compared with the ∼4 eV gap of binaries).     

Adsorption of the nitrosamine and thionitrosamine molecules as carcinogen compounds on the BN and B3Al N nanotubes: A DFT study

DFT calculations were performed to investigation of the influence of doping three atoms of aluminum on the electronic properties of the (4,0) zigzag boron nitride nanotube (BNNT). Also, adsorption properties of nitrosamine (NA) and thionitrosamine (TNA) molecules as carcinogen agents onto BN and B_Al3N nanotubes were studied. The results show that the B_3AlN nanotube is the most energetically favorable candidates for adsorption of these molecules. Also, B(B_3Al)NNT/TNA complexes are more stable than B(B_3Al)NNT/NA complexes. The HOMO–LUMO gap, electronic chemical potential (μ), hardness (?), softness (S), the maximum amount of electronic charge (ΔN_max) and electrophilicity index (ω) for monomers and complexes in the gas and polar solvent phases were calculated. The results show that the conductivity and reactivity of BNNT increase by doping Al atoms instead of B atoms. Also, the interaction of NA and TNA molecules with BN and B_Al3N nanotubes results in significant changes in the electronic properties of nanotubes. Based on the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, in all complexes charge transfer occurs from NA and TNA molecules to nanotubes. Theory of atoms in molecules (AIM) was applied to characterize the nature of interactions in nanotubes. It is predicted that, BN and B_3AlN nanotubes can be used to as sensor for detection of NA and TNA molecules.     

Theoretical Studies of Inorganic Compounds. 341) Energy Decomposition Analysis of E–E Bonding in Planar and Perpendicular X2E−EX2 (E = B,Al, Ga,In, Tl; X = H,F, Cl,Br, I)

The nature of E–E bonding in group 13 compounds X₂E–EX₂ (E = B, Al, Ga, In, Tl; X = H, F, Cl, Br, I) has been investigated by means of an energy decomposition analysis (EDA) at the BP86/TZ2P level of theory. The calculated equilibrium geometries of all molecules B₂X₄?Tl₂X₄ have a perpendicular (D_2d) geometry. The largest energy barriers for rotation about the E‐E bond are predicted for the hydrogen species B₂H₄?Tl₂H₄. The EDA shows that the rotational barriers of B₂X₄?Tl₂X₄ may not be used for an estimate of the hyperconjugative strength in the D_2d structures except for the tetrahydrides. The values for the planar (D_2h) transition states reveals that π conjugation of the halogen lone‐pair electrons stabilizes the transition states. The bonding analysis shows that hyperconjugation in B₂I₄ is stronger than in B₂H₄ although the latter compound has a higher rotational barrier than the former. In B₂F₄, hyperconjugative stabilization of the perpendicular structure and conjugative stabilization of the planar structure nearly cancel each other yielding a nearly vanishing rotational barrier. The heavier analogues Al₂X₄?Tl₂X₄ have low rotational barriers and rather weak hyperconjugative interactions. The larger rotational barriers of the hydrogen systems Al₂H₄?Tl₂H₄ compared with the tetrahalogen compounds is explained with the cooperation of the relatively large hyperconjugation in the perpendicular form and the relatively weak conjugation in the planar transition structures. The EDA also indicates that the electrostatic (ΔE_elstat) and molecular orbital (ΔE_orb) components of the E–E bonding are similar in magnitude.Thecalculated B‐B bond dissociation energies of B₂X₄ (D_e = 93.0–108.4 kcal/mol) show that the bonds are rather strong. The heavier analogues Al₂X₄?Tl₂X₄ have weaker bonds (D_e = 16.6–61.7 kcal/mol). In general, the X₂E‐EX₂ bond dissociation energies follow the trend for atoms E: B ? Al > Ga > In > Tl and for atoms X: H > F > Cl > I.     

Tuning Hydrogen Storage in Lithium‐Functionalized BC2N Sheets by Doping with Boron and Carbon

First‐principles calculations are used to explore the strong binding of lithium to boron‐ and carbon‐doped BC₂N monolayers (BC₂NB_C and BC₂NC_N, respectively) without the formation of lithium clusters. In comparison to BC₂N and BC₂NC_B, lithium‐decorated BC₂NB_C and BC₂NC_N systems possess stronger s–p and p–p hybridization and, hence, the binding energy is higher. Lithium becomes partially positively charged by donating electron density to the more electronegative atoms of the sheet. Attractive van der Waals interactions are responsible for binding hydrogen molecules around the lithium atoms. Each lithium atom can adsorb three hydrogen molecules on both sides of the sheet, with an average hydrogen binding energy of approximately 0.2 eV, which is in the range required for practical applications. The BC₂NB_C–Li and BC₂NC_N–Li complexes can serve as high‐capacity hydrogen‐storage media with gravimetric hydrogen capacities of 9.88 and 9.94 wt %, respectively.     

