First-principles study of electronic structure and magnetic properties of Sr3Fe2O5 oxide

We investigate the electronic structure and magnetic properties of layered compound Sr₃Fe₂O₅ based on first-principles calculations in the framework of density functional theory with GGA+U method. Under high pressure, the ladder-type layered structure of Sr₃Fe₂O₅ is transformed into the infinite layered structure accompanied by a transition from G-type anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) insulator to ferromagnetic (FM) metal and a spin transition from S=2 to S=1. We reproduce these transformations in our calculations and give a clear physical interpretation.     

Alkali-induced effects on metal substrates and coadsorbed molecules

We present results of ab initio electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory which show in detail several effects of alkali adsorption on metal substrates and on molecules coadsorbed on the substrate. First, calculations of the isoelectronic reactivity index demonstrate a dramatic enhancement of the electronic polarizability of the metal substrate extending it several angstroms into the vacuum. This phenomenon is traceable to an unusual feature induced in the surface potential on alkali adsorption. The effect appears to be general and helps explain the observed substantial decrease in the vibrational frequency of molecules such as CO and O₂ when co-adsorbed with alkalis on metal surfaces. Next, for the oxidation of CO on Pd(111), we illustrate the changes in the reaction pathway and activation energy barriers induced in the presence of coadsorbed K. PACS 73.20.-r; 71.15.-m     

Contrast inversion of the h-BN nanomesh investigated by nc-AFM and Kelvin probe force microscopy

Single sheets of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on transition metals provide a model system for layered insulating materials as well as a functional substrate for molecules and metal clusters. The progress in the understanding of h-BN layers on transition metals was mainly driven by scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) and photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) measurements within the last decade, while direct measurements of mechanical and electrical properties are still rare. Our investigations of the two-dimensional (2D) h-BN nanomesh on a Rh(111) substrate by high-resolution noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) reveal a complex surface structure including a frequently observed contrast inversion. Detailed 2D force spectroscopy measurements are revealing towards a mechanical elastic deformation of the h-BN monolayer caused by the tip-sample interaction. Furthermore, Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and spectroscopy measurements show local work function variations of the nanomesh, proving the results obtained by PES but additionally providing detailed local information.     

First-Principles Study of Structural and Electronic Properties of Layered B2CN Crystals

Based on the hexagonal BN structure, six possible layered B~ CN structures are constructed. Their total energies, lattice constants as well as electronic properties are calculated using the ab initio pseudopotential density functional method within the local density approximation. The calculated results show that the B2 CN-V configuration with AA stacking sequence is the most stable among the six B2CN layered structures. The characteristics of electronic structures indicate that the B2 CN-V shows metallicity, which mainly comes from -B1-C-B1-C- chains.     

High quality PdTe_2 thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy

PdTe_2,a member of layered transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs),has aroused significant research interest due to the coexistence of superconductivity and type-II Dirac fermions.It provides a promising platform to explore the interplay between superconducting quasiparticles and Dirac fermions.Moreover,PdTe_2 has also been used as a substrate for monolayer antimonene growth.Here in this paper,we report the epitaxial growth of high quality PdTe_2 films on bilayer graphene/SiC(0001)by molecular beam epitaxy(MBE).Atomically thin films are characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy(STM),X-ray photoemission spectroscopy(XPS),low-energy electron diffraction(LEED),and Raman spectroscopy.The band structure of 6-layer PdTe_2 film is measured by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy(ARPES).Moreover,our air exposure experiments show excellent chemical stability of epitaxial PdTe_2 film.High-quality PdTe_2 films provide opportunities to build antimonene/PdTe_2 heterostructure in ultrahigh vacuum for future applications in electronic and optoelectronic nanodevices.     

Bottom-up assembly of single-domain titania nanosheets on (1 x 2)-Pt(110)

A bottom-up route towards the synthesis of titania nanosheets is explored, alternative to the exfoliation of layered titanates. Nanosheets are assembled from the constituent elements and epitaxially matched to a suitable substrate: (1 x 2)-Pt(110). Their basic lepidocrocite structure is modulated at the nanoscale due to coincidence with the substrate. Density functional calculations reveal the structure details of the nanosheet, which is also shown to be in close relationship with a (001)-oriented anatase bilayer.     

