On the evaluation of molecular electron affinities by approximate density functional theory

The ability of approximate Density Functional Theory to calculate molecular electron affinities has been probed by a series of calculations on the hydrides CH₃, NH₂, OH, and HC₂ as well as the multibonded species CN, BO, N₃, OCN, and NO₂. The simple Hartree–Fock Slater scheme lacks dynamic correlations and underestimates on the average the adiabatic electron affinities (EA_ad) by 0.7 eV. A considerable improvement is obtained by the Local Density Approximation (LDA) in which dynamic correlation is included. Values from LDA calculation underestimate, on the average, the adiabatic electron affinities by 0.4 eV. The best agreement with experiment is obtained by the LDA/NL scheme in which a nonlocal correction recently proposed by Becke is added to the LDA energy expression. The LDA/NL method underestimates EA_ad by 0.2 eV. It is concluded that the LDA/NL method affords EA_ad's in as good agreement with experiment as ab initio techniques in which electron correlation is taken into account by extensive configuration interaction. A full geometry optimization has been carried out on the nine neutral sample molecules as well as the corresponding anions.     

The structures,thermochemistry, and electron affinities of hydrogenated silicon clusters Si6Hn/Si6H (n = 3–14)

The hydrogenated silicon clusters structures, electron affinities, and dissociation energies of the Si₆H_n/Si₆H (n = 3?14) species have been systematically investigated by means of three density functional theory (DFT) methods. The basis set used in this work is of double‐ζ plus polarization quality with additional diffuse s‐ and p‐type functions, denoted DZP++. The geometries are fully optimized with each DFT method independently. Three different types of energy separations presented in this work are the adiabatic electron affinity (EA_ad), the vertical electron affinity (EA_vert), and the vertical detachment energy (VDE). The first Si? H dissociation energies D_e (Si₆H_n→ Si₆H_n?1+H) for the neutral Si₆H_n and D_e (Si₆H→Si₆H+H) for the anionic Si₆H species have also been reported. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009     

Structures, electron affinities, and vibrational frequencies of the mono-, di-substituted SF6 radicals

Optimized molecular structures, electron affinities, and IR-active vibrational frequencies have been predicted using five different hybrid Hartree–Fock/density functional theory (DFT) methods for a series of mono-, di-substituted SF₆ compounds. The basis set used in this work is of double-ζ plus polarization quality with additional diffuse s- and p-type functions, denoted DZP++. These methods have been carefully calibrated [J.C. Rienstra-Kiracofe, G.S. Tschumper, H.F. Schaefer, S. Nandi, G.B. Ellison, Chem. Rev. 102 (2002) 231]. The equilibrium configurations of the anions and are found to be a zigzag geometry with ²A electronic state. Three different types of the neutral-anion energy separation reported in this work are the adiabatic electron affinity (EA_ad), the vertical electron affinity (EA_vert), and the vertical detachment energy (VDE). The most reliable adiabatic electron affinities of the mono-, di-substituted SF₆ compounds obtained at the KMLYP function are 1.48 eV (SF₆), 3.20 eV (SF₅Cl), 3.49 eV (SF₅Br), 1.59 eV (SF₅CF₃), 3.21 eV (CF₃SF₄Cl), 3.59 eV (CF₃SF₄Br), 1.36 eV (CF₃SF₄CH₃), 2.32 eV (CF₃SF₄CF₃), respectively.     

Formation of color centers and paramagnetic species upon reduction of poly(diphenylene phthalide) with metallic lithium in DMF

