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Sample records for fluorite structure first-principles

  1. The structural basis of the fluorite-related rare earth higher oxides

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kang, Z.C.; Eyring, LeRoy

    1996-01-01

    In this paper phenomenological structural principles, and rules for their application are advanced for predicting the ideal structures of the higher oxides of the rare earths. These principles allow to establish a generic formula incorporating all known phases, guide the correct modelling of the established structures and demonstrate that structures previously proposed but proven incorrect do not follow the structural principles. They also can be used to predict the structures not yet established for known phases, including polymorphs, and provide rationalization for phases fitting the generic formula that have not yet been found. The structural principles flow naturally from the fluorite substructure characteristic of all established phases. 39 refs., 5 tabs., 16 figs

  2. High-pressure U3O8 with the fluorite-type structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, F.X.; Lang, M.; Wang, J.W.; Li, W.X.; Sun, K.; Prakapenka, V.; Ewing, R.C.

    2014-01-01

    A new high-pressure phase of U 3 O 8 , which has a fluorite-type structure, forms at pressures greater than ∼8.1 GPa that was confirmed by in situ x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The fluorite-type U 3 O 8 is stable at pressures at least up to ∼40 GPa and temperatures to 1700 K, and quenchable to ambient conditions. Based on the XRD analysis, there is a huge volume collapse (>20%) for U 3 O 8 during the phase transition and the quenched high-pressure phase is 28% denser than the initial orthorhombic phase at ambient conditions. The high-pressure phase has a very low compressibility comparing with the starting orthorhombic phase. - Graphical abstract: α-U 3 O 8 is in a layered structure with orthorhombic symmetry, at high pressures, it transformed to a fluorite-type cubic structure. There are a lot of defects in the cubic structure, and it is a new kind of hyperstoichiometric uranium oxide, which is stable at ambient conditions. - Highlights: • A new fluorite-type high-pressure phase was found in hyperstoichometric UO 2 +x (x∼0.8). • The new high-pressure structure is quenchable to ambient conditions. • Pressure driven phase transition in orthorhombic U 3 O 8 was first found

  3. Structural, Mechanical and Thermodynamic Properties under Pressure Effect of Rubidium Telluride: First Principle Calculations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bidai K.

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available First-principles density functional theory calculations have been performed to investigate the structural, elastic and thermodynamic properties of rubidium telluride in cubic anti-fluorite (anti-CaF2-type structure. The calculated ground-state properties of Rb2Te compound such as equilibrium lattice parameter and bulk moduli are investigated by generalized gradient approximation (GGA-PBE that are based on the optimization of total energy. The elastic constants, Young’s and shear modulus, Poisson ratio, have also been calculated. Our results are in reasonable agreement with the available theoretical and experimental data. The pressure dependence of elastic constant and thermodynamic quantities under high pressure are also calculated and discussed.

  4. Size of oxide vacancies in fluorite and perovskite structured oxides

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Chatzichristodoulou, Christodoulos; Norby, Poul; Hendriksen, Peter Vang

    2015-01-01

    An analysis of the effective radii of vacancies and the stoichiometric expansion coefficient is performed on metal oxides with fluorite and perovskite structures. Using the hard sphere model with Shannon ion radii we find that the effective radius of the oxide vacancy in fluorites increases...... with increasing ion radius of the host cation and that it is significantly smaller than the radius of the oxide ion in all cases, from 37% smaller for HfO2 to 13 % smaller for ThO2. The perovskite structured LaGaO3 doped with Sr or Mg or both is analyzed in some detail. The results show that the effective radius...... of an oxide vacancy in doped LaGaO3 is only about 6 % smaller than the oxide ion. In spite of this the stoichiometric expansion coefficient (a kind of chemical expansion coefficient) of the similar perovskite, LaCrO3, is significantly smaller than the stoichiometric expansion coefficient of the fluorite...

  5. Configurational Model for Conductivity of Stabilized Fluorite Structure Oxides

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Poulsen, Finn Willy

    1981-01-01

    The formalism developed here furnishes means by which ionic configurations, solid solution limits, and conductivity mechanisms in doped fluorite structures can be described. The present model differs markedly from previous models but reproduces qualitatively reality. The analysis reported...

  6. Properties of complex tungstates, niobates, translated with fluorite-like structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vetkina, S.N.; Zolin, V.F.; Sirotinkin, V.P.; Smirnov, S.A.

    1989-01-01

    Spectra of ternary tungstates, niobates and tantalates (MeLa 2 WO 7 , La 3 TO 7 ; Me=Ba, Sr; T=Ta, Nb) related to the layered fluorite group are analyzed. The laser pumping and time resolved luminescence are used for selecting spectra of unequivalent centers. The symmetry of the first center is near to the distorted cubic one. The vibrational spectra of europium in Eu 3 NbO 7 and SrLa 2 WO 7 are due to the chain-like structure of niobates and to the net-like structure of tantalates. The stimulated emission of Nd 3+ in powders of BaLa 2 WO 7 and La 3 NbO 7 is observed at wavelengths of 1.07 and 1.063 μm, respectively

  7. Factors controlling the oxide ion conductivity of fluorite and perovskite structured oxides

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg; Lybye, D.; Bonanos, N.

    2004-01-01

    Many metal oxides of fluorite and perovskite related structures are oxide ion conductors, which have practical applications in devices such as oxygen sensors, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and electrolysers. Several structural and thermodynamic parameters such as (1) critical radius of the pathway...... such parameters for fluorite and perovskite oxides by considering their sensitivities to the individual ionic radii. Based on experimental data available in the literature, it is argued that lattice distortion (lattice stress and deviation from cubic symmetry) due to ion radii mismatch determines the ionic...... conductivity to a very large extent, and that lattice distortion is of much greater importance than many other proposed parameters. In case of the perovskites, the charge of the B-site ion is also of major importance. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V....

  8. Selective adsorption of benzhydroxamic acid on fluorite rendering selective separation of fluorite/calcite

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jiang, Wei; Gao, Zhiyong; Khoso, Sultan Ahmed; Gao, Jiande; Sun, Wei; Pu, Wei; Hu, Yuehua

    2018-03-01

    Fluorite, a chief source of fluorine in the nature, usually coexists with calcite mineral in ore deposits. Worldwide, flotation techniques with a selective collector and/or a selective depressant are commonly preferred for the separation of fluorite from calcite. In the present study, an attempt was made to use benzhydroxamic acid (BHA) as a collector for the selective separation of fluorite from calcite without using any depressant. Results obtained from the flotation experiments for single mineral and mixed binary minerals revealed that the BHA has a good selective collecting ability for the fluorite when 50 mg/L of BHA was used at pH of 9. The results from the zeta potential and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the BHA easily chemisorbs onto the fluorite as compared to calcite. Crystal chemistry calculations showed the larger Ca density and the higher Ca activity on fluorite surface mainly account for the selective adsorption of BHA on fluorite, leading to the selective separation of fluorite from calcite. Moreover, a stronger hydrogen bonding with BHA and the weaker electrostatic repulsion with BHA- also contribute to the stronger interaction of BHA species with fluorite surface.

  9. Importance of surface structure on dissolution of fluorite

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Godinho, Jose; Piazolo, Sandra; Balic Zunic, Tonci

    2014-01-01

    forming the initial surface and its inclination to the closest stable planes, which are specific for each surface orientation. During an initial dissolution regime dissolution rates decrease significantly, even though the total surface area increases. During a second dissolution regime, some surfaces...... by the relative stability of the planes and type of edges that constitute a surface needs to be considered. Significant differences between dissolution rates calculated based on surface area alone, and based on surface reactivity are expected for materials with the fluorite structure....

  10. Lattice shear distortions in fluorite structure oxides

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Faber, J. Jr.; Mueller, M.H.; Hitterman, R.L.

    1979-01-01

    Crystallographic shear distortions have been observed in fluorite structure, single crystals of UO 2 and Zr(Ca)O 2 /sub-x/ by neutron-diffraction techniques. These distortions localize on the oxygen sublattice and do not require the presence of an external strain. The internal rearrangement mode in UO 2 is a transverse, zone boundary q vector = 2π/a (0.5, 0.0) deformation with amplitude 0.014 A. In Zr(Ca)O/sub 2-x/, the mode is a longitudinal, q vector = 2-/a (0,0,0.5) deformation with amplitude 0.23 A. Cation-anion elastic interactions dominate in selecting the nature of the internal distortion

  11. Formation, structure and magnetism of the metastable defect fluorite phases AVO3.5+x (A=In, Sc)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shafi, Shahid P.; Lundgren, Rylan J.; Cranswick, Lachlan M.D.; Bieringer, Mario

    2007-01-01

    We report the preparation and stability of ScVO 3.5+x and the novel phase InVO 3.5+x . AVO 3.5+x (A=Sc, In) defect fluorite structures are formed as metastable intermediates during the topotactic oxidation of AVO 3 bixbyites. The oxidation pathway has been studied in detail by means of thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and in-situ powder X-ray diffraction. The oxidation of the bixbyite phase follows a topotactic pathway at temperatures between 300 and 400 deg. C in air/carbon dioxide. The range of accessible oxygen stoichiometries for the AVO 3.5+x structures following this pathway are 0.00≤x≤0.22. Rietveld refinements against powder X-ray and neutron data revealed that InVO 3.54 and ScVO 3.70 crystallize in the defect fluorite structure in space group Fm-3 m (227) with a=4.9863(5) and 4.9697(3)A, respectively with A 3+ /V 4+ disorder on the (4a) cation site. Powder neutron diffraction experiments indicate clustering of oxide defects in all samples. Bulk magnetic measurements showed the presence of V 4+ and the absence of magnetic ordering at low temperatures. Powder neutron diffraction experiments confirmed the absence of a long range ordered magnetic ground state. - Graphical abstract: Topotactic oxidation of AVO 3 bixbyite to AVO 3.5 defect fluorite structure followed by in-situ powder X-ray diffraction. The upper structural diagram shows a six coordinated (A/V)-O 6 fragment in bixbyite, the lower structure illustrates the same seven-fold coordinated (A/V)-O 7 cubic environment in the defect fluorite structure

  12. First-principle calculations of the structural, electronic ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    First-principle calculations were performed to study the structural, electronic, thermodynamic and thermal properties of ... functional theory (DFT) combined with the quasi-harmonic .... is consistent with Vegard's law which assumes that the lat- tice constant varies .... reflects a charge-transfer effect which is due to the different.