TiC-和TiN-(001)表面吸附性能的密度泛函理论研究

基于密度泛函理论系统研究了碳化钛(TiC)和氮化钛(TiN)非极性(001)表面吸附气体分子和原子的性能。鉴于这些材料拥有不同的电子结构特征,发现受电子的CO分子或未饱和的O和H原子在TiC(001)和TiN(001)表面吸附于不同的活性位点,而供电子的NH3和H2O气体分子或完全饱和的O2和H2分子仅倾向与两个表面的金属原子位点结合。这些吸附特性可能与此类材料表面的电子结构有关。     

Single-step synthesis of wrinkled MoSe2 thin films

Controlled and simple synthesis strategy of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials is critical for designing the related heterostructures with different geometries, which influence strain, electronic structures, light-interactions, and surface reactions. Here, we report a single-step growth method for wrinkled MoSe₂ thin films on flat SiO₂/Si substrates by using high-vacuum co-evaporation. Above the critical film thickness of 15–20?nm, the MoSe₂ films start to form wrinkled structure with lateral periodicity of 7–10?μm, which significantly reduces light reflectance in the visible range. We demonstrate formation of the wrinkled pattern on the selective area either by etching the substrate surface or by depositing gold films. In addition, we observe switching of the microscopic growth mode from a layered stacking to a vertically aligned growth, which results in 2D-3D hybrid microstructures. Our single-step synthesis approach might be generalized to obtain wrinkled 2D-3D hybrid nanomaterials and utilized for flexible electronic & optoelectronic devices, efficient solar cells, catalytic electrodes, and anti-counterfeiting applications.     

低对称层状ReS2的电子结构和各向异性光学性质研究

采用第一性原理赝势平面波方法计算了三斜晶系低对称层状半导体二硫化铼（ReS2）的晶体结构、电子结构及光学性质。结果表明：扭曲的1T结构为ReS2的稳定结构, Re原子与其周围的S原子形成六配位的近似八面体结构,Re-S键长最大偏差为8.3%,Re-S键布局数最大偏差为40.5%,表明ReS2结构的低对称性;ReS2为直接带隙半导体,费米面附近的价带和导带主要由Re的5d及S的3p轨道电子构成,其中Re的5d轨道电子的贡献最大;当入射偏振光沿着[100]和[010]方向时,介电函数的实部（或虚部）非常接近,而当入射偏振光沿[001]方向时,介电函数的实部（及虚部）表现出明显的各向异性,主要是由于ReS2的结构低对称性和弱层间耦合造成的。     

单层硅烯表面的CoPc分子吸附研究

由于低维材料表面上的单原子和分子具有丰富的物理化学性质,现已经成为量子器件及催化科学等领域的研究热点.单层硅烯在不同的衬底制备温度下,表现出丰富的超结构,这些超结构为实现有序的单原子或分子吸附提供了可靠的模板.利用原位硅烯薄膜制备,分子沉积,超高真空扫描隧道显微镜以及扫描隧道谱,本文研究了Ag(111)衬底上3种硅烯超结构((4×4),(■×■),(2■×2■))的电子态结构,表面功函数随超结构的变化,以及CoPc分子在这3种超结构硅烯上的吸附行为.研究结果表明,这3种超结构的硅烯具有类似的电子能带结构,且存在电子从Ag(111)衬底转移到硅烯上的可能性,从而导致硅烯的表面功函数增大,表面功函数在原子级尺度上的变化对分子的选择性吸附起着重要作用.此外,还观察到分子与硅烯的相互作用导致CoPc分子的电子结构发生对称性破缺.     