An electron localization function and catastrophe theory analysis on the molecular mechanism of gas-phase identity SN2 reactions

A set of four reactions, XCH₃+X^? (X=F, Cl, Br) and ClSiH₃+Cl^?, is investigated by means of the joint use of the electron localization function (ELF) and catastrophe theory (CT) analysis in order to obtain new insights into the bond breaking/forming processes for identity S_N2 gas-phase reactions. Using DFT calculations at the OLYP/6-311++G(d,p) level, the effect of nucleophile (F, Cl, and Br anions) and the role of reacting centers (C or Si) on the reaction mechanisms are investigated. The charge-shift character of carbon–halogen bonds is studied by determination of the weights of the Lewis resonance structures. In all S_N2 reactions at the carbon atom, there is a progressive reduction on the covalent character of the C–X bond from the reactant complex (0.41, 0.57, 0.58 for F, Cl, and Br, respectively) until the bond-breaking process, occurring before the transition structure is reached. On the other hand, the Si–Cl bond maintains its degree of covalent character (0.51) from the isolated fragments to the formation of a stable transition complex, presenting two silicon–chlorine charge-shifted bonds. The analysis of the ELF topology along the reaction path reveals that all reactions proceed via the same turning points of fold-type but the order is inverted for reactions taking place at C or Si atoms.     

HB9X9˙ and H2B9X9 (X = Cl,Br, I): Neutral closo-Nonaboranes in the Novel Series BnHn+1, and BnHn+2 – Syntheses,Ab Initio Calculations,and Electronic Structures

Chemical reduction of B₉X₉ (X = Cl, Br, I) with gaseous HI proceeds stepwise to give the neutral paramagnetic clusters HB₉X₉ ^· , and the corresponding diamagnetic clusters H₂B₉X₉. Together they comprise the first neutral derivatives in the series B_nH_n+1 and B_nH_n+2 with n = 9. The EPR spectra of the paramagnetic HB₉X₉ ^· (X = Cl, Br, I) in glassy frozen CH₂Cl₂ solutions showed increasing g anisotropy for the heavier halogen derivatives, illustrating significant halogen participation at the singly occupied MO due to the larger spin-orbit coupling contributions. Temperature dependent ¹H NMR spectra of H₂B₉X₉ (in CD₃CN, X = Cl, Br) indicate the presence of H₂B₉X₉, [HB₉X₉]^–, and [CD₃CNH]⁺ with H₂B₉X₉ acting as a Brønsted acid. The corresponding ¹¹B NMR spectra (in CD₃CN) show the presence of the dianions [B₉X₉]^2– as a result of the protonation of CD₃CN. The ¹¹B resonances of the species H₂B₉X₉ and [HB₉X₉]^– are obscured by superimposition of the two resonance lines of the dianions [B₉X₉]^2–. Temperature dependent ¹¹B{¹H} MAS-NMR spectra of H₂B₉Br₉ show coalescence at 410 K and hence dynamic behaviour of the neutral B₉-cluster in the solid. Cyclic voltammetry experiments of H₂B₉Br₉ in CH₃CN solvent) are compatible with the redox sequence [B₉Br₉]^2––[B₉Br₉] ^{· –}–B₉Br₉. Quantum chemical calculations with the electron localization function (ELF) are described.     

Shifting Paradigms: Electrostatic Interactions and Covalent Bonding

The role of electrostatic interactions in covalent bonding of heavier main group elements has been evaluated for the exemplary set of molecules X₂H₂ (X=C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb). Density functional calculations at PBE/QZ4P combined with energy decomposition procedures and kinetic energy density analyses have been carried out for a variety of different structures, and two factors are responsible for the fact that the heavier homologues of acetylene exhibit doubly hydrogen‐bridged local minimum geometries. For one, the extended electronic core with at least one set of p orbitals of the Group 14 elements beyond the first long period is responsible for favorable electrostatic E–H interactions. This electrostatic interaction is the strongest for the isomer with two bridging hydrogen atoms. Secondly, the H substituent does not posses an electronic core or any bonding‐inactive electrons, which would give rise to a significant amount of Pauli repulsion, disfavoring the doubly bridged isomer. When one of two criteria is not met the unusual doubly bridged structure no longer constitutes the energetically preferred geometry. The bonding model is validated in calculations of different structures of Si₂(CH₃)₂.     