  13. First-Principles Modeling of ThO2 Solid Solutions with Oxides of Trivalent Cations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Alexandrov, Vitaly; Asta, Mark; Gronbech-Jensen, Niels

    2010-03-01

    Solid solutions formed by doping ThO2 with oxides of trivalent cations, such as Y2O3 and La2O3, are suitable for solid electrolyte applications, similar to doped zirconia and ceria. ThO2 has also been gaining much attention as an alternative to UO2 in nuclear energy applications, the aforementioned trivalent cations being important fission products. In both cases the mixing energetics and short-range ordering/clustering are key to understanding structural and transport properties. Using first-principles atomistic calculations, we address intra- and intersublattice interactions for both cation and anion sublattices in ThO2-based fluorite-type solid solutions and compare the results with similar modeling studies for related trivalent-doped zirconia systems.

  14. First-principle calculations of structural, electronic, optical, elastic ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    S CHEDDADI

    2017-11-28

    Nov 28, 2017 ... First-principle calculations on the structural, electronic, optical, elastic and thermal properties of the chalcopyrite ... The Kohn–Sham equations were solved using the ... RMTKmax = 7 was used for all the investigated systems,.

  15. First-principles study of dielectric properties of cerium oxide

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yamamoto, Takenori; Momida, Hiroyoshi; Hamada, Tomoyuki; Uda, Tsuyoshi; Ohno, Takahisa

    2005-01-01

    We have theoretically investigated the dielectric properties of fluorite CeO 2 as well as hexagonal and cubic Ce 2 O 3 by using first-principles pseudopotentials techniques within the local density approximation. Calculated electronic and lattice dielectric constants of CeO 2 are in good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental results. For Ce 2 O 3 , the hexagonal phase has a lattice dielectric constant comparable to that of CeO 2 , whereas the cubic phase has a much smaller one. We have concluded that the enhancement of the dielectric constant in CeO 2 epitaxially grown on Si is not due to its lattice expansion experimentally observed nor regular formation of oxygen vacancies in CeO 2

  16. The structural priciples that underlie the higher oxides of the rare earths

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kang, Z.C.; Zhang, J.; Eyring, L.

    1996-01-01

    The structural principle that accounts for the anion-deficient, fluorite-related homologous series of higher rare earth oxides has awaited the determination of a sufficient number of their structures to test hypotheses. Recent structure refinement of five additional members has permitted extraction of a number of generalizations concerning their crystallization behavior. These general principles are outlined. Furthermore, based on the fluorite structure itself, a phenomenological structural principle is outlined that (1) unifies all known and possible phases in these fluorite-related systems under one generic formula, (2) models all known structures correctly and (3) enables modeling of any unknown structure or polymorph in the series. All that is required are electron diffraction patterns adequate to determine the supercell and a knowledge of its composition. (orig.)

  17. First principles calculations of structural, electronic and thermal ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Bulletin of Materials Science; Volume 37; Issue 5. First principles calculations of structural, electronic and thermal properties of lead chalcogenides PbS, PbSe and PbTe compounds. N Boukhris H Meradji S Amara Korba S Drablia S Ghemid F El Haj Hassan. Volume 37 Issue 5 August 2014 pp 1159-1166 ...

  18. Coloring of synthetic fluorite

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Birsoy, R.

    1980-01-01

    A synthetic fluorite of the Harshaw Chemical Company is analyzed for rare earth elements, yttrium, and sodium. Samples of this fluorite are irradiated with X-rays, γ-rays, neutrons, electrons, protons, and α-particles at different energies, and their absorption spectra are analyzed. Analyzing the thermal bleaching of these radiation-coloured fluorites shows that both, impurities and radiation play a part in the coloration of synthetic fluorite. However, the main contribution comes from the radiation induced lattice defects. In the visible region spectra, the colour centre of the 5800 to 5900 A absorption band is probably mainly related with large aggregates of F-centres. The 5450 and the 5300 A absorption bands are mainly related to monovalent and divalent ion impurities and their association with lattice defects. The 3800 A absorption band seems to be related with F-centre aggregates. However, the contribution from the rare earth elements related complex color centres also plays some part for the production of this absorption band. These results indicate that the color centres of different origin can absorb light at the same wavelength. (author)

  19. Exploring the nucleon structure from first principles of QCD

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bietenholz, W. [Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (Mexico). Inst. de Ciencias Nucleares; Cundy, N.; Goeckeler, M. [Regensburg Univ. (DE). Inst. fuer Theoretische Physik] (and others)

    2010-04-15

    Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) is generally assumed to be the fundamental theory underlying nuclear physics. In recent years there is progress towards investigating the nucleon structure from first principles of QCD. Although this structure is best revealed in Deep Inelastic Scattering, a consistent analysis has to be performed in a fully non-perturbative scheme. The only known method for this purpose are lattice simulations. We first sketch the ideas of Monte Carlo simulations in lattice gauge theory. Then we comment in particular on the issues of chiral symmetry and operator mixing. Finally we present our results for the Bjorken variable of a single quark, and for the second Nachtmann moment of the nucleon structure functions. (orig.)

  20. Exploring the nucleon structure from first principles of QCD

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bietenholz, W.; Cundy, N.; Goeckeler, M.

    2010-04-01

    Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) is generally assumed to be the fundamental theory underlying nuclear physics. In recent years there is progress towards investigating the nucleon structure from first principles of QCD. Although this structure is best revealed in Deep Inelastic Scattering, a consistent analysis has to be performed in a fully non-perturbative scheme. The only known method for this purpose are lattice simulations. We first sketch the ideas of Monte Carlo simulations in lattice gauge theory. Then we comment in particular on the issues of chiral symmetry and operator mixing. Finally we present our results for the Bjorken variable of a single quark, and for the second Nachtmann moment of the nucleon structure functions. (orig.)

  1. Equilibrium structure of δ-Bi2O3 from first principles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Music, Denis; Konstantinidis, Stephanos; Schneider, Jochen M

    2009-01-01

    Using ab initio calculations, we have systematically studied the structure of δ-Bi 2 O 3 (fluorite prototype, 25% oxygen vacancies) probing and combined and oxygen vacancy ordering, random distribution of oxygen vacancies with two different statistical descriptions as well as local relaxations. We observe that the combined and oxygen vacancy ordering is the most stable configuration. Radial distribution functions for these configurations can be classified as discrete (ordered configurations) and continuous (random configurations). This classification can be understood on the basis of local structural relaxations. Up to 28.6% local relaxation of the oxygen sublattice is present in the random configurations, giving rise to continuous distribution functions. The phase stability obtained may be explained with the bonding analysis. Electron lone-pair charges in the predominantly ionic Bi-O matrix may stabilize the combined and oxygen vacancy ordering.

  2. A first principle study of band structure of III-nitride compounds

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ahmed, Rashid [Centre for High Energy Physics University of the Punjab, Lahore-54590 (Pakistan)]. E-mail: rasofi@hotmail.com; Akbarzadeh, H. [Department of Physics, Isfahan University of Technology, 841546 Isfahan (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Fazal-e-Aleem [Centre for High Energy Physics University of the Punjab, Lahore-54590 (Pakistan)

    2005-12-15

    The band structure of both phases, zinc-blende and wurtzite, of aluminum nitride, indium nitride and gallium nitride has been studied using computational methods. The study has been done using first principle full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method, within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). For the exchange correlation potential, generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and an alternative form of GGA proposed by Engel and Vosko (GGA-EV) have been used. Results obtained for band structure of these compounds have been compared with experimental results as well as other first principle computations. Our results show a significant improvement over other theoretical work and are closer to the experimental data.

  3. Solid State Structure-Reactivity Studies on Bixbyites, Fluorites and Perovskites Belonging to the Vanadate, Titanate and Cerate Families

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shafi, Shahid P.

    This thesis primarily focuses on the systematic understanding of structure-reactivity relationships in two representative systems: bixbyite and related structures as well as indium doped CeO2. Topotactic reaction routes have gained significant attention over the past two decades due to their potential to access kinetically controlled metastable materials. This has contributed substantially to the understanding of solid state reaction pathways and provided first insights into mechanisms. Contrary to the widely used ex-situ methods, in-situ techniques including powder x-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis have been employed extensively throughout this work in order to follow the reaction pathways in real time. Detailed analysis of the AVO3 (A = In, Sc) bixbyite reactivity under oxidative conditions has been carried out and a variety of novel metastable oxygen defect phases have been identified and characterized. The novel metastable materials have oxygen deficient fluorite structures and consequently are potential ion conductors. Structural aspects of the topotactic vs. reconstructive transformations are illustrated with this model system. The structure-reactivity study of AVO3 phases was extended to AVO3 perovskite family. Based on the research methodologies and results from AVO3 bixbyite reactivity studies a generalized mechanistic oxidation pathway has been established with a non-vanadium phase, ScTiO3 bixbyite. However, there is stark contrast in terms of structural stability and features beyond this stability limit during AVO3 and ScTiO3 bixbyite reaction pathways. A series of complex reaction sequences including phase separation and phase transitions were identified during the investigation of ScTiO3 reactivity. The two-step formation pathway for the fluorite-type oxide ion conductor Ce1-xInxO2-delta (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) is being reported. The formation of the BaCe1-xInxO 3-delta perovskites and the subsequent CO2-capture reaction

  4. First-principles structures for the close-packed and the 7/2 motif of collagen

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jalkanen, Karl J.; Olsen, Kasper; Knapp-Mohammady, Michaela

    2012-01-01

    The newly proposed close-packed motif for collagen and the more established 7/2 structure are investigated and compared. First-principles semi-empirical wave function theory and Kohn-Sham density functional theory are applied in the study of these relatively large and complex structures. The stru......The newly proposed close-packed motif for collagen and the more established 7/2 structure are investigated and compared. First-principles semi-empirical wave function theory and Kohn-Sham density functional theory are applied in the study of these relatively large and complex structures...