The equivalent potential of water molecules for electronic structure of lysine

In order to get more reliable electronic structures of proteins in aqueous solution, it is necessary to construct a potential of water molecules for protein’s electronic structure calculation. The lysine is a hydrophilic amino acid. It is positively charged (Lys+) in neutral water solution. The first-principles, all-electron, ab initio calcula-tions, based on the density functional theory, have been performed to construct such an equivalent potential of water molecules for lysine (Lys+). The process consists of three parts. First, the electronic structure of the cluster containing Lys+ and water molecules is calculated. By adjusting the positions of water molecules, the geometric structure of the cluster having minimum total energy is determined. Then, based on the structure, the electronic structure of Lys+ with the potential of water molecules is calculated using the self-consistent cluster-embedding (SCCE) method. Finally, the electronic structure of Lys+ with the potential of dipoles is calculated. The dipoles are adjusted so that the electronic structure of Lys+ with the potential of dipoles is close to that of water molecules. Thus the equivalent potential of water molecules for the electronic structure of lysine is obtained. The major effect of water molecules on lysine’s electronic structure is raising the occupied eigenvalues about 0.5032 eV, and broadening energy gap 89%. The effect of water molecules on the electronic structure of lysine can be simulated by dipoles potential.     

Molecular switches at surfaces

In nature, molecules exploit interaction with their environment to realize complex functionalities on the nanometer length scale. Physical, chemical and/or biological specificity is frequently achieved by the switching of molecules between microscopically different states. Paradigmatic examples are the energy production in proton pumps of bacteria or the signal conversion in human vision, which rely on switching molecules between different configurations or conformations by external stimuli. The remarkable reproducibility and unparalleled fatigue resistance of these natural processes makes it highly desirable to emulate nature and develop artificial systems with molecular functionalities. A promising avenue towards this goal is to anchor the molecular switches at surfaces, offering new pathways to control their functional properties, to apply electrical contacts, or to integrate switches into larger systems. Anchoring at surfaces allows one to access the full range from individual molecular switches to self-assembled monolayers of well-defined geometry and to customize the coupling between molecules and substrate or between adsorbed molecules. Progress in this field requires both synthesis and preparation of appropriate molecular systems and control over suitable external stimuli, such as light, heat, or electrical currents. To optimize switching and generate function, it is essential to unravel the geometric structure, the electronic properties and the dynamic interactions of the molecular switches on surfaces. This special section, Molecular Switches at Surfaces, collects 17 contributions describing different aspects of this research field. They analyze elementary processes, both in single molecules and in ensembles of molecules, which involve molecular switching and concomitant changes of optical, electronic, or magnetic properties. Two topical reviews summarize the current status, including both challenges and achievements in the field of molecular switches on metal surfaces, focusing on electronic and vibrational spectroscopy in one case and scanning tunneling microscopy studies in the other. Original research articles describe results in many aspects of the field, including: Self-assembly, self-organization, and controlled growth of molecular layers on various substrates. Highly-ordered arrays provide model systems with extraordinary structural properties, allowing one to adjust interactions between molecules and between molecule and substrate, and can be robustly prepared from solution, an essential prerequisite for applications. Conformational or electronic switching of molecules adsorbed at metal and semiconductor surfaces. These studies highlight the elementary processes governing molecular switching at surfaces as well as the wide range of possible stimuli. Carbon-based substrates such as graphene or carbon nanotubes. These substrates are attractive due to their effective two-dimensionality which implies that switching of adsorbed molecules can effect a significant back-action on the substrate. Mechanisms of conformational switching. Several contributions study the role of electron-vibron coupling and heating in current-induced conformational switching. We hope that the collection of articles presented here will stimulate and encourage researchers in surface physics and interfacial chemistry to contribute to the still emerging field of molecular switches at surfaces. We wish to acknowledge the support and input from many colleagues in preparing this special section. A significant part of this work has been conducted in the framework of the Sonderforschungsbereich 658 Elementary Processes in Molecular Switches at Surfaces of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, to which we are grateful for financial support. Molecular surfaces at switches contents Molecular switches at surfacesMartin Weinelt and Felix von Oppen Optically and thermally induced molecular switching processes at metal surfacesPetra Tegeder Effects of electron-vibration coupling in transport through single moleculesKatharina J Franke and Jose Ignacio Pascual Vibrational heating in single-molecule switches: an energy-dependent density-of-states approachT Brumme, R Gutierrez and G Cuniberti Reversible switching of single tin phthalocyanine molecules on the InAs(111)A surfaceC Nacci, K Kanisawa and S F?lsch Tuning the interaction between carbon nanotubes and dipole switches: the influence of the change of the nanotube-spiropyran distanceP Bluemmel, A Setaro, C Maity, S Hecht and S Reich Carbon nanotubes as substrates for molecular spiropyran-based switchesE Malic, A Setaro, P Bluemmel, Carlos F Sanz-Navarro, Pablo Ordejón, S Reich and A Knorr Ultrafast dynamics of dithienylethenes differently linked to the surface of TiO(2) nanoparticlesLars Dworak, Marc Zastrow, Gehad Zeyat, Karola Rück-Braun and Josef Wachtveitl Switching the electronic properties of Co-octaethylporphyrin molecules on oxygen-covered Ni films by NO adsorptionC F Hermanns, M Bernien, A Krüger, J Miguel and W Kuch STM-switching of organic molecules on semiconductor surfaces: an above threshold density matrix model for 1,5 cyclooctadiene on Si(100)K Zenichowski, Ch Nacci, S F?lsch, J Doki?, T Klamroth and P Saalfrank A switch based on self-assembled thymineFatih Kalkan, Michael Mehlhorn and Karina Morgenstern The growth and electronic structure of azobenzene-based functional molecules on layered crystalsJ Iwicki, E Ludwig, J Buck, M Kall?ne, F K?hler, R Herges, L Kipp and K Rossnagel Voltage-dependent conductance states of a single-molecule junctionY F Wang, N Néel, J Kr?ger, H Vázquez, M Brandbyge, B Wang and R Berndt Molecules with multiple switching units on a Au(111) surface: self-organization and single-molecule manipulationJohannes Mielke, Sofia Selvanathan, Maike Peters, Jutta Schwarz, Stefan Hecht and Leonhard Grill Preparing and regulating a bi-stable molecular switch by atomic manipulationS Sakulsermsuk, R E Palmer and P A Sloan Mixed self-assembled monolayers of azobenzene photoswitches with trifluoromethyl and cyano end groupsDaniel Brete, Daniel Przyrembel, Christian Eickhoff, Robert Carley, Wolfgang Freyer, Karsten Reuter, Cornelius Gahl and Martin Weinelt Reversible electron-induced cis-trans isomerization mediated by intermolecular interactionsCh Lotze, Y Luo, M Corso, K J Franke, R Haag and J I Pascual Transport properties of graphene functionalized with molecular switchesNiels Bode, Eros Mariani and Felix von Oppen.     