Structure and stability of closo-hexaboranes and their heteroanalogs

The molecular and electronic structures of closo-hexaboranes B₆H₆ ^2–, B₆H₇ ^–, and B₆H₈ and closo-heterohexaboranes XYB₄H₄ (X = Y = CH, N; X = BH, Y = CH^–, N^–, NH, O) were studed by the ab initio (MP2(full)/6-311+G**) and density functional (B3LYP/6-311+G**) methods. The bridging H atoms in closo-hexaboranes B₆H₇ ^– and B₆H₈ can undergo facile low-barrier migrations around the boron cage (the barrier heights are about 10—15 kcal mol^–1). All heteroboranes having octahedron-like structures with hypercoordinated N and O atoms are rather stable and can be the subject of synthetic research efforts.     

0D Pyramid-intercalated 2D Bimetallic Halides with Tunable Electronic Structures and Enhanced Emission under Pressure

Hybrid metal halides are emerging semiconductors as promising candidates for optoelectronics. The pursuit of hybridizing various dimensions of metal halides remains a desirable yet highly complex endeavor. By utilizing dimension engineering, a diverse array of new materials with intrinsically different electronic and optical properties has been developed. Here, we report a new family of 2D-0D hybrid bimetallic halides, (C₆N₂H₁₄)₂SbCdCl₉ ⋅ 2H₂O ( SbCd ) and (C₆N₂H₁₄)₂SbCuCl₉ ⋅ 2H₂O ( SbCu ). These compounds adopt a new layered structure, consisting of alternating 0D square pyramidal [SbCl₅] and 2D inorganic layers sandwiched by organic layers. SbCd and SbCu have optical band gaps of 3.3 and 2.3 eV, respectively. These compounds exhibit weak photoluminescence (PL) at room temperature, and the PL gradually enhances with decreasing temperature. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that SbCd and SbCu are direct gap semiconductors, where first-principles band gaps follow the experimental trend. Moreover, given the different pressure responses of 0D and 2D components, these materials exhibit highly tunable electronic structures during compression, where a remarkable 11 times enhancement in PL emission is observed for SbCd at 19 GPa. This work opens new avenues for designing new layered bimetallic halides and further manipulating their structures and optoelectronic properties via pressure.     

Semiempirical and ab-initio calculations of semiconductor clusters: variation of structure and symmetry with size for different compounds

Semiempirical (by extended Hückel method) and ab initio RHF SCF calculations are used for the wide range of cluster structures M_xX_y, where M = Cd,Ag; X = S,I: semiempirical - up to M₂₀X₃₅, and ab initio - for small clusters less than ten atoms. Variation of electronic structure with size for the fragments with tetrahedral coordination (bulklike sphalerite structures) and for some clusters of the lower symmetry allows to predict their possible geometries which are compared with experimental data. The chemical bonding factor (the chemical nature of bounded atoms, coordination number for metal and non-metal atoms, hybridization, etc) is of more importance in properties of the clusters than the familiar quantum confinement effect of semiconductor clusters (like CdS, CdSe, PbS, etc. ). The essential difference in regularities of small cluster formation is analysed for CdS- and AgI- based structures.     

High-Pressure Synthesis and Crystal Structures of β-MNX (M=Zr, Hf; X=Br, I)

The single crystals of four kinds of metal nitride halides, β-MNX (M=Zr, Hf; X=Br, I), were prepared in Pt (or Au) capsules by the reaction of MN or α-MNX powders with NH₄X as fluxes under a high pressure of 3-5 GPa at 1000-1100°C. Their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. All four compounds crystallize in a rhombohedral space group R-3m, Z=6 with a=3.6403(6) Å, c=29.270(5) Å for β-ZrNBr, a=3.718(2) Å, c=31.381(9) Å for β-ZrNI, a=3.610(1) Å, c=29.294(6) Å for β-HfNBr, and a=3.689(1) Å, c=31.329(6) Å for β-HfNI. β-ZrNBr is isotypic with SmSI and the others are isotypic with YOF. Both structure variants are composed of structural slabs [X-M-N-N-M-X] (M=Zr, Hf; X=Br, I) stacked together by X…X van der Waals forces, but the ways of the layer stacking sequence are different: X_AM_cN_BN_CM_bX_A∣X_CM_bN_AN_BM_aX_C∣X_BM_aN_CN_AM_cX_B∣ in the SmSI-type and X_AM_bN_CN_BM_cX_A∣X_CM_aN_BN_AM_bX_C∣X_BM_cN_AN_CM_aX_B∣ in the YOF-type polymorphs.     