  5. Study of thermophysical and anharmonic properties of fluorite compounds

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Singh, R.K.; Pandey, N.K.

    1983-01-01

    An extensive study is made of thermophysical and anharmonic properties of fluorite compounds using an interionic potential, which consists of a long-range Coulomb and three-body interactions and the short-range overlap repulsion and van der Waals attraction. The agreement achieved between experimental and theoretical results on third-order elastic constants and pressure derivatives of second order elastic constants are generally better than those obtained by others. This potential succeeds in predicting various thermophysical properties, like compressibility and its pressure and temperature derivatives, thermal expansion and Grueneisen parameters of seven crystals of fluorite structure. (author)

  6. Ab-initio calculation for cation vacancy formation energy in anti-fluorite structure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Saleel, V. P. Saleel Ahammad; Chitra, D.; Veluraja, K.; Eithiraj, R. D.

    2018-04-01

    Lithium oxide (Li2O) has been suggested as a suitable breeder blanket material for fusion reactors. Li+ vacancies are created by neutron irradiation, forming bulk defect complex whose extra character is experimentally unclear. We present a theoretical study of Li2O using density functional theory (DFT) with a plane-wave basis set. The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local-density approximation (LDA) were used for exchange and correlation. Here we address the total energy for defect free, cation defect, cation vacancy and vacancy formation energy in Li2O crystal in anti-fluorite structure.

  7. Kinetic characterization of the first peak of natural fluorite from low ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Fluorite samples were irradiated with a low dose-rate (40 μGys-1 ) β- irradiation source to a test dose of 1.2 mGy and the heating rates of β = 1,3 and 5o Cs were considered, in order to minimize the effect of temperature lag. The role of thermal quenching (W) was investigated by evaluating the activation energy using the ...

  8. Optical storage media based on fluorite activated crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mokienko, I.Yu.; Poletimov, A.E.; Shcheulin, A.S.

    1991-01-01

    Earlier studied mechanisms of photo- and thermotransformations of defects in pure and activated additively coloured crystals with fluorite structure are considered to suggest several methods of reversible optical recording of images, characterized by high resistance to high-power laser radiation and mechanical deformation

  9. Electronic structure and ionicity of actinide oxides from first principles

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Petit, Leon; Svane, Axel; Szotek, Z.

    2010-01-01

    The ground-state electronic structures of the actinide oxides AO, A2O3, and AO2 (A=U, Np, Pu, Am, Cm, Bk, and Cf) are determined from first-principles calculations, using the self-interaction corrected local spin-density approximation. Emphasis is put on the degree of f-electron localization, whi...

  10. Absolute Hydration Free Energy of Proton from First Principles Electronic Structure Calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhan, Chang-Guo; Dixon, David A.

    2001-01-01

    The absolute hydration free energy of the proton, DGhyd298(H+), is one of the fundamental quantities for the thermodynamics of aqueous systems. Its exact value remains unknown despite extensive experimental and computational efforts. We report a first-principles determination of DGhyd298(H+) by using the latest developments in electronic structure theory and massively parallel computers. DGhyd298(H+) is accurately predicted to be -262.4 kcal/mol based on high-level, first-principles solvation-included electronic structure calculations. The absolute hydration free energies of other cations can be obtained by using appropriate available thermodynamic data in combination with this value. The high accuracy of the predicted absolute hydration free energy of proton is confirmed by applying the same protocol to predict DGhyd298(Li+)

  11. Magnetic properties and structural transitions of fluorite-related rare earth osmates Ln3OsO7 (Ln=Pr, Tb)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hinatsu, Yukio; Doi, Yoshihiro

    2013-01-01

    Ternary rare-earth osmates Ln 3 OsO 7 (Ln=Pr, Tb) have been prepared. They crystallize in an ortho-rhombic superstructure of cubic fluorite with space group Cmcm. Both of these compounds undergo a structural phase transition at 130 K (Ln=Pr) and 580 K (Ln=Tb). These compounds show complex magnetic behavior at low temperatures. Pr 3 OsO 7 exhibits magnetic transitions at 8 and 73 K, and Tb 3 OsO 7 magnetically orders at 8 and 60 K. The Os moments become one-dimensionally ordered, and when the temperature is furthermore decreased, it provokes the ordering in the Ln 3+ sublattice that simultaneously becomes three-dimensionally ordered with the Os sublattice. - Graphical abstract: Ternary rare-earth osmates Ln 3 OsO 7 (Ln=Pr, Tb) have been prepared. They crystallize in an orthorhombic superstructure of cubic fluorite with space group Cmcm. Both of these compounds undergo a structural phase transition at 130 K (Ln=Pr) and 580 K (Ln=Tb). These compounds show complex magnetic behavior at low temperatures. Pr 3 OsO 7 exhibits magnetic transitions at 8 and 73 K, and Tb 3 OsO 7 magnetically orders at 8 and 60 K. Highlights: ► Ternary rare-earth osmates Ln 3 OsO 7 (Ln=Pr, Tb) with an ordered defect-fluorite structure have been prepared. ► Both of these compounds undergo a structural phase transition at 130 K (Ln=Pr) and 580 K (Ln=Tb). ► These compounds show complex magnetic behavior at low temperatures due to magnetic ordering of Ln and Os.

  12. Surface modelling on heavy atom crystalline compounds: HfO2 and UO2 fluorite structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Evarestov, Robert; Bandura, Andrei; Blokhin, Eugeny

    2009-01-01

    The study of the bulk and surface properties of cubic (fluorite structure) HfO 2 and UO 2 was performed using the hybrid Hartree-Fock density functional theory linear combination of atomic orbitals simulations via the CRYSTAL06 computer code. The Stuttgart small-core pseudopotentials and corresponding basis sets were used for the core-valence interactions. The influence of relativistic effects on the structure and properties of the systems was studied. It was found that surface properties of Mott-Hubbard dielectric UO 2 differ from those found for other metal oxides with the closed-shell configuration of d-electrons

  13. Pressure induced structural phase transition of OsB2: First-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ren Fengzhu; Wang Yuanxu; Lo, V.C.

    2010-01-01

    Orthorhombic OsB 2 was synthesized at 1000 deg. C and its compressibility was measured by using the high-pressure X-ray diffraction in a Diacell diamond anvil cell from ambient pressure to 32 GPa [R.W. Cumberland, et al. (2005)]. First-principles calculations were performed to study the possibility of the phase transition of OsB 2 . An analysis of the calculated enthalpy shows that orthorhombic OsB 2 can transfer to the hexagonal phase at 10.8 GPa. The calculated results with the quasi-harmonic approximation indicate that this phase transition pressure is little affected by the thermal effect. The calculated phonon band structure shows that the hexagonal P 6 3 /mmc structure (high-pressure phase) is stable for OsB 2 . We expect the phase transition can be further confirmed by the experimental work. - Abstract: Graphical Abstract Legend (TOC Figure): Table of Contents Figure Pressure induced structural phase transition from the orthorhombic structure to the hexagonal one for OsB 2 takes place under 10.8 GPa (0 K), 10.35 GPa (300, 1000 K) by the first-principles predictions.

  14. Crystal structure of Earth's inner core: A first-principles study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Moustafa, S. G.; Schultz, A. J.; Zurek, E.; Kofke, D. A.

    2017-12-01

    Since the detection of the Earth's solid inner core (IC) by Lehmann in 1936, its composition and crystal structure (which are essential to understand Earth's evolution) have been controversial. While seismological measurements (e.g. PREM) can give a robust estimation of the density, pressure, and elasticity of the IC, they cannot be directly used to determine its composition and/or crystal structure. Experimentally, reaching the extreme IC conditions ( 330 GPa and 6000 K) and getting reliable measurements is very challenging. First-principles calculations provide a viable alternative that can work as a powerful investigative tool. Although several attempts have been made to assess phase stability at IC conditions computationally, they often use a low level of theory for electronic structure (e.g., classical force-field), adopt approximate methods (e.g., quasiharmonic approximation, fixed hcp-c/a), or do not consider finite-size effects. The study of phase stability using accurate first-principles methods is hampered in part by the difficulty of computing the free energy (FE), the central thermodynamic quantity that determines stability, while including anharmonic and finite-size effects. Additional difficulty related to the IC in particular is introduced by the dynamical instability of one of the IC candidate structures (bcc) at low temperature. Recently [1-3], we introduced a novel method (denoted as "harmonically mapped averaging", or HMA) to efficiently measure anharmonic properties (e.g. FE, pressure, elastic modulus) by molecular simulation, yielding orders of magnitude CPU speedup compared to conventional methods. We have applied this method to the hcp candidate phase of iron at the IC conditions, obtaining first-principles anharmonic FE values with unprecedented accuracy and precision [4]. We have now completed and report HMA calculations to assess the phase stability of all IC candidate phases (fcc/hcp/bcc). This knowledge is the prerequisite for

  15. Stability of fluorite-type La{sub 2}Ce{sub 2}O{sub 7} under extreme conditions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, F.X., E-mail: zhangfx@umich.edu [Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (United States); State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao, Hebei 066004 (China); Tracy, C.L. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 (United States); Lang, M. [Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37966 (United States); Ewing, R.C. [Department of Geological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 (United States)

    2016-07-25

    The structural stability of fluorite-type La{sub 2}Ce{sub 2}O{sub 7} was studied at pressure up to ∼40 GPa and under hydrothermal conditions of ∼1 GPa and up to 350 °C, respectively, using synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman scattering measurements. XRD measurements indicated that the fluorite-type La{sub 2}Ce{sub 2}O{sub 7} is not stable at pressures greater than 22.6 GPa and gradually transformed to a high-pressure phase. The high-pressure phase is not stable and changed back to the fluorite-type structure when pressure is released. The La{sub 2}Ce{sub 2}O{sub 7} fluorite is also not stable under hydrothermal conditions and began to react with water at 200–250 °C. Both Raman and XRD results suggest that lanthanum hydroxide La(OH){sub 3} and La{sup 3+}-doped CeO{sub 2} fluorite are the dominant products after hydrothermal treatment. - Graphical abstract: The fluorite-type La{sub 2}Ce{sub 2}O{sub 7} reacted with water at hydrothermal condition (1 GPa, and above 200 °C), and formed rare earth hydroxides. - Highlights: • La{sub 2}Ce{sub 2}O{sub 7} transforms to a metastable phase at pressure higher than 21 GPa. • La{sub 2}Ce{sub 2}O{sub 7} reacts with water at ∼1 GPa and above 200 °C. • The pressure-induced phase transition is reversible.