Ag(110)表面吸附酞菁铜分子的紫外光电子谱研究

用紫外光电子能谱(UPS)研究了酞菁铜分子在Ag(110)单晶表面上的吸附,随着酞菁铜分子覆盖度增加,衬底Ag的3d电子信号逐渐减弱,在此能带区域出现两个新的谱峰,这两个与吸附有机分子轨道有关的谱峰的束缚能分别为4.45 和6.36 eV.随着覆盖度的增加,在结合能为1.51和9.20 eV处又出现了两个谱峰,它们同样来自吸附有机分子的轨道.随着覆盖度的继续增加,上述四个谱峰的强度逐渐增加,其能量位置均发生了明显的偏移.根据角分辨光电子能谱的实验结果,酞菁铜分子的分子平面基本与衬底表面平行.密度泛函理论计 关键词： 酞菁铜 紫外光电子谱 吸附电子态 密度泛函理论     

Device relevant organic films and interfaces: A surface science approach

Here the morphology, molecular orientation and electronic structure of in situ prepared para-sexiphenyl (6P) and α-sexithiophene (6T) films studied with atomic force microscopy, near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and valence band photoemission are presented. Attention is given to the differences between different organic crystallite orientations and the pitfalls in the interpretation of area averaging surface sensitive techniques that can arise from inhomogeneities in the films, which commonly occur even on single crystal inorganic substrates. The growth of organic-organic heterostructures is then considered for sexithiophene films grown on homogeneous upright (6P(0 0 1)) and lying (6P(2 0 3)) crystalline films. In both cases, the orientation of the substrate molecules is imposed on the molecules of the second species and thick films of upright-on-upright or lying-on-lying could be produced. The organic substrates are thus shown to be excellent templates for further organic film growth that do not require the stringent UHV conditions of inorganic templates.     

