Si‐Doped B12N12 Nanocage as an Adsorbent for Dissociation of N2O to N2 Molecule

Adsorption of N₂O molecule by using density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/6–31G* level onto pristine and Si‐doped B₁₂N₁₂ nanocage in terms of energetic, geometric, and electronic properties was investigated. The results of calculations showed that the N₂O molecule is physically adsorbed on the pristine and Si‐doped B₁₂N₁₂ (Si_N) models, releasing energies in the range of –1.13 to –2.02 kcal mol^?1. It was found that the electronic properties of the models have not changed significantly upon the N₂O adsorption. On the other hand, the adsorption energy of N₂O on the Si‐doped B₁₂N₁₂ (Si_B model) was about –67.20 kcal mol^?1and the natural bond orbital charge of 0.58|e| is transferred from the nanocage to the N₂O molecule. In the configuration, the O atom of N₂O molecule is bonded to the Si atom of the nanocage, so that an N₂ molecule escapes from the wall of the nanocage. The results showed that the Si_B model can be an adsorbent for dissociation of the N₂O molecule.