An accurate analytical formula for the van der Waals potentials of homonuclear rare-gas dimers with one adjustable parameter

In the present article, the Tang–Toennies–Yiu (TTY) potential model is modified by introducing one adjustable parameter. Then, the van der Waals potentials of He₂, Ne₂, Ar₂, Kr₂, and Xe₂ are calculated by this model with the adjustable parameter being determined by the well determined well depth D_e of these systems. Based on the derived potentials, the vibrational energy spacings of these systems are also calculated. It is shown that the present derived potentials and vibrational energy spacings agree well with experiment and other theoretical calculations. Finally, the normalization constant A in the asymptotic wave function of rare-gas atoms is estimated. The present derived normalization constant A is very close to the one by calculating the ratio between the Hartree–Fock function and the asymptotic wave function. The results confirm that absorbing the first-order polarization energy into the exchange energy expression is a well approximation for the present systems.     

Photodynamics of the excited states of trimethylamine in a supersonic beam

The photophysics of trimethylamine (TMA) and rare gas-TMA van der Waals molecules has been studied under supersonic beam conditions. Dual exponential fluorescence decays observed for excitation of the second excited singlet state (S₂) are attributed to a novel S₂-S₁ relaxation induced by the vibrational predissociation of van der Waals molecules.     

Accurate van der Waals force field for gas adsorption in porous materials

An accurate van der Waals force field (VDW FF) was derived from highly precise quantum mechanical (QM) calculations. Small molecular clusters were used to explore van der Waals interactions between gas molecules and porous materials. The parameters of the accurate van der Waals force field were determined by QM calculations. To validate the force field, the prediction results from the VDW FF were compared with standard FFs, such as UFF, Dreiding, Pcff, and Compass. The results from the VDW FF were in excellent agreement with the experimental measurements. This force field can be applied to the prediction of the gas density (H₂, CO₂, C₂H₄, CH₄, N₂, O₂) and adsorption performance inside porous materials, such as covalent organic frameworks (COFs), zeolites and metal organic frameworks (MOFs), consisting of H, B, N, C, O, S, Si, Al, Zn, Mg, Ni, and Co. This work provides a solid basis for studying gas adsorption in porous materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Fragmentation of neutral van der Waals clusters with visible laser light: a new variant of the Raman effect?

We have observed strong photodissociation (using visible laser light) of neutral van der Waals clusters (Ar, N₂, O₂, CO₂, SO₂, NH₃) produced by supersonic expansion and detected by electron ionization/mass spectrometer. Several tests were performed, all of them supporting this surprising discovery. We suggest that Raman induced photodissociation (RIP) is responsible for this phenomenon. This first observation of Raman induced photodissociation provides a new technique for the study of neutral van der Waals clusters.     

Dispersion corrected double high-hybrid and gradient-corrected density functional theory study of light cation–dihydrogen (M+–H2, where M = Li, Na, B and Al) van der Waals complexes

Structure, frequencies, H–H stretching frequency shifts, interaction energy, depth of the potential well and dissociation energy of the light cation–dihydrogen (M⁺–H₂, where M = Li, Na, B, and Al) van der Waals complexes have been studied in detail using dispersion corrected double-hybrid and gradient-corrected density functional methods in conjunction with correlation consistent valence triple-ζ basis set. Equilibrium bond distance and dissociation energy agree very well with the experimental and theoretical values wherever available. The dissociation energies of Li⁺–H₂, B⁺–H₂, Na⁺–H₂, and Al⁺–H₂ van der Waals complexes calculated from the potential energy curves at mPW2PLYP-D/cc-pVTZ level are 4.83, 3.68, 2.42, and 1.25 kcal/mol, respectively, at a distances of 1.95, 2.25, 2.40, and 2.95 Å. Among all these complexes, Al⁺–H₂ complex is comparatively less stable, as their dissociation energy as well as depth of the potential well are smaller compared to others complexes. The symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) has been applied to quantify the nature of interactions. The SAPT results show that the contribution of dispersion and induction are significant, although electrostatic dominates.     