  16. Fluid Evolution During Mineralization of Atashkuh Fluorite-Barite (±Sulfide Deposit, South of Delijan

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Seyed Javad Moghaddasi

    2016-07-01

    Full Text Available Introduction More than 30 fluorite occurrences with approximately 1.35 million tons of reserves have been recognized in Iran (Ghorbani, 2013. The Atashkuh fluorite-barite (±sulfide deposit is one of four occurrences located south of the city of Delijan in Markazi province, about 80 km SE of Arak city. The Atashkuh deposit occurs between the central Iran structural zone on the north and the Sanandaj-Sirjan structural zone on the south. The geology of the area is dominated by folded and faulted Jurassic carbonates and shales (Thiele et al., 1968. The lower Jurassic shale and calcareous sandstone of the Shemshak Formation and the Middle to Upper Jurassic dolomite of the Badamu Formation are the main host rocks for the fluorite veins. In this study, 40 samples from fluorite veins and host rocks were collected, from which 25 thin sections and 8 doubly-polished thin sections were prepared. Micro-thermometric studies were conducted on primary fluid inclusions using the Linkam THM600 heating-freezing stage. In addition, 10 samples were analyzed by XRD. Results Fluid inclusion data indicate that the Atashkuh fluorite-barite (±sulfides veins were deposited as a result of mixing a primary multi-component Na-K(-Mg-Ca high-salinity brine (SH type inclusions with less saline calcium-rich connate water (LVHH type inclusions and pressure reduction of ore bearing fluids. Fluid inclusions containing halite in high-salinity brine, and hydrohalite in connate water show suggest a high-salinity brine and connate water before mixing. The main mineralization stage was followed by circulation of low temperature meteoric water, responsible for the late stage mineralization. The micro-thermometry results suggest that the main fluorite mineralization occurred at 250 °C and 150 Mpa pressure. Dolomitization and silicification are the main alteration types associated with the Atashkuh mineralization. The occurrence of chlorite, talc, illite and dolomitized host rock all

  17. High-pressure phase transformations of fluorite-type dioxides

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lin-Gun Liu

    1980-01-01

    Phase transformations in six fluorite-type dioxides ('TbO 2 ', PbO 2 , 'PrO 2 ', CeO 2 , UO 2 and ThO 2 in the order of increasing cation size, where the quotation marks indicate non-stoichiometric materials) have been investigated in the diamond-anvil press coupled with laser heating. Together with earlier work, the results show that the post-fluorite phase transformations of these dioxides fall into two groups. The smaller cation group (HfO 2 , ZrO 2 and 'TbO 2 ') transforms to a cotunnite or a distorted cotunnite-type structure at pressures in the vicinity of 100 kbar and at about 1000 0 C. The larger cation group (from PbO 2 to ThO 2 ) is believed to transform to a different type of orthorhombic modification at high pressures. It is plausible that this high-pressure phase may possess a Ni 2 Si-related structure, as was observed in ThO 2 and 'PrO 2 ' at pressures greater than 150 and 200 kbar, respectively. (orig./ME)

  18. The orthorhombic fluorite related compounds Ln/sub 3/RuO/sub 7/, Ln=Nd, Sm and Eu

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Van Berkel, F.P.F.; Ijdo, D.J.W.

    1986-01-01

    Fluorite-related Ru(V) compound with composition Ln/sub 3/RuO/sub 7/ have been found. These compounds with space group Cmcm adopt a superstructure of the cubic fluorite structure with a/sub orth/=2a/sub c/, b/sub orth/=c/sub orth/=a/sub c/√2. These compounds have the same structure as La/sub 3/NbO/sub 7/

  19. Properties of complex tungstates, niobates, translated with fluorite-like structure. Svojstva slozhnykh vol'framatov, niobatov, tantalatov s flyuoritopodobnoj strukturoj

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Vetkina, S N; Zolin, V F; Sirotinkin, V P; Smirnov, S A

    1989-04-01

    Spectra of ternary tungstates, niobates and tantalates (MeLa{sub 2}WO{sub 7}, La{sub 3}TO{sub 7}; Me=Ba, Sr; T=Ta, Nb) related to the layered fluorite group are analyzed. The laser pumping and time resolved luminescence are used for selecting spectra of unequivalent centers. The symmetry of the first center is near to the distorted cubic one. The vibrational spectra of europium in Eu{sub 3}NbO{sub 7} and SrLa{sub 2}WO{sub 7} are due to the chain-like structure of niobates and to the net-like structure of tantalates. The stimulated emission of Nd{sup 3+} in powders of BaLa{sub 2}WO{sub 7} and La{sub 3}NbO{sub 7} is observed at wavelengths of 1.07 and 1.063 {mu}m, respectively.

  20. Effect of electronegativity on the mechanical properties of metal hydrides with a fluorite structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ito, Masato; Setoyama, Daigo; Matsunaga, Junji; Muta, Hiroaki; Kurosaki, Ken; Uno, Masayoshi; Yamanaka, Shinsuke

    2006-01-01

    Bulk titanium, yttrium, and zirconium hydrides, which have the same structure as that of fluorite-type fcc C 1, were produced and their mechanical properties were investigated. With an increase in the hydrogen content, the lattice parameters of titanium and zirconium hydrides increased, whereas those of yttrium hydride decreased. The elastic moduli of titanium and zirconium hydrides decreased by hydrogen addition, whereas those of yttrium hydride increased. There are linear relations between the electronegativities and hydrogen content dependence of the properties. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the metal hydrides are considered to be determined by a common rule based on the electronegativity

  1. Introduction to First-Principles Electronic Structure Methods: Application to Actinide Materials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Klepeis, J E

    2005-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction for non-experts to first-principles electronic structure methods that are widely used in the field of condensed-matter physics, including applications to actinide materials. The methods I describe are based on density functional theory (DFT) within the local density approximation (LDA) and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). In addition to explaining the meaning of this terminology I also describe the underlying theory itself in some detail in order to enable a better understanding of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the methods. I briefly mention some particular numerical implementations of DFT, including the linear muffin-tin orbital (LMTO), linear augmented plane wave (LAPW), and pseudopotential methods, as well as general methodologies that go beyond DFT and specifically address some of the weaknesses of the theory. The last third of the paper is devoted to a few selected applications that illustrate the ideas discussed in the first two-thirds. In particular, I conclude by addressing the current controversy regarding magnetic DFT calculations for actinide materials. Throughout this paper particular emphasis is placed on providing the appropriate background to enable the non-expert to gain a better appreciation of the application of first-principles electronic structure methods to the study of actinide and other materials

  2. Selective Flotation of Calcite from Fluorite: A Novel Reagent Schedule

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Zhiyong Gao

    2016-10-01

    Full Text Available Fluorite is an important strategic mineral. In general, fluorite ores will contain a certain amount of calcite gangue mineral. Thus, they need to be separated from each other. For an economic separation, a reverse flotation process is used to float calcite gangue from fluorite. However, little information on the separation is available. In this study, a novel reagent schedule using citric acid (CA as the depressant, sodium fluoride (NaF as the regulator and sulfoleic acid (SOA as the collector, was developed to separate calcite from fluorite. The results demonstrated a high selectivity for the flotation of calcite from fluorite using this new reagent schedule. The best selective separation for a single mineral and mixed binary minerals was obtained when 200 mg/L of NaF, 50 mg/L of CA, and 6 mg/L of SOA were used at pH 9. In addition, a batch flotation experiment was carried out using a run-of-mine feed material. Selective separation was achieved with 85.18% calcite removal while only 11.2% of fluorite was lost. An attempt was made to understand the effect of the new reagent schedule on the flotation of calcite. The results from both microflotation and bench scale flotation demonstrated a great potential for industrial application using this novel reagent schedule to upgrade fluorite ore.

  3. Elements-admixtures of fluorite. Research technique

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fayziev, A.R.

    2002-01-01

    Present article is devoted to elements-admixtures of fluorite and research techniques used. As a material for researches the mono mineral samples of fluorite of various geologic deposits and ores were used. The determination of sodium and potassium was conducted by means of flame photometry. Strontium, uranium, thorium, lead and rubidium were determined by means of quantitative X-ray spectroscopic analysis. The barium analysis was conducted by means of quantitative method. The manganese analysis was conducted by means of electron paramagnetic resonance.