Prediction of stable BC3N2 monolayer from first-principles calculations: Stoichiometry,crystal structure,electronic and adsorption properties

In this paper, a novel BC₃N₂ monolayer has been found with a graphene-like structure using the developed particle swarm optimization algorithm in combination with ab initio calculations. The predicted structure meets the thermodynamical, dynamical, and mechanical stability requirements. Interestingly, the BC₃N₂ plane shows a metallic character. Importantly, BC₃N₂ has an in-plane stiffness comparable to that of graphene. We have also investigated the adsorption characteristics of CO₂ on pristine monolayer and Mo functionalized monolayer using density functional theory. Subsequently, electronic structures of the interacting systems (CO₂ molecule and substrates) have been preliminarily explored. The results show that Mo/BC₃N₂ has a stronger adsorption capacity towards CO₂ comparing with the pristine one, which can provide a reference for the further study of the CO₂ reduction mechanism on the transition metal-functionalized surface as well as the new catalyst’s design.     

Mechanical Properties of Dense Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs): A High‐Pressure X‐ray Diffraction,Nanoindentation and Computational Study of the Zinc Framework Zn(Im)2, and its Lithium?Boron Analogue,LiB(Im)4

The dense, anhydrous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), Zn(Im)₂ ( 1 ) and LiB(Im)₄ ( 2 ), adopt the same zni topology and differ only in terms of the inorganic species present in their structures. Their mechanical properties (specifically the Young’s and bulk moduli, along with the hardness) have been elucidated by using high pressure, synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, density functional calculations and nanoindentation studies. Under hydrostatic pressure, framework 2 undergoes a phase transition at 1.69 GPa, which is somewhat higher than the transition previously reported in 1 . The Young’s modulus (E) and hardness (H) of 1 (E≈8.5, H≈1 GPa) is substantially higher than that of 2 (E≈3, H≈0.1 GPa), whilst its bulk modulus is relatively lower (≈14 GPa cf. ≈16.6 GPa). The heavier, zinc‐containing material was also found to be significantly harder than its light analogue. The differential behaviour of the two materials is discussed in terms of the smaller pore volume of 2 and the greater flexibility of the LiN₄ tetrathedron compared with the ZnN₄ and BN₄ units.     

Novel Arachno‐type X56– Zintl Anions in Sr3Sn5, Ba3Sn5, and Ba3Pb5 and Charge Influence on Zintl Clusters

Two new binary Zintl phases, Sr₃Sn₅ and Ba₃Sn₅ were synthesized and structurally characterized. The revised structure of Ba₃Pb₅ is also reported. All three compounds are isotypic and crystallize with a modified Pu₃Pd₅ structure type. The anionic substructure is composed of X₅^6– square pyramidal clusters (X = Sn, Pb), which are described as arachno clusters according to the Wade‐Mingos electron counting rules. The electronic structure of the pyramidal Zintl anions and the influence of the number of skeletal electrons of these clusters are investigated using the electron localization function (ELF). The structural relationship between Ba₃Sn₅ and the Zintl phases Ba₃Si₄ and Ba₃Ge₄ are analyzed. Additionally, two new Zintl phases Ba₃Ge_2.82Sn_2.18 and Ba₃Ge_3.94Sn_0.06, have been synthezised and their structures are reported, which directly show that the exchange of tin against germanium leads to a change from the M₃X₅ to the M₃X₄ structure type. This effect is traced back to the maximal charge acquisition property of the Zintl anions of heavier and lighter tetralides.     

Complexation of 1,4‐Bis(phenylthio)butane on Mercury(II) Salts: Formation of Extended 2D Coordination Polymers

Two novel two‐dimensional (2D) coordination polymers of stoichiometry [{PhS(CH₂)₄SPh}Hg₂X₄]_n (X = Cl, 2a ; X = Br, 2b ) have been prepared by treatment of HgX₂ with PhS(CH₂)₄SPh 1 , acting as bridging dithioether ligand. The extended 2D structures result from bridging coordination of 1 between two mercury atoms and intermolecular Hg–X interactions, thus linking the HgX₂ units in two dimensions. As established for 2a,b by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, the coordination around the Hg centers in both isomorphous compounds (monoclinic, space group P2₁/c) is distorted tetrahedral, with quite short Hg‐thioether bonds of 2.4780(19) ( 2a ) and 2.499(3) Å ( 2b ), respectively.     