Investigation of the distinction between van der Waals interaction and chemical bonding based on the PAEM‐MO diagram

In recent years, the basic problem of understanding chemical bonding, nonbonded, and/or van der Waals interactions has been intensively debated in terms of various theoretical methods. We propose and construct the potential acting on one electron in a molecule‐molecular orbital (PAEM‐MO) diagram, which draws the PAEM inserted the MO energy levels with their major atomic orbital components. PAEM‐MO diagram is able to show clear distinction of chemical bonding from nonbonded and/or vdW interactions. The rule for this is as follows. Along the line connecting two atoms in a molecule or a complex, the existence of chemical bonding between these two atoms needs to satisfy two conditions: (a) a critical point of PAEM exists and (b) PAEM barrier between the two atoms is lower in energy than the occupied major valence‐shell bonding MO which contains in‐phase atomic components (positive overlap) of the two considered atoms. In contrast to the chemical bonding, for a nonbonded interaction or van der Waals interaction between two atoms, both conditions (a) and (b) do not be satisfied at the same time. This is demonstrated and discussed by various typical cases, particularly those related to helium atom and H? H bonding in phenanthrene. There are helium bonds in HHeF and HeBeO molecules, whereas no H? H bonding in phenanthrene. The validity and limitation for this rule is demonstrated through the investigations of the curves of the PAEM barrier top and MO energies versus the internuclear distances for He₂, H₂, and He₂⁺ systems. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Absorption spectra of small niobium and gold clusters measured by photodepletion of their rare gas van der Waals complexes: some preliminary experiments

The optical absorption spectra of small niobium clusters have been determined over the wavelength range 260 – 740 nm by photodetaching Krypton atoms from the corresponding neutral van der Waals, vdW, complexes, Nb_nKr_m, n=5–15, m=1–3. Cross sections for small gold clusters were determined by photodetachment experiments oncharged vdW complexes [Au_nXe_m]⁺, m=1, 2. The absorption cross sections are observed to increase monotonically with decreasing wavelength. At the long wavelength end of the range, the cross section is practically independent of the cluster nuclearity, n; whereas, at the short wavelength end of the range, the cross section increases monotonically with n.     

Calculation of diatomic van der Waals systems inert gas Atom-Halogen type inert gas ion in the ground state

Interatomic potentials are calculated for the systems inert gas ion in the ground state-inert gas atom Ne⁺, Xe⁺ -Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Fr. The calculation is performed by the effective pseudopotential method using the new form of the polarization interaction potential obtained by calculating the most important polarization diagrams of perturbation theory in the Thomas-Fermi approximation. The quasimolecular states of these van der Waals systems are calculated to refine the available data; some data are obtained for the first time. Translated fromZhumal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 39, No. 4, pp. 591–595, July–August, 1998.     

Interaction Between C60 Fullerene and Alkali Metals Demonstrating Superconductivity

A discret summation method [1] has been used to calculate the van der Waals dispersion interactions between an alkali metal atom and individual C₆₀ fullerene molecules, as well as between an intercalated alkali metal atom and the face-centred-cubic lattice of solid fullerite. It is known [2, 3] that the conductivities observed in the doped C₆₀ films vary considerably for different alkali atoms. Our interest was to investigate any correlation between these conductivities and the long range potential field behaviour. In the present study, we have obtained interaction potential curves of the C₆₀ fullerene molecule including within its cage, as well the potential field topography within the overall C₆₀ fullerite solid unit cell. We have found that for all intercalated alkali metals, except Cs, there are voids within the unit-cell of fullerite where the dopant experiences attractive interactions. Whereas on the other hand, inside the fullerene cage only Li and Na experience attractive forces. Importantly, it has been shown that the localization of the crystallographic sites [4] of doped alkali metals in fullerite coincide with the potential energy minima of long range van der Waals forces.     

Ab initio studies of internal rotation barriers and vibrational frequencies of (C2H2)2, (CO2)2, and C2H2-CO2

We have performed large-scaleab initio calculations using second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) on the three van der Waals dimers formed from acetylene and carbon dioxide. Intermolecular geometrical parameters are reliably computed at this level of theory. Calculations of vibrational frequencies of the van der Waals modes, currently unobtainable by experimental means, give important information about the intermolecular potential and predict significant large-amplitude motion. Zero point energy contributions are shown to be vital in assessing the relative stability of conformations which are close in energy. Our studies suggest that the barrier to interconversion tunnelling in (CO₂)₂ is significantly smaller than previously inferred and is approximately the same as in (C₂H₂)₂. The reason for the rigidity of (CO₂)₂ is the difference in monomer centre-of-mass separation between ground state and transition state. We also show that, in addition to the previously observedC _2v form, the collinear form of C₂H₂-CO₂ is a local minimum on its potential energy surface.     