  4. Structural and electronic phase transitions of ThS2 from first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guo, Yongliang; Wang, Changying; Qiu, Wujie; Ke, Xuezhi

    2016-01-01

    Performed a systematic study using first-principles methods of the pressure-induced structural and electronic phase transitions in ThS_2, which may play an important role in the next generation nuclear energy fuel technology.

  5. First-principles calculation of the structural stability of 6d transition metals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Oestlin, A.; Vitos, L.

    2011-01-01

    The phase stability of the 6d transition metals (elements 103-111) is investigated using first-principles electronic-structure calculations. Comparison with the lighter transition metals reveals that the structural sequence trend is broken at the end of the 6d series. To account for this anomalous behavior, the effect of relativity on the lattice stability is scrutinized, taking different approximations into consideration. It is found that the mass-velocity and Darwin terms give important contributions to the electronic structure, leading to changes in the interstitial charge density and, thus, in the structural energy difference.

  6. The use of natural fluorite as a dosemeter

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mafra Neto, F.

    1980-01-01

    The possibility of the use of natural fluorite as a dosimeter for X and gama radiations was studied. Its main characteristics such as sensitivity, linearity, fading, standard-deviation, energy dependency, and so on were examined. By the experimental tests, made in the medical area of radiotherapy, we state fluorite as an excellent dosimeter. (Author) [pt

  7. Magnetic properties and structural transitions of fluorite-related rare earth osmates Ln{sub 3}OsO{sub 7} (Ln=Pr, Tb)

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hinatsu, Yukio, E-mail: hinatsu@sci.hokudai.ac.jp [Division of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810 (Japan); Doi, Yoshihiro [Division of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0810 (Japan)

    2013-02-15

    Ternary rare-earth osmates Ln{sub 3}OsO{sub 7} (Ln=Pr, Tb) have been prepared. They crystallize in an ortho-rhombic superstructure of cubic fluorite with space group Cmcm. Both of these compounds undergo a structural phase transition at 130 K (Ln=Pr) and 580 K (Ln=Tb). These compounds show complex magnetic behavior at low temperatures. Pr{sub 3}OsO{sub 7} exhibits magnetic transitions at 8 and 73 K, and Tb{sub 3}OsO{sub 7} magnetically orders at 8 and 60 K. The Os moments become one-dimensionally ordered, and when the temperature is furthermore decreased, it provokes the ordering in the Ln{sup 3+} sublattice that simultaneously becomes three-dimensionally ordered with the Os sublattice. - Graphical abstract: Ternary rare-earth osmates Ln{sub 3}OsO{sub 7} (Ln=Pr, Tb) have been prepared. They crystallize in an orthorhombic superstructure of cubic fluorite with space group Cmcm. Both of these compounds undergo a structural phase transition at 130 K (Ln=Pr) and 580 K (Ln=Tb). These compounds show complex magnetic behavior at low temperatures. Pr{sub 3}OsO{sub 7} exhibits magnetic transitions at 8 and 73 K, and Tb{sub 3}OsO{sub 7} magnetically orders at 8 and 60 K. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Ternary rare-earth osmates Ln{sub 3}OsO{sub 7} (Ln=Pr, Tb) with an ordered defect-fluorite structure have been prepared. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Both of these compounds undergo a structural phase transition at 130 K (Ln=Pr) and 580 K (Ln=Tb). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer These compounds show complex magnetic behavior at low temperatures due to magnetic ordering of Ln and Os.

  8. Geochemical characterization of rare earth elements from fluorite deposits of Tangua district - RJ

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Coelho, C.E.S.; Dardenne, M.A.

    1987-01-01

    The Tangua fluorite vein-type deposits are related to an alkaline complex of the same name, and situated in the District of Itaborai, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. The plutonic body of nepheline syenites (Tangua Massif) intrudes basement gneisses, with dykes and sills of trachitic and phonolitic nature of hundreds of meters in length and centimeters to tens of meters in thickness. The fluorite veins are emplaced both in gneisses and alkaline rocks (plutonic body and dykes) in NE-ENE structures created or reactivated during the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean. The geochemical study of rare earth elements reveals that these mineralizations show very low contents in these elements, and a relatively high fractionation spectres. In the deposit environment, four mineralization phases were differenciated, with the first one being considered as the initial solution; the second one characterized by a new europium rich-solution; the third one, representing the evolution of this new solution, but in a reducing environment, with precipitation of pyrite; and the last one, representing a new batch of the initial solution. As a consequence of the REE's and fluid inclusions studies, we are able to suggest an origen by weathering of the country rocks due to superficial meteorics solutions along faults and fractures, that when heated in deep environments, promote lixiviation of silica and fluorine and precipitate the fluorites when their ascending movement comes to an end. (author) [pt

  9. Study on atomic and electronic structures of ceramic materials using spectroscopy, microscopy, and first principles calculation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mizoguchi, Teruyasu

    2011-01-01

    In this review, following two topics are introduced: 1) experimental and theoretical electron energy loss (EEL) near edge structures (ELNES) and X-ray absorption near edge structures (XANES), and 2) atomic and electronic structure analysis of ceramic interface by combing spectroscopy, microscopy, and first principles calculation. In the ELNES/XANES calculation, it is concluded that inclusion of core-hole effect in the calculation is essential. By combining high energy resolution observation and theoretical calculation, detailed analysis of the electronic structure is achieved. In addition, overlap population (OP) diagram is used to interpret the spectrum. In the case of AlN, sharp and intense first peak of N-K edge is found to reflect narrow dispersion of the conduction band bottom. By applying ELNES and the OP diagram to Cu/Al 2 O 3 heterointerface, it is revealed that intensity of prepeak in O-K edge is inverse proportional to interface strength. The relationships between atomic structure and defect energetics at SrTiO 3 grain boundary are also investigated, and reveal that the formation behavior of Ti vacancy is sensitive to the structural distortion. In addition, by using state-of-the-art spectroscopy, microscopy, and first principles calculations, atomic scale visualization of fluorine dopant in LaFeOAs and first principles calculation of HfO 2 phase transformation are demonstrated. (author)

  10. GPU based acceleration of first principles calculation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tomono, H; Tsumuraya, K; Aoki, M; Iitaka, T

    2010-01-01

    We present a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) accelerated simulations of first principles electronic structure calculations. The FFT, which is the most time-consuming part, is about 10 times accelerated. As the result, the total computation time of a first principles calculation is reduced to 15 percent of that of the CPU.

  11. Surface modelling on heavy atom crystalline compounds: HfO{sub 2} and UO{sub 2} fluorite structures

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Evarestov, Robert [Department of Quantum Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, 26 Universitetsky Prospect, Peterhof, St. Petersburg 198504 (Russian Federation)], E-mail: re1973@re1973.spb.edu; Bandura, Andrei; Blokhin, Eugeny [Department of Quantum Chemistry, St. Petersburg State University, 26 Universitetsky Prospect, Peterhof, St. Petersburg 198504 (Russian Federation)

    2009-01-15

    The study of the bulk and surface properties of cubic (fluorite structure) HfO{sub 2} and UO{sub 2} was performed using the hybrid Hartree-Fock density functional theory linear combination of atomic orbitals simulations via the CRYSTAL06 computer code. The Stuttgart small-core pseudopotentials and corresponding basis sets were used for the core-valence interactions. The influence of relativistic effects on the structure and properties of the systems was studied. It was found that surface properties of Mott-Hubbard dielectric UO{sub 2} differ from those found for other metal oxides with the closed-shell configuration of d-electrons.

  12. Electronic structure of B-doped diamond: A first-principles study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    T. Oguchi

    2006-01-01

    Full Text Available Electronic structure of B-doped diamond is studied based on first-principles calculations with supercell models for substitutional and interstitial doping at 1.5–3.1 at.% B concentrations. Substitutional doping induces holes around the valence-band maximum in a rigid-band fashion. The nearest neighbor C site to B shows a large energy shift of 1s core state, which may explain reasonably experimental features in recent photoemission and X-ray absorption spectra. Doping at interstitial Td site is found to be unstable compared with that at the substitutional site

  13. (100) faceted anion voids in electron irradiated fluorite

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Johnson, E.

    1979-01-01

    High fluence electron irradiation of fluorite crystals in the temperature range 150 to 320 K results in formation of a simple cubic anion void superlattice. Above 320 K the damage structure changes to a random distribution of large [001] faceted anion voids. This voidage behaviour, similar to that observed in a range of irradiated metals, is discussed in terms points defect rather than conventional colour centre terminology. (Auth.)

  14. The fluorite-pyrochlore transformation of Ho2-yNdyZr2O7

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Clements, Richard; Hester, James R.; Kennedy, Brendan J.; Ling, Chris D.; Stampfl, Anton P.J.

    2011-01-01

    Twelve members of the Ho 2-y Nd y Zr 2 O 7 series, prepared using conventional solid state methods, have been characterised by neutron powder diffraction. Ho 2 Zr 2 O 7 has a defect fluorite structure whereas Nd 2 Zr 2 O 7 is found to adopt the ordered pyrochlore structure with the composition induced fluorite-pyrochlore transformation occurring near y=1. Rietveld analysis on the neutron data for all the compositions reveals an increase in lattice parameter as a function of y across the entire series, with a small discontinuity associated with the transformation. The neutron profile results suggest that domains of pyrochlore-type initially begin to form before crystallising into a separate phase, and therefore that anion and cation ordering processes are distinct. There is a strong correlation between the extent of disorder in the anion sublattice and the x-parameter of 48f oxygen. These results point the way to a better understanding of the stability observed in pyrochlore structures. - Graphical abstract: Neutron diffraction profiles for Nd 2-y Ho y Zr 2 O 7 type oxides reveal details of the transformation from the ordered pyrochlore structure (y=0) to the disordered fluorite structure (y=2). Highlights: → Structures of twelve members of the Ho 2-y Nd y Zr 2 O 7 series studied using neutron powder diffraction. → Domains of pyrochlore-type materials form at low doping levels. → Higher doping stabilises the pyrochlore. → Anion and cation ordering processes are distinct.