Superconducting behavior in compressed solid SiH4 with a layered structure

The electronic and lattice dynamical properties of compressed solid SiH4 have been calculated in the pressure range up to 300 GPa with density functional theory. We find two energetically preferred insulating phases with P2(1)/c and Fdd2 symmetries at low pressures. We demonstrate that the Cmca structure having a layered network is the most likely candidate of the metallic phase of SiH4 over a wide pressure range above 60 GPa. The superconducting transition temperature in this layered metallic phase is found to be in the range of 20-75 K.     

First-principles study of the water structure on flat and stepped gold surfaces

The geometric structure and electronic properties of flat and stepped gold–water interfaces have been addressed by periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This work was motivated by a recent electron energy loss spectroscopy study [H. Ibach, Surf. Sci. 604 (2010) 377] indicating that the structure of a water layer on stepped Au(511) differs significantly from the one on Au(100). Based on ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, the measured spectra have been reproduced and linked to the geometric arrangement of the water molecules. Furthermore, we find a strong polarization of the water layers which contributes to the water-induced work function change of the substrate.     

Controlling the bonding and band gaps of solid carbon monoxide with pressure

We use a combination of a searching method and first-principles electronic structure calculations to predict novel structures of carbon monoxide (CO) which are energetically more stable than the known structures. The most stable forms of CO at zero pressure consist of metallic polycarbonyl chains with single and double bonds, rather than the familiar triply bonded insulating CO molecules. At pressures >2 GPa the most stable phases are semiconducting and insulating singly bonded three-dimensional framework and layered structures. We also find a molecular Pbcm structure which is more stable than the R3c structure proposed previously for the observed ? phase.     

Hydration effect on the electronic transport properties of oligomeric phenylene ethynylene molecular junctions

A first-principles computational method based on the hybrid density functional theory is developed to simulate the electronic transport properties of oligomeric phenylene ethynylene molecular junctions with H₂O molecules accumulated in the vicinity as recently reported by Na {\it et al.} [\wx{Nanotechnology}{18} 424001 (2007)]. The numerical results show that the hydrogen bonds between the oxygen atoms of the oligomeric phenylene ethynylene molecule and H₂O molecules result in the localisation of the molecular orbitals and lead to the lower transition peaks. The H₂O molecular chains accumulated in the vicinity of the molecular junction can not only change the electronic structure of the molecular junctions, but also open additional electronic transport pathways. The obvious influence of H₂O molecules on the electronic structure of the molecular junction and its electronic transport properties is thus demonstrated.     

Microscopic aspects of Si-Ge heterojunction formation

We present the results of an investigation of the electronic structure of heterojunctions formed by deposition of Germanium on Si (lll) surfaces. Energy Loss Spectra for various Ge coverages have been taken and compared with theoretical calculations. The results indicate that the interface is abrupt and at low coverages Ge is deposited uniformly on the substrate. Above 2 monolayers coverage modifications in the electronic structure appear probably caused by the growth mechanism.     

The equivalent potential of water molecules for electronic structure of alanine

Using ab initio calculations based on density functional theory, an equivalent potential of water molecules for the electronic structure of Ala in solution has been obtained. The calculation process consists of three steps: first, the geometric structure of Ala + nH₂O system is determined by searching for the lowest energy of the system using free cluster calculation method. Second, based on the geometric structure obtained, the electronic structure of Ala with the potential of water molecules is calculated using a self-consistent cluster-embedding method. Finally, after replacing water molecules with dipoles, the electronic structure of Ala with the potential of dipoles is calculated. The dipoles are adjusted so the electronic structure of Ala with the potential of dipoles is close to that of water molecules. The calculated results show that the main effect of water molecules is to raise the state for methyl CH₃ by about 0.14 Ry, raising all other eigenvalues by about 0.059 Ry, and widening the energy gap by about 25%. In contrast, the replacement of water molecules by dipoles is comparatively efficient, showing that the effect of water molecules on the electronic structure of Ala can be simulated by a dipole potential, which would be a shortcut calculation.