Van der Waals radii of elements from the data of structural inorganic chemistry

Van der Waals radii of elements were determined from the data of the structural inorganic chemistry: from intersitial distances in CdX₂- and graphite-type structures, bond lengths in van der Waals molecules, molar volumes of A₂-type substances, refractometry data, and from quantum chemical and correlation ratios. The recommended values of van der Waals radii of elements are tabulated.Translated fromIzyestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 1, pp. 24–29, January, 1995.The author is grateful to the administration of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Durham (Great Britain) for the opportunity to perform this work and to Prof. J. Howard and Prof. K. Wade for useful discussions.     

Accurate ab initio determination of the van der Waals interaction in the X 2Σ+ ground state of LiHe

Accurate quantum-chemical ab initio calculations have been performed at the SCF and CEPA (coupled electron pair approximation) levels for the van der Waals interaction in the X ² Σ ⁺ ground state of LiHe. An extended basis set has been used and the counterpoise correction for the basis set superposition error (BSSE) has been applied. The calculated potential energy curve has a very shallow minimum at 11.56 a ₀ with a well depth of only 1.49 cm^?1. This is too small to allow for a bound vibrational level. The analysis of the results shows that the interaction mainly consists of the Pauli repulsion between Li(1s ²2s) and He (1s ²), which is decaying exponentially, and the attractive London dispersion energy. Van der Waals coefficients C₆, C₈, and C₁₀ have been determined by a least squares fit to the long-range part of the calculated potential curve.     

Static hyperpolarizability of the van der Waals complex CH4?N2

The static first hyperpolarizability of the van der Waals CH₄ N₂ complex was calculated. The calculations were carried out in the approximation of the rigid interacting molecules for a broad range of intermolecular separations (R = 6–40 a₀) and for six configurations at CCSD(T) level of theory using the correlation consistent aug-cc-pVTZ basis set with the basis set superposition error correction. It was shown that the long-range classical approximation, including the terms up to R⁻⁶, is in a good agreement with ab initio calculations for R > 11 a₀. It was found out that for the family of most stable configurations of the complex, the first hyperpolarizability invariants practically do not change (the changes are less than 0.1%). Under forming the stable van der Waals CH₄ N₂ complex, the intensity and degree of depolarization of the hyper-Rayleigh scattering are noticeable decreased (by ∼10%) to be compared with the free CH₄ and N₂ molecules. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

A note on excess Gibbs energy models,equations of state and the local composition concept

A density-dependent local composition expression for the residual energy is derived from a generalized NRTL expression for the excess energy and the van der Waals fluid theory. Integration of this expression yields a volume-dependent expression for the Helmholtz energy from which equations of state utilizing the local composition concept are derived and which in the high-density limit contain the well-known activity coefficient models.The local composition versions of the Carnahan—Starling—van der Waals, the Redlich—Kwong—Soave and the Peng—Robinson equations of state are derived. It is further shown that the group contribution versions of the NRTL, the Wilson and the UNIQUAC excess models may be derived from the generalized NRTL expression for the residual energy when applied to groups instead of molecules.It is thus demonstrated that all current local composition activity-coefficient models can be derived from a local composition version of the van der Waals equation of state using different sets of assumptions. In the same way the van Laar, the Scatchard—Hildebrand and the Flory—Huggins activity coefficient models are obtained from the van der Waals equation of state using the original mixing rules.     

Adsorption of ions onto polymer surfaces and its influence on zeta potential and adhesion phenomena

 The adhesion behavior that governs many technologically and biologically relevant polymer properties can be investigated by zeta potential measurements with varied electrolyte concentration or pH. In a previous work [1] it was found that the difference of the adsorption free energies of Cl^- and K⁺ ions correlates with the adhesion force caused by van der Waals interactions, and that the decrease of adhesion strength by adsorption layers can be elucidated by zeta potential measurements. In order to confirm these interrelations, zeta potential measurements were combined with atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements. Force–distance curves between poly(ether ether ketone) and fluorpolymers, respectively, and the Si₃N₄ tip of the AFM device in different electrolyte solutions were measured and analysed. The adsorption free energy of anions calculated from the Stern model correlates with their ability to prevent the adhesion between the polymer surface and the Si₃N₄ tip of the AFM device. These results demonstrate the influence of adsorption phenomena on the adhesion behavior of solids. The results obtained by AFM confirm the thesis that the electrical double layer of solid polymers in electrolyte solutions is governed by ion adsorption probably due to van der Waals interactions and that therefore van der Waals forces can be detected by zeta potential measurements. Received: 18 November 1997 Accepted: 19 January 1998     