  15. Elasticity of fluorite at high temperatures

    Science.gov (United States)

    Eke, J.; Tennakoon, S.; Mookherjee, M.

    2017-12-01

    Fluorite (CaF2) is a simple halide with cubic space group symmetry (Fm-3m) and is often used as an internal pressure calibrant in moderate high-pressure/high-temperature experiments [1]. In order to gain insight into the elastic behavior of fluorite, we have conducted Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) on a single crystal of fluorite with rectangular parallelepiped geometry. Using single crystal X-ray diffraction, we aligned the edges of the rectangular parallelepiped with [-1 1 1], [-1 1 -2], and [-1 -1 0] crystallographic directions. We conducted the RUS measurements up to 620 K. RUS spectra are influenced by the geometry, density, and the full elastic moduli tensor of the material. In our high-temperature RUS experiments, the geometry and density were constrained using thermal expansion from previous studies [2]. We determined the elasticity by minimizing the difference between observed resonance and calculated Eigen frequency using Rayleigh-Ritz method [3]. We found that at room temperature, the single crystal elastic moduli for fluorite are 170, 49, and 33 GPa for C11, C12, and C44 respectively. At room temperatures, the aggregate bulk modulus (K) is 90 GPa and the shear modulus (G) is 43 GPa. We note that the elastic moduli and sound wave velocities decrease linearly as a function of temperature with dVP /dT and dVS /dT being -9.6 ×10-4 and -5.0 ×10-4 km/s/K respectively. Our high-temperature RUS results are in good agreement with previous studies on fluorite using both Ultrasonic methods and Brillouin scattering [4,5]. Acknowledgement: This study is supported by US NSF awards EAR-1639552 and EAR-1634422. References: [1] Speziale, S., Duffy, T. S. 2002, Phys. Chem. Miner., 29, 465-472; [2] Roberts, R. B., White, G. K., 1986, J. Phys. C: Solid State Phys., 19, 7167-7172. [3] Migliori, A., Maynard, J. D., 2005, Rev. Sci. Instrum., 76, 121301. [4] Catlow, C. R. A., Comins, J. D., Germano, F. A., Harley, R. T., Hayes, W., 1978, J. Phys. C Solid State Phys

  16. Transmission electron microscopic study of pyrochlore to defect-fluorite transition in rare-earth pyrohafnates

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Karthik, Chinnathambi, E-mail: Karthikchinnathambi@boisestate.edu [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, 1910 University drive, Boise, ID 83725 (United States); Center for Advanced Energy Studies, 995 University Blvd, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 (United States); Anderson, Thomas J. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, 1910 University drive, Boise, ID 83725 (United States); Gout, Delphine [Oak Ridge National Lab, Neutron Scattering Science Division, Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Ubic, Rick [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Boise State University, 1910 University drive, Boise, ID 83725 (United States); Center for Advanced Energy Studies, 995 University Blvd, Idaho Falls, ID 83415 (United States)

    2012-10-15

    A structural transition in rare earth pyrohafnates, Ln{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} (Ln=Y, La, Pr, Nd, Tb, Dy, Yb and Lu), has been identified. Neutron diffraction showed that the structure transforms from well-ordered pyrochloric to fully fluoritic through the lanthanide series from La to Lu with a corresponding increase in the position parameter x of the 48f (Fd3{sup Macron }m) oxygen site from 0.330 to 0.375. As evidenced by the selected area electron diffraction, La{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}, Pr{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Nd{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} exhibited a well-ordered pyrocholoric structure with the presence of intense superlattice spots, which became weak and diffuse (in Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}) before disappearing completely as the series progressed towards the Lu end. High resolution electron microscopic studies showed the breakdown of the pyrochlore ordering in the form of antiphase domains resulting in diffused smoke-like superlattice spots in the case of Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}. - Graphical abstract: Transmission electron microscopic studies showed the ordered pyrochlore to defect fluorite transition in rare-earth pyrohafnates to occur via the formation of anti-phase domains to start with. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Pyrochlore to fluorite structural transition in rare earth pyrohafnates. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer La{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}, Pr{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Nd{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} showed well ordered pyrochlore structure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Short range ordering in Dy{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Tb{sub 2}Hf{sub 2}O{sub 7}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Break down of pyrochlore ordering due to antiphase boundaries. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rest of the series showed fluoritic structure.

  17. Site-specific electronic structure analysis by channeling EELS and first-principles calculations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tatsumi, Kazuyoshi; Muto, Shunsuke; Yamamoto, Yu; Ikeno, Hirokazu; Yoshioka, Satoru; Tanaka, Isao

    2006-01-01

    Site-specific electronic structures were investigated by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) under electron channeling conditions. The Al-K and Mn-L(2,3) electron energy loss near-edge structure (ELNES) of, respectively, NiAl2O4 and Mn3O4 were measured. Deconvolution of the raw spectra with the instrumental resolution function restored the blunt and hidden fine features, which allowed us to interpret the experimental spectral features by comparing with theoretical spectra obtained by first-principles calculations. The present method successfully revealed the electronic structures specific to the differently coordinated cationic sites.

  18. A new anion-deficient fluorite-related superstructure of Bi{sub 28}V{sub 8}O{sub 62}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Đorđević, T., E-mail: tamara.djordjevic@univie.ac.at [Institut für Mineralogie und Kristallographie-Geozentrum, Universität Wien, Althansstr. 14, A-1090 Wien (Austria); Karanović, Lj., E-mail: ljika2002@yahoo.com [Laboratory for Crystallography, Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, Đušina 7, 11000 Belgrade (Serbia)

    2014-12-15

    New hydrothermally synthesized Bi{sub 28}V{sub 8}O{sub 62} was structurally characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Bi{sub 28}V{sub 8}O{sub 62} crystallizes in the novel type of defect fluorite structure related to the face-centered cubic δ-Bi{sub 2}O{sub 3}. It is monoclinic, s. g. P2{sub 1}/c, and the relation to the fluorite subcell is given as a∼(3/2)a{sub F}+(3/2)c{sub F}; b∼ −b{sub F}; c∼2a{sub F} −4c{sub F} (F in subscript indicate the unit cell parameter of fluorite). Its structure is characterized by slabs of edge sharing OBi{sub 4} tetrahedra surrounded by the OBi{sub 3} triangles. As a part of these OBi{sub 3} triangles, two positionally disordered Bi{sup 3+} cations were observed in the marginal part of the slabs. The slabs are extending along b axis and are linked by inter-slab portion of the structure composed of VO{sub 4} tetrahedra and BiO{sub 6−x} coordination polyhedra, where x is a number of vacant oxygen sites. Raman spectra verified the coordination environment of vanadium atoms in the structure. - Graphical abstract: The [4{sup ¯}01] projection of two slabs and inter-slab part of the structure in one layer parallel to the (3{sup ¯}08)=(002{sup ¯}){sub F} plane (F in subscript indicate a fluorite type structure). The large green circles are Bi atoms. Small blue circles represent partly and fully occupied O sites, respectively. Pink (hatched black) are V1O{sub 4} and blue (hatched white) are V2O{sub 4} coordination tetrahedra. - Highlights: • Single crystals of Bi{sub 28}V{sub 8}O{sub 62} were grown using hydrothermal technique. • The crystal structure of Bi{sub 28}V{sub 8}O{sub 62} was solved using single-crystal XRD method. • Bi{sub 28}V{sub 8}O{sub 62} has an anion-deficient fluorite-related superstructure. • Raman spectrum confirmed the coordination environment of vanadium atoms. • Relation to the structurally related compound was discussed.

  19. Radiation stability of fluorite-type nuclear oxides

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Garrido, Frederico [Centre de Spectrometrie Nucleaire et de Spectrometrie de Masse, CNRS-IN2P3-Universite Paris-Sud, Batiments 104-108, 91405 Orsay Campus (France)], E-mail: Frederico.Garrido@csnsm.in2p3.fr; Vincent, Laetitia [Centre de Spectrometrie Nucleaire et de Spectrometrie de Masse, CNRS-IN2P3-Universite Paris-Sud, Batiments 104-108, 91405 Orsay Campus (France); Nowicki, Lech [Andrzej Soltan Institute for Nuclear Studies, Hoza 69, 00-681 Warsaw (Poland); Sattonnay, Gael [Laboratoire d' Etudes des Materiaux Hors-Equilibre, Institut de Chimie Moleculaire et des Materiaux d' Orsay, UMR 8182, Universite Paris-Sud, Batiment 410, 91405 Orsay Cedex (France); Thome, Lionel [Centre de Spectrometrie Nucleaire et de Spectrometrie de Masse, CNRS-IN2P3-Universite Paris-Sud, Batiments 104-108, 91405 Orsay Campus (France)

    2008-06-15

    Oxides with the fluorite-type structure are radiation tolerant materials. They are widely used or envisaged in hostile nuclear environments, such as nuclear fuels or inert transmutation matrices for actinide burning. Study of the radiation stability of this class of solids in various radiative fields is of major importance. Two issues which may affect the stability of materials are considered in this work: the production of radiation damage (ballistic contribution); the modification of the matrix composition by doping (chemical contribution). Both contributions may drastically affect the solid stability. Urania and zirconia single crystals were chosen as fluorite-type canonical systems. They were implanted with low-energy inert gases (He or Xe). The damage in-growth, due to both ballistic and chemical contributions, was investigated by in situ RBS/C experiments in the channelling mode and TEM. Two main steps in the disordering kinetics were observed for both inert gases. Relevant key parameters were found to be: the number of displaced lattice atoms created by the slowing-down of energetic ions during the implantation process; the concentration of noble gas atoms in the solid which cause the formation of large stress fields surrounding gas aggregates.