Synthesis and spectral studies on mononuclear complexes of chromium(III) and manganese(II) with 12-membered tetradentate N2O2, N2S2 and N4 donor macrocyclic ligands

Complexes of Cr^III and Mn^II of general formula [Cr(L)X₂] X and [Mn(L)X₂] respectively were prepared from N₂O₂, N₂S₂ and N₄ donor macrocyclic ligands. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, spectral methods (i.r, mass, ¹H-n.m.r, electronic spectra and e.p.r.) and magnetic measurements. The macrocyclic ligands have three different donating atom cavities, one with two unsaturated nitrogens and the other two have saturated nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur atoms. The effect of different donor atoms on the spectra and ligand field parameters is discussed. All the complexes show magnetic moments corresponding to a high-spin configuration. On the basis of spectral studies a six coordinated octahedral geometry may be assigned to these complexes.     

The closo-Cluster Triad: B9X9, [B9X9]· –, and [B9X9]2– with Tricapped Trigonal Prisms (X = Cl,Br, I). Syntheses,Crystal and Electronic Structures

Halogenation of nido-B₁₀H₁₄ with C₂H₂Cl₄, C₂Cl₆, Br₂, or I₂, produces by cluster degradation the (2 n)-closo-clusters B₉X₉ (X = Cl, Br, I). The synthesis of salts of the perhalogenated radical anions of the type (2 n + 1)-closo-[B₉X₉]^{· –} and of the corresponding dianions (2 n + 2)-closo-[B₉X₉]^2– from neutral B₉X₉ is described [n is the number of cluster atoms; (2 n), (2 n + 1), and (2 n + 2) is the number of cluster electrons]. Molecular and crystal structures of B₉Cl₉, B₉Br₉, [(C₆H₅)₄P][B₉Br₉] · CH₂Cl₂, and [(C₄H₉)₄N]₂[B₉Br₉] · CH₂Cl₂ have been determined via X-ray diffraction. All three oxidation states of the cluster retain the tricapped trigonal prism. The reduction of the clusters B₉X₉ was shown by cyclic voltammetry in CH₂Cl₂ to proceed via two successive one-electron reversible steps, separated by at least 0.4 V. The paramagnetic radical anions [B₉X₉]^{· –} (X = Cl, Br) were further characterized by magnetic susceptibility measurements of [Cp₂Fe][B₉X₉] and [Cp₂Co][B₉X₉], respectively. The EPR spectra of [B₉X₉]^{· –} (X = Cl, Br, I) in glassy frozen CH₂Cl₂ solutions showed increasing g anisotropy for the heavier halogen derivatives, illustrating significant halogen participation at the singly occupied MO. The ¹¹B NMR spectra of CD₂Cl₂ solutions of the neutral clusters B₉X₉ exhibit only one sharp resonance, indicating that the boron atoms are highly fluxional in solution. In contrast, two different boron resonances as expected for a rigid tricapped trigonal prism are clearly observed for the [B₉X₉]^2– dianions in solutions and for solid B₉Br₉ in the ¹¹B MAS NMR spectra. Temperature dependent ¹¹B MAS NMR experiments on B₉Br₉ and [B₉Br₉]^2– in the solid state show a reversible coalescence of the two resonances at higher temperature. ¹¹B MAS NMR spectra and DTA measurements of [B₉Br₉]^2– showed a phase transition.     

Substituent‐Stabilized Organic Dianions in the Gas Phase and Their Potential Use as Electrolytes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Using density functional theory and a hybrid exchange‐correlation functional, a systematic study of the stability and electronic structure of neutral and multiply charged organic molecules, B_nC_6?nX₆ (n=0, 1, 2; X=H, F, CN) and B_nC_5?nX₅ (n=0, 1; X=H, F, CN) is performed. The results show that in addition to the aromaticity of the molecules, substituents play an important role in stabilizing the organic dianion complexes. In particular, it is demonstrated that CN groups are responsible for the stability of organic dianions as it has recently been found to be the case in B‐cage compounds such as B₁₂(CN)₁₂^2? and CB₁₁(CN)₁₂^2?. It is also shown that the stable organic dianions B₂C₄(CN)₆^2? and BC₄(CN)₅^2? might be halogen‐free electrolytes in Li‐ion batteries.