Reduction of poly(diphenylene phthalide) (PDP) with metallic lithium in DMF at room temperature was studied by electronic and ESR spectroscopies. The main feature of the process is the presence of a long induction period (about 50 to 80 min) which is probably caused by the formation of small lithium particles and by adsorption of the polymer on the metal. At least four types of nonparamagnetic color centers characterized by overlapping absorption bands at 570, 660, 750, and 810 nm were detected in the reduced solution. The amounts of all types of the color centers in the solution show a complex dynamic behavior. Reduction of the polymer in the bulk of the solution is due to lithium colloid particles which give rise to a narrow asymmetric ESR singlet (g = 2.0023, ΔH = 0.03 mT, A/B ≈ 1.1–1.8) and absorb light in the region λ ～300–400 nm. Paramagnetic species with quartet ESR signal with a splitting of 0.1 mT and g = 2.0045 observed in the solutions being reduced at a polymer concentration of 0.2 mol L^?1 were attributed to radical anions of terminal anthraquinone groups (TAGs). The electron affinities of some molecules simulating the phthalide-containing unit of the polymer backbone, TAG, and a defect anthrone group were calculated in the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) approximation. For diphenylphthalide, the vertical electron affinity EA_vert = 0.21 eV, the adiabatic electron affinity EA_ad = 0.66 eV, the effective electron affinity EA_eff (with allowance for cleavage of C-O bond in the phthalide ring) = 1.23 eV. For anthrone group, one has EA_ad ～1.2 eV and for anthraquinone group, EA_ad ～2 eV. The electron affinities of the model compounds were also calculated with inclusion of the energy of solvation in two solvents (DMF and DMSO) and the energy of polarization in the PDP film. The electronic spectra of some compounds chosen as models for the expected products of reduction (anions and dianions) of the main phthalide-containing fragments in the polymer, TAGs, and defect anthrone groups were also calculated by the TD DFT B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) method. The presence of three types of chemical electron traps and the possibility of manifestation of strong absorption bands of these anions and dianions in the spectral region 500–900 nm precludes unambiguous selection and assignment of complex experimental electronic spectra observed in the course of PDP reduction. The possible role of TAGs in the electronic and photophysical processes in PDP is discussed.     

Na30.5AgxGa60—x: A Three‐Dimensional Network Composed of Ga3, Ga12, and Ga18 Clusters

Single crystal X‐ray structural determinations for Na_30.5Ag_2.6(2)Ga_57.4(2) and Na_30.5Ag_6.4(2)Ga_53.6(2) (P6/mmm, Z = 1) reveal Ga₃ triangles, Ga₁₂ icosahedra, and Ga₁₈ hexacapped hexa gonal prisms that are interconnected into a three‐dimensional network. Silver substitutes on the outer gallium sites of the Ga₁₈ unit and presumably stabilizes the structure by reduction of the overall electron count. The two compositions are close to the limits of a nonstoichiometry region in Ga—Ag content, whereas the sodium content does not vary significantly. Stacking of the (Ga, Ag)₁₈ “drums” along creates a channel in which some typically less well localized sodium atoms reside; other sodium cations lie between the clusters and bond to gallium atoms in typical roles. Apparently isotypic analogues of this structure that are more or less well ordered are also known for other combinations of elements. Extended Hückel MO and band calculations were performed in order to gain a better understanding of the silver compound. The variable electron count observed falls in a region of relatively nonbonding states with only a small dependence on energy.     

Relationship between reduction potentials and electron affinities of fullerenes and their derivatives

A linear relationship was found between the first reduction potentials (E°_red) and electron affinities (EA) for fullerenes C₆₀ and C₇₀, their hydro- and fluoro-derivatives, and aromatic hydrocarbons: E°_red = –3.04 + 0.81·EA. This equation was used to estimate the unknown values of EA = 2.45 eV for C₆₀H₂, 2.47 eV for C₇₀H₂, –0.15 eV for C₇₀H_36—38, –0.41 eV for C₇₀H_44—46, and E°_red = –1.74—–1.91 V (vs. Fc^0/+) for C₆₀H₁₈.     

Structure and properties of iron oxide clusters: From Fe6 to Fe6O20 and from Fe7 to Fe7O24

Geometrical and electronic structures of the neutral and singly negatively charged Fe₆O_n and Fe₇O_m clusters in the range of 1 ≤ n ≤ 20 and 1 ≤ m ≤ 24, respectively, are computed using density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation. The largest clusters in the two series, Fe₆O₂₀ and Fe₇O₂₄, can be described as Fe(FeO₄)₅ and Fe(FeO₄)₆ or alternatively as [FeO₅](FeO₃)₅ and [FeO₆](FeO₃)₆, respectively. The Fe₆O₂₀ and Fe₇O₂₄ clusters possess adiabatic electron affinities (EA_ad) of 5.64 eV and 5.80 eV and can be attributed to the class of hyperhalogens since FeO₄ is an unique closed‐shell superhalogen with the EA_ad of 3.9 eV. The spin character of the lowest total energy states in both series changes from ferromagnetic to ferrimagnetic or antiferromagnetic when the first Fe? O? Fe bridge is formed. Oxidation decreases substantially the polarizability per atom of the initial bare clusters; namely, from 5.98 ų of Fe₆ to 2.47 ų of Fe₆O₂₀ and from 5.67 ų of Fe₇ to 2.38 ų of Fe₇O₂₄. The results of our computations pertaining to the binding energies of O, Fe, O₂, and FeO in the Fe₇O_m series provide an explanation for the experimentally observed abundance of the iron oxide nanoparticles with stoichiometric compositions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Synthesis,Structure, Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy,and Electronic Structures of the Phosphidotrielates Li3AlP2 and Li3GaP2