  20. Rare Earths in fluorite deposits of Elika Formation (East of Mazandaran Province

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Zahra Mehraban

    2016-07-01

    Full Text Available Introduction The Central Alborz in eastern Mazandaran province is host to the most important carbonate-hosted fluorite deposits in Iran, such as Pachi-Miana, Sheshroodbar, Era and Kamarposht. In these deposits, mineralization occurs in the upper parts of the middle Triassic Elika formation (Vahabzadeh et al., 2009 and references therein. These deposits have long been studied, and various models are presented for ore genesis. Nevertheless, ore genesis in these deposits is still unclear. The present study of the geochemistry of the REEs of these deposits is intended to improve genetic models. Materials and methods Three hundred samples were taken from above mentioned deposits. Samples were categorized into 5 groups: (1 fluorite ore types, (2 ore-stage calcite, (3 carbonate host rocks, (4 basaltic rock around the deposits, and (5 shale of the Shemshak formation. Fourteen pure fluorite samples, 4 samples of pure calcite, 4 samples of carbonate host rock, 1 sample of basalt and 1 sample of shale were analyzed for REEs by ICP-MS at West Lab in Australia. Results Analytical data on fluorite from the Elika deposits show very low REE concentrations (0.5-18ppm, in calcite(0.5-3ppm in carbonate host rocks – limestone (1.8-7ppm, and in dolomitic limestone 6.5ppm, compared with upper Triassic basalt (43ppm and shale (261ppm. REE in fluorite of these deposits are strongly enriched (10 3 to 10 6 times relative to normal sea water, ore stage calcite and carbonate host rocks, especially for mid-REEs (Eu, Gd and heavy REEs (Lu, Yb, La/Yb=~0.05. Also, LREEs depletion (La/Sm= 2-10 and HREEs (La/Yb=0.01-0.08 relatively enrichment of fluorites compared with limestone (La/Sm=2.5-4, La/Yb=0.1-1.5 and dolomitic limestone (La/Sm=4.28, La/Yb=0.07-0.4 host rocks as well as positive Eu anomaly are the most important REEs signatures in fluorites. Fluorite elsewhere in the world with low total REE conten thas been interpreted to have a sedimentary origin (Ronchi et al

  1. Evaluation of Sulfonate-Based Collectors with Different Hydrophobic Tails for Flotation of Fluorite

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Renji Zheng

    2018-02-01

    Full Text Available This investigation aims to demonstrate the effects of hydrophobic tails on the affinity and relevant flotation response of sulfonate-based collectors for fluorite. For this purpose, a series of alkyl sulfonates with different hydrophobic tails, namely sodium decanesulfonate (C10, sodium dodecylsulfate (C12, sodium hexadecanesulfonate (C16, and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (C12B were applied. The flotation tests showed that C12 and C12B had a better collecting performance than C10 and C16 at pH < 10, and the flotation recovery of fluorite was higher when adopting C12B as a collector compared with C12 with a strong base. The adsorption behaviors of collectors on the fluorite surface were studied through zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS analyses. It was found that the affinity of alkyl sulfonates for fluorite was enhanced with the increase of the alkyl chain length from C10 to C16. The existence of phenyl in the hydrophobic tail of sulfonates could improve its activity for fluorite by reducing its surface tension. The abnormal phenomenon C16 with a high affinity for fluorite had a low collecting performance for fluorite mainly due to its overlong alkyl chain, resulting in low solubility in pulp, which restrained its interaction with fluorite. We concluded that C12B was the most applicable collector for fluorite among these reagents due to its high activity, high solubility, and low cost, which was further substantiated by calculating their molecular frontier orbital energy.

  2. First-principles assessment of potential ultrafast laser-induced structural transition in Ni

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bévillon, E.; Colombier, J.P., E-mail: jean.philippe.colombier@univ-st-etienne.fr; Stoian, R.

    2016-06-30

    Highlights: • First-principles theory calculations in nonequilibrium conditions. • Electronic temperatures fully and consistently taken into account. • Evaluation of an ultrafast laser-induced solid-to-solid transition in Ni. • Relative energies, phonon spectra and energy path are evaluated. • Discussion on the generation of non-thermal forces in metals. - Abstract: The possibility to trigger ultrafast solid-to-solid transitions in transition metals under femtosecond laser irradiation is investigated by means of first-principles calculations. Electronic heating can drastically modify screening, charge distribution and atomic binding features, potentially determining new structural relaxation paths in the solid phase, before thermodynamic solid-to-liquid transformations set in. Consequently, we evaluate here the effect of electronic excitation on structural stability and conditions for structural transitions. Ni is chosen as a case study for the probability of a solid transition, and the stability of its FCC phase is compared to the non-standard HCP structure while accounting for the heating of the electronic subsystem. From a phonon spectra analysis, we show that the thermodynamic stability order reverses at an electronic temperature of around 10{sup 4} K. Both structures exhibit a dynamic stability, indicating they present a metastability depending on the heating. However, the general hardening of phonon modes with the increase of the electronic temperature points out that no transformation will occur, as confirmed by the study of a typical FCC to HCP diffusionless transformation path, showing an increasing energy barrier. Finally, based on electronic density of states interpretation, the tendency of different metal categories to undergo or not an ultrafast laser-induced structural transition is discussed.

  3. First -principles calculations of the crystal structure, electronic structure, and thermodynamic stability of Be(BH4)2

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    van Setten, Michiel J.; de Wijs, Gilles A.; Brocks, G.

    2008-01-01

    Alanates and boranates are intensively studied because of their potential use as hydrogen storage materials. In this paper, we present a first-principles study of the electronic structure and the energetics of beryllium boranate BeBH42. From total energy calculations, we show that—in contrast to the

  4. Structure reconstruction of TiO2-based multi-wall nanotubes: first-principles calculations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bandura, A V; Evarestov, R A; Lukyanov, S I

    2014-07-28

    A new method of theoretical modelling of polyhedral single-walled nanotubes based on the consolidation of walls in the rolled-up multi-walled nanotubes is proposed. Molecular mechanics and ab initio quantum mechanics methods are applied to investigate the merging of walls in nanotubes constructed from the different phases of titania. The combination of two methods allows us to simulate the structures which are difficult to find only by ab initio calculations. For nanotube folding we have used (1) the 3-plane fluorite TiO2 layer; (2) the anatase (101) 6-plane layer; (3) the rutile (110) 6-plane layer; and (4) the 6-plane layer with lepidocrocite morphology. The symmetry of the resulting single-walled nanotubes is significantly lower than the symmetry of initial coaxial cylindrical double- or triple-walled nanotubes. These merged nanotubes acquire higher stability in comparison with the initial multi-walled nanotubes. The wall thickness of the merged nanotubes exceeds 1 nm and approaches the corresponding parameter of the experimental patterns. The present investigation demonstrates that the merged nanotubes can integrate the two different crystalline phases in one and the same wall structure.

  5. First-principles calculations of structural, electronic and optical properties of CdxZn1-xS alloys

    KAUST Repository

    Noor, Naveed Ahmed; Ikram, Nazma; Ali, Sana Zulfiqar; Nazir, Safdar; Alay-E-Abbas, Syed Muhammad; Shaukat, Ali

    2010-01-01

    Structural, electronic and optical properties of ternary alloy system CdxZn1-xS have been studied using first-principles approach based on density functional theory. Electronic structure, density of states and energy band gap values for CdxZn1-xS

  6. Investigation of thermally induced anion disorder in fluorites using neutron scattering techniques

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hutchings, M T; Clausen, Kurt Nørgaard; Dickens, M H

    1984-01-01

    Some materials with the fluorite structures show a pronounced specific heat anomaly well below their melting temperature. This anomaly is a consequence of lattice disorder and is associated with the onset of fast-ion conduction. This paper presents the results of a series of experiments in which...

  7. Novel phases of lithium-aluminum binaries from first-principles structural search

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sarmiento-Pérez, Rafael; Cerqueira, Tiago F. T.; Botti, Silvana; Marques, Miguel A. L., E-mail: marques@tddft.org [Institut Lumière Matière (UMR5306) and ETSF, Université Lyon 1-CNRS, Université de Lyon, F-69622 Villeurbanne Cedex (France); Valencia-Jaime, Irais [Institut Lumière Matière (UMR5306) and ETSF, Université Lyon 1-CNRS, Université de Lyon, F-69622 Villeurbanne Cedex (France); Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados del IPN, MX-76230 Querétaro (Mexico); Amsler, Maximilian; Goedecker, Stefan [Department of Physics, Universität Basel, Klingelbergstr. 82, 4056 Basel (Switzerland); Romero, Aldo H. [Physics Department, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6315 (United States)

    2015-01-14

    Intermetallic Li–Al compounds are on the one hand key materials for light-weight engineering, and on the other hand, they have been proposed for high-capacity electrodes for Li batteries. We determine from first-principles the phase diagram of Li–Al binary crystals using the minima hopping structural prediction method. Beside reproducing the experimentally reported phases (LiAl, Li{sub 3}Al{sub 2}, Li{sub 9}Al{sub 4}, LiAl{sub 3}, and Li{sub 2}Al), we unveil a structural variety larger than expected by discovering six unreported binary phases likely to be thermodynamically stable. Finally, we discuss the behavior of the elastic constants and of the electric potential profile of all Li–Al stable compounds as a function of their stoichiometry.

