Benchmark Calculations on the Atomization Enthalpy, Geometry and Vibrational Frequencies of UF6 with Relativistic DFT Methods

Benchmark calculations on the molar atomization enthalpy, geometry, and vibrational frequencies of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) have been performed by using relativistic density functional theory (DFT) with various levels of relativistic effects, different types of basis sets, and exchange-correlation functionals. Scalar relativistic effects are shown to be critical for the structural properties. The spin-orbit coupling effects are important for the calculated energies, but are much less important for other calculated ground-state properties of closed-shell UF6. We conclude through systematic investigations that ZORA- and RECP-based relativistic DFT methods are both appropriate for incorporating relativistic effects. Comparisons of different types of basis sets (Slater, Gaussian, and plane-wave types) and various levels of theoretical approximation of the exchange-correlation functionals were also made.