Potential energy surfaces for van der waals complexes of rare gases with H2S and H2S2: Extension to xenon interactions and hyperspherical harmonics representation

This article is an account and extension of a series of recent investigations, which using extensive quantum chemical methods provide analytical hyperspherical representations of the potential energy surfaces for the interactions of rare gases with H₂S as a rigid molecule, and H₂S₂, considered as a floppy molecule with respect to torsional mode. For the H₂S‐rare gas systems, the representation is based on a minimal model, here introduced and discussed. For H₂S₂, the study of the interaction with Xe, not considered previously, completes the series. The results are discussed with reference to the properties and trends expected for interactions of van der Waals type. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011     

Electronic properties of divalent-metal clusters

The transition from van der Waals to metallic bonding expected to occur in divalent-metal clusters (e.g., Be _n , Mg _n , Hg _n ) as a function of cluster size is discussed. Theoretical results for several electronic properties reflecting this transition in Hg _n -clusters are briefly reviewed and compared with available experiments. The limitations of the present theory particularly concerning the role of correlations and van der Waals interactions are discussed and possible improvements are suggested.     

Adsorption and dissociation of the methanethiol (CH3SH) molecule on the Fe(100) surface

These contributions explore interaction modes between the methanethoil (CH₃SH) molecule and the Fe(100) surface via implementing accurate density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the inclusion of van der Waals corrections. We consider three adsorption sites over the Fe(100) surface, namely, top(T), bridge (B), and hollow (H) sites as potential catalytic active sites for the molecular and dissociative adsorption of the CH₃SH molecule. The molecular adsorption structures are found to occupy either B or T sites with former sites holding higher stability by 0.17 eV. The inclusion of van der Waals corrections refound to slightly alter adsorption energies. For instance, adsorption energies increased by ~ 0.18 and ~ 0.21 eV for B and T structure, respectively, in reference to values obtained by the plain generalized gradient approximation (GGA) functional. A stability ordering of the dissociation products was found to follow the sequence (CH₄, S) > (CH₃, S, H) > (─SCH_3, H) > (─CH₃, SH). The differential charge density distributions were examined to underpin prominent electronic contributing factors. Direct fission of C─S bond in the CH₃SH molecule attains exothermic values in the range 2.0 to 2.1 eV. The most energetically favorable sites for the surface-mediated fission of the thiol's S─H bond correspond to the structure where the ─SCH₃ and H are both situated on hollow sites with an adsorption energy of −2.43 eV. Overall, we found that inclusion of van der Waals functional to change the binding energies more noticeably in case of dissociative adsorption structures. The results presented herein should be instrumental in efforts that aim to design stand-alone Fe desulfurization catalysts.     

An improved potential energy surface for the F+H2 reaction

A new ground state potential energy surface has been developed for the F+H₂ reaction. Using the UCCSD(T) method, ab initio calculations were performed for 786 geometries located mainly in the exit channel of the reaction. The new data was used to correct exit channel errors that have become apparent in the potential energy surface of Stark and Werner [J. Chem. Phys. 104 (1996) 6515]. While the entrance channel and saddlepoint properties of the Stark–Werner surface are unchanged on the new potential, the exit channel behavior is more satisfactory. The exothermicity on the new surface is much closer to the experimental value. The new surface also greatly diminishes the exit channel van der Waals well that was too pronounced on the Stark–Werner surface. Several preliminary dynamical scattering calculations were carried out using the new surface for total angular momentum equal to zero for F+H₂ and F+HD. It is found that gross features of the reaction dynamics are quite similar to those predicted by the Stark–Werner surface, in particular the reactive resonance for F+HD and F+H₂ survive. However, the most of the exit channel van der Waals resonances disappear on the new surface. It is predicted that the differential cross-sections at low collision energy for the F+H₂ reaction may be drastically modified from the predictions based on the Stark–Werner surface.     

Covalent-ionic nature of the potential energy surface of the Li-CO2 complex

Unrestricted Hartree-Fock calculations with large basis sets, including d-functions, and the estimation of the correlation energy, show that the potential energy surface for the Li-CO₂ complex is built from the crossing of two states, each of them corresponding to a different electron arrangement. One has a strong ionic character and the other is of van der Waals type. Each portion of the energy surface presents a minimum, which is stable in respect to the dissociation limit.