The lithium phosphidoaluminate Li₉AlP₄ represents a promising new compound with a high lithium ion mobility. This triggered the search for new members in the family of lithium phosphidotrielates, and the novel compounds Li₃AlP₂ and Li₃GaP₂, obtained directly from the elements via ball milling and subsequent annealing, are reported here. It was unexpectedly found through band structure calculations that Li₃AlP₂ and Li₃GaP₂ are direct band gap semiconductors with band gaps of 3.1 and 2.8 eV, respectively. Rietveld analyses reveal that both compounds crystallize isotypically in the orthorhombic space group Cmce (no. 64) with lattice parameters of a=11.5138(2), b=11.7634(2) and c=5.8202(1) Å for Li₃AlP₂, and a=11.5839(2), b=11.7809(2) and c=5.8129(2) Å for Li₃GaP₂. The crystal structures feature TrP₄ (Tr=Al, Ga) corner- and edge-sharing tetrahedra, forming two-dimensional layers. The lithium atoms are located between and inside these layers. The crystal structures were confirmed by MAS-NMR spectroscopy.     

Geometries and electronic structures of W4 and W clusters

Geometries and electronic structures of W₄ and W clusters were studied by use of density functional methods B3LYP, B3P86, B3PW91, BHLYP, BLYP, and MPW1PW91. The calculated results indicate that the three‐dimensional structure of singlet state with either D_2d symmetry (B3LYP, B3P86, B3PW91, BLYP, and MPW1PW91) or C_2v symmetry (BHLYP) is the ground state for the W₄ cluster. For the W cluster, the doublet state is preferred, and the most stable structure is also 3D with either D_2d symmetry (B3LYP, B3PW91, BHLYP, BLYP) or C_2v symmetry (B3P86 and MPW1PW91). The calculated electron affinity at B3P86 gives the best performance compared with experiment. For the dissociation channel, W + W₃ is suggested to be the possible route for the W₄ cluster. For the W cluster, W + W is the most likely route for dissociation, in agreement with experiment. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005     

A theoretical study of electronic and vibrational properties of neutral,cationic, and anionic B24 clusters

The equilibrium geometries, electronic and vibrational properties, and static polarizability of B₂₄, B, and B clusters are reported here. First‐principles calculations based on density functional theory predict the staggered double‐ring configuration to be the ground state for B₂₄, B, and B, in contrast to the quasi‐planar structure observed in small neutral and ionized B_n clusters with n ≤ 15. Furthermore, the (4 × B₆) tubular structure is found to be relatively stable in comparison to the 3D cage structure. The presence of delocalized π and multicentered σ bonds appears to be the cause of the stability of the double‐ring and tubular isomers. For the ground state of B₂₄, the lower and upper bound of the electron affinity is 2.67 and 2.81 eV, respectively, and the vertical ionization potential is 6.88 eV. Analysis of the frequency spectrum of the double‐ring and tubular isomers reveals the characteristic vibrational modes typically observed in carbon nanotubes. The corresponding IR spectrum also reflects the presence of some of these characteristic modes in the neutral and ionized B₂₄, suggesting that double‐ring and tubular structures can be considered as the building blocks of boron nanotubes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005     

Dipole,quadrupole, octupole,and dipole–dipole–quandrupole polarizabilities and second hyperpolarizabilities at real and imaginary frequencies for helium in the 23S state: Dispersion-energy coefficients for interactions between He(23S) and H(12S), He(11S), He(23S), or H2(X1∑g+)

We have determined the dynamic dipole (α₁), quadrupole (α₂), octupole (α₃), and dipole–dipole–quadrupole (B) polarizabilities and the second hyperpolarizability tensor (γ) for the helium atom in its lowest triplet state (2³S). We have done so for both real and imaginary frequencies: in the former case, for a range of frequencies (ω) between zero and the first electronic-transition frequency, and in the latter case for a 32-point Gauss–Legendre grid running from zero to ?ω = 20 E_h. We have also determined the dispersion-energy coefficients C₆, C₈, and C₁₀ for the systems H(1²S)? He(2³S), He(1¹S)? He(2³S), and He(2³S)? He(2³S) and the C, C, C, C, and C coefficients for the interaction He(2³S)? H₂(X¹∑). Our values of the higher-order multipolar polarizabilities and of γ for the 2³S state of helium are, we believe, the first to be published. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Ab initio study on the structural and electronic properties of Li3GaP2 compared with Li3GaN2

Structural and electronic properties of Li₃GaP₂ and Li₃GaN₂ have been investigated by the first-principles calculations within the density functional theory. The calculated lattice parameters of the two compounds are in excellent agreement with the available experimental data. Both Li₃GaP₂ and Li₃GaN₂ are direct band gap semiconductors with the band gaps of 1.26 eV and 2.37 eV, respectively. The Ga–P (Ga–N) and Li–P bonds consist of a mixture of ionic character and covalent nature, while the Li–N bond exhibits almost ionic. The bonds in the Li₃GaP₂ are shown to have stronger covalency and weaker ionicity as compared to the corresponding ones in the Li₃GaN₂.     

Structures, vibrational frequencies, and electron affinities of SF5On/SF5On (n = 1–3)

The molecular structures, vibrational frequencies, and electron affinities of the SF₅O_n/SF₅O_n⁻ (n = 1–3) species have been examined with four hybrid density functional theory (DFT) methods. The basis set used in this work is of double-ζ plus polarization quality with additional diffuse s- and p-type functions, denoted DZP++. The geometries are fully optimized with each DFT method independently. The SF₅O_n (n = 1–3) species should be potential greenhouse gases. The anion SF₅O₂⁻ with C_s symmetry has a ³A″ electronic state, and the neutral SF₅O₃ with ²A″ electronic state has C_s symmetry. The anions SF₅O₂⁻ and SF₅O₃⁻ should be regarded as SF₅⁻·O₂ and SF₅O⁻·O₂ complexes, respectively. Three different types of the neutral–anion energy separation presented in this work are the adiabatic electron affinity (EA_ad), the vertical electron affinity (EA_vert), and the vertical detachment energy (VDE). The EA_ad values predicted by the B3PW91 method are 5.22 (SF₅O), 4.38 (SF₅O₂), and 3.61 eV (SF₅O₃). Compared with the experimental vibrational frequencies, the BHLYP method overestimates the frequencies, and the other three methods underestimate the frequencies. The bond dissociation energies D_e (SF₅O_n → SF₅O_n−m + O_m) for the neutrals SF₅O_n and D_e (SF₅O_n⁻ → SF₅O_n−m⁻ + O_m and SF₅O_n⁻ → SF₅O_n−m + O_m⁻) for the anions SF₅O_n⁻ are reported.     

Dissociative Electron Attachment to Hexachlorobenzene

Gas phase molecules of hexachlorobenzene (C₆Cl₆) were investigated by means of dissociative electron attachment spectroscopy (DEAS). Three channels of molecular negative ions decay have been identified: abstraction of Cl⁻ and Cl₂⁻ as well as electron detachment (τ_a∼250 μs at 343 K). All three channels exhibit temperature dependence. The adiabatic electron affinity estimated using a simple but typically accurate Arrhenius model (EA_a=1.6–1.9 eV) turns out to be much higher than the quantum-chemical predictions (EA_a=0.9–1.0 eV). We discuss the possible reasons behind the observed discrepancy.     

Investigation of rapid thermally annealed GaP(001) surfaces in vacuum

Morphology of rapid thermally annealed GaP(001) surfaces has been investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), optical microscopy, ex situ atomic force microscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The samples were annealed in vacuum for t = 2 s at temperatures T = 20–900 °C. The SE, optical microscopy and XPS spectra suggest that thermal annealing causes little influence on the GaP surface at T ≤ 600 °C; however, micro‐ and macroscopic roughening occur at T > 600 °C and T ≥ 750 °C, respectively, with a generation of Ga droplets at T ≥ 750 °C. The presence of the Ga droplets is confirmed by the EPMA measurements. The droplet density can be expressed as N_Ga ∝ exp (E_a/k_BT) with an activation energy of E_a ～ 2.3 eV. The XPS data indicate the change in the surface oxide composition from the native oxide to the Ga oxide (Ga₂O₃ and Ga₂O) after annealing at T ≥ 750 °C. Possible annealing‐induced degradation steps are proposed to provide as complete a picture as possible. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dipole,quadrupole, octupole,and dipole–octupole polarizabilities at real and imaginary frequencies for H,HE, and H2 and the dispersion-energy coefficients for interactions between them

We have calculated certain dynamic polarizabilities (for both real and imaginary frequencies) for H, He, and H₂ and the dispersion-energy coefficients for long-range interactions between them. We have done so in a sum-over-states formalism with explicitly electron-correlated wave functions to describe the states. To be precise, we have determined the dipole (α₁), quadrupole (α₂), and octupole (α₃) polarizabilities of H and He for real frequencies (ω) in a range between zero and the first electronic-transition frequency and for imaginary frequencies (iω) on a 32-point Gauss-Legendre grid running from zero to ?ω = 20 E_h, and for H₂, we have found the dipole (α), quadrupole (C), and dipole–octupole (E) polarizability tensors for the same real and imaginary frequencies. The dispersion-energy coefficients, obtained by combining the sum-over-states for-malism for the polarizabilities with analytic integration over ω, gave values of C₆, C₈, and C₁₀ for the atom–atom systems; C, C, C, C, and C for the atom–diatom systems; and C₆, C and C for the H₂? H₂ system. Nearly all the results are considered to be more reliable than those hitherto published and some have been obtained for the first time, e.g., C(iω), E(ω), and E(iω) for H₂ and C, C, and C for the H? H₂ system. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Ab initio investigation of 2,2′‐bis(4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐5,5′‐bithiazole for the design of efficient organic field‐effect transistors

The initial molecular structure of 2,2′‐bis(4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐ 5,5′‐bithiazole has been optimized in the ground state using density functional theory (DFT). The distribution patterns of highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) have also been evaluated. To shed light on the charge transfer properties, we have calculated the reorganization energy of electron λ_e, the reorganization energy of hole λ_h, adiabatic electron affinity (EA_a), vertical electron affinity (EA_v), adiabatic ionization potential (IP_a), and vertical ionization potential (IP_v) using DFT. Based on the evaluation of hole reorganization energy, λ_h, and electron reorganization energy, λ_e, it has been predicted that 2,2′‐bis(4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐5,5′‐bithiazole would be a better electron transport material. Finally, the effect of electric field on the HOMO, LUMO, and HOMO–LUMO gap were observed to check its suitability for the use as a conducting channel in organic field‐effect transistors. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Gaussian wave functions for CH3 and NH

Ground state single determinant LCAO-MO-SCF wave functions, using a large contracted Gaussian basis set (6^s, 2^p, 1^d/3^s, 1^p), have been computed for the 9 electron molecular systems of CH₃ and NH. The minimum energies obtained using Roothaan's open shell SCF procedure for the planar equilibrium geometries were ?39.5703 Hartree for CH₃ and ?55.8945 Hartree for NH. Additional properties such as electron populations and multiple moments were calculated from the planar wave functions.     

Franck-Condon simulation of the photoelectron spectrum of AsCl₂ and the photodetachment spectrum of AsCl ₂⁻ employing UCCSD(T)-F12a potential energy functions: IE and EA of AsCl₂

The currently most reliable theoretical estimates of the adiabatic ionization energies (AIE₀) from the X?²B₁ state of AsCl₂ to the X?¹A₁ and ã³B₁ states of AsCl, and the electron affinity (EA₀) of AsCl₂, including ΔZPE corrections, are calculated as 8.687(11), 11.320(23), and 1.845(12) eV, respectively (estimated uncertainties based on basis‐set effects at the RCCSD(T) level). State‐of‐the‐art ab initio calculations, which include RCCSD(T), CASSCF/MRCI, and explicitly correlated RHF/UCCSD(T)‐F12x (x = a or b) calculations with basis sets of up to quintuple‐zeta quality, have been carried out on the X?²B₁ state of AsCl₂, the X?¹A₁, ã³B₁, and ùB₁ states of AsCl, and the X?¹A₁ state of AsCl. Relativistic, core correlation and complete basis‐set (CBS) effects have been considered. In addition, computed UCCSD(T)‐F12a potential energy functions of relevant electronic states of AsCl₂, AsCl, and AsCl were used to calculate Franck–Condon factors, which were then used to simulate the valence photoelectron spectrum of AsCl₂ and the photodetachment spectrum of AsCl, both yet to be recorded. Lastly, we have also computed the AIE and EA values for NCl₂, PCl₂, and AsCl₂ at the G4 level and for SbCl₂ at the RCCSD(T)/CBS level. The trends in the AIE and EA values of the group V pnictogen dichlorides, PnCl₂, where Pn = N, P, As, and Sb, were examined. The AIE and EA of PCl₂ were found to be smaller than those of AsCl₂, contrary to the order expected from the IE values of P and As. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011