  8. Novel structures of oxygen adsorbed on a Zr(0001) surface predicted from first principles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gao, Bo [State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 (China); Beijing computational science research center, Beijing,100084 (China); Wang, Jianyun [State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 (China); Lv, Jian [State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 (China); College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 (China); Gao, Xingyu [Laboratory of Computational Physics, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing, 100088 (China); CAEP Software Center for High Performance Numerical Simulation, Beijing, 100088 (China); Zhao, Yafan [CAEP Software Center for High Performance Numerical Simulation, Beijing, 100088 (China); Wang, Yanchao, E-mail: wyc@calypso.cn [State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 (China); Beijing computational science research center, Beijing,100084 (China); College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 (China); Song, Haifeng, E-mail: song_haifeng@iapcm.ac.cn [Laboratory of Computational Physics, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing, 100088 (China); CAEP Software Center for High Performance Numerical Simulation, Beijing, 100088 (China); Ma, Yanming [State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 (China); Beijing computational science research center, Beijing,100084 (China)

    2017-01-30

    Highlights: • Two stable structures of O adsorbed on a Zr(0001) surface are predicted with SLAM. • A stable structure of O adsorbed on a Zr(0001) surface is proposed with MLAM. • The calculated work function change is agreement with experimental value. - Abstract: The structures of O atoms adsorbed on a metal surface influence the metal properties significantly. Thus, studying O chemisorption on a Zr surface is of great interest. We investigated O adsorption on a Zr(0001) surface using our newly developed structure-searching method combined with first-principles calculations. A novel structural prototype with a unique combination of surface face-centered cubic (SFCC) and surface hexagonal close-packed (SHCP) O adsorption sites was predicted using a single-layer adsorption model (SLAM) for a 0.5 and 1.0 monolayer (ML) O coverage. First-principles calculations based on the SLAM revealed that the new predicted structures are energetically favorable compared with the well-known SFCC structures for a low O coverage (0.5 and 1.0 ML). Furthermore, on basis of our predicted SFCC + SHCP structures, a new structure within multi-layer adsorption model (MLAM) was proposed to be more stable at the O coverage of 1.0 ML, in which adsorbed O atoms occupy the SFCC + SHCP sites and the substitutional octahedral sites. The calculated work functions indicate that the SFCC + SHCP configuration has the lowest work function of all known structures at an O coverage of 0.5 ML within the SLAM, which agrees with the experimental trend of work function with variation in O coverage.

  9. The ionic conductivity and defect structure of fluorite-type solid solutions Basub(1-x)Usub(x)Fsub(2+2x)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ouwerkerk, M.

    1986-01-01

    The crystal growth and the characterization of the solid solutions Msub(1-x)Usub(x)Fsub(2+2x) (M = Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb) are described. X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence methods have been utilized to determine the U 4+ content of the solid solutions. The incorporation of UF 4 in PbF 2 is found to have a stabilizing effect on the β-PbF 2 (fluorite) structure. A study of the conductivity properties of Basub(1-x)Usub(x)Fsub(2+2x) and of Pbsub(1-x)Usub(x)Fsub(2+2x) is presented. The effect of an anion excess on the diffuse phase transition and the specific heat anomaly of single crystals Msub(1-x)Usub(x)Fsub(2+2x) was studied with impedance spectroscopy and calorimetric measurements. Finally, a study of the fluorite-type solid solutions Basub(1-x)Lasub(x)Fsub(2+x) and Basub(1-x)Usub(x)Fsub(2+2x) using the Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Current (TSDC) technique is presented. (Auth.)

  10. First principle study of structural, electronic and fermi surface properties of aluminum praseodymium

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shugani, Mani; Aynyas, Mahendra; Sanyal, S. P.

    2018-05-01

    We present a structural, Electronic and Fermi surface properties of Aluminum Praseodymium (AlPr) using First-principles density functional calculation by using full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method within generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The ground state properties along with electronic and Fermi surface properties are studied. It is found that AlPr is metallic and the bonding between Al and Pr is covalent.

  11. A first principles investigation of the electronic structure of actinide oxides

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Petit, Leon; Svane, Axel; Szotek, Zdzislawa

    2010-01-01

    The ground state electronic structures of the actinide oxides AO, A2O3 and AO2 (A=U, Np, Pu, Am, Cm, Bk, Cf) are determined from first-principles calculations using the selfinteraction corrected local spin-density approximation. Our study reveals a strong link between preferred oxidation number...... and degree of localization. The ionic nature of the actinide oxides emerges from the fact that those oxides where the ground state is calculated to be metallic do not exist in nature, as the corresponding delocalized f-states favour the accommodation of additional O atoms into the crystal lattice....

  12. Trace-element and Sr-Nd isotopic evidence for the origin of the Sardinian fluorite mineralization (Italy)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Castorina, F.; Masi, U.; Padalino, G.; Palomba, M.

    2008-01-01

    The fluorite-bearing hydrothermal mineralization in Sardinia mainly occurs within Paleozoic volcanic and metasedimentary rocks. Only 3 occurrences are located in volcanic and siliciclastic Cenozoic rocks. Most Sardinian fluorites exhibit relatively high rare earth and Y (REY) contents, strong positive Y anomalies, slightly negative Ce and generally positive Eu anomalies. These features indicate that the REY were mobilized mainly from non-carbonate rocks. Neither Sr nor Nd isotopes can be used to date radiometrically the Sardinian fluorites. However, the measured Sr-isotope ratios of the fluorites hosted by Paleozoic rocks fit mixing lines in the 1000/Sr versus 87 Sr/ 86 Sr plot once recalculated at 280 Ma, suggesting that the age inferred for the correction probably represents that of the formation of the fluorite mineralization. Mixing likely occurred between diluted surficial waters and brines circulating mainly through the Lower Paleozoic metasedimentary basement. The Cenozoic fluorites exhibit chemical and isotopic features similar to those of the Paleozoic fluorites, except the Nuraghe Onigu fluorite displaying a possible contribution of Sr from Cenozoic magmatic rocks. The initial ε Nd values of the Paleozoic fluorites fit the age proposed for the formation of the deposits. Moreover, the values suggest that radiogenic Nd was provided to the fluids from the Ordovician siliciclastic basement, except for 3 deposits where the potential source rocks of Nd were mainly Ordovician acidic magmatic rocks. The initial ε Nd values of the Cenozoic fluorites suggest a provenance of Nd essentially from the leaching of Variscan granitoids

  13. Electronic structures of (Pb sub 2 Cu)Sr sub 2 Eu sub x Ce sub n sub - sub x Cu sub 2 O sub 2 sub n sub + sub 6 (n=2, 3): Effect of fluorite blocks between adjacent CuO sub 2 layers

    CERN Document Server

    Arai, M

    2003-01-01

    The electronic structures of (Pb sub 2 Cu)Sr sub 2 Eu sub x Ce sub n sub - sub x Cu sub 2 O sub 2 sub n sub + sub 6 (n = 2, 3) compounds which have fluorite blocks between two adjacent CuO sub 2 layers have been studied by using ab-initio method. It is found that the anisotropy is enhanced by inserting the fluorite blocks. The Fermi velocity perpendicular to the CuO sub 2 layers decreases as the thickness of fluorite blocks increases. The Eu substitution is found to affect both the atomic positions and electronic structures. The distance between apical oxygen and copper becomes shorter by the Eu substitution. The energy bands derived from oxygens in the fluorite blocks approach Fermi energy as the content of Eu substitution increases. (author)

  14. Determination of structure and properties of molecular crystals from first principles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Szalewicz, Krzysztof

    2014-11-18

    CONSPECTUS: Until recently, it had been impossible to predict structures of molecular crystals just from the knowledge of the chemical formula for the constituent molecule(s). A solution of this problem has been achieved using intermolecular force fields computed from first principles. These fields were developed by calculating interaction energies of molecular dimers and trimers using an ab initio method called symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) based on density-functional theory (DFT) description of monomers [SAPT(DFT)]. For clusters containing up to a dozen or so atoms, interaction energies computed using SAPT(DFT) are comparable in accuracy to the results of the best wave function-based methods, whereas the former approach can be applied to systems an order of magnitude larger than the latter. In fact, for monomers with a couple dozen atoms, SAPT(DFT) is about equally time-consuming as the supermolecular DFT approach. To develop a force field, SAPT(DFT) calculations are performed for a large number of dimer and possibly also trimer configurations (grid points in intermolecular coordinates), and the interaction energies are then fitted by analytic functions. The resulting force fields can be used to determine crystal structures and properties by applying them in molecular packing, lattice energy minimization, and molecular dynamics calculations. In this way, some of the first successful determinations of crystal structures were achieved from first principles, with crystal densities and lattice parameters agreeing with experimental values to within about 1%. Crystal properties obtained using similar procedures but empirical force fields fitted to crystal data have typical errors of several percent due to low sensitivity of empirical fits to interactions beyond those of the nearest neighbors. The first-principles approach has additional advantages over the empirical approach for notional crystals and cocrystals since empirical force fields can only be

  15. A first-principles study of the electronic structure and stability of Be(BH4)2

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Setten, M.J. van; Wijs, G.A. de; Brocks, G.

    2007-01-01

    Alanates and boranates are studied intensively because of their potential use as hydrogen storage materials. In this paper we present a first-principles study of the electronic structure and the energetics of beryllium boranate, Be(BH4)2. From total energy calculations we show that - in contrast to

  16. Thermoluminescence in fluorite: sensitization mechanism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cruz, M.T. da; Watanabe, S.; Mayhugh, M.R.

    1974-01-01

    The sensitization of the major glow peaks (approximately to 100 and 200 0 C) in fluorite correlates with population of traps causing higher temperature glow peaks. When considered with supralinearity results, it is concluded that either the sensitization results from an increase in trap-filling efficiencies, or the deeper traps are not filled during irradiation

  17. Measurements of CaF2 concentration in fluorite ore using thermoluminescence techniques

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lembo, L.; Maestri, G.; Pimpinella, M.; Benzi, V.; Muntoni, C.

    1990-01-01

    Fluorite powder is produced by means of a flotation process on crude ore extracted by the mines. A full automation of the flotation plant would reduce the operating cost and improve the quality and recovery of fluorite production. However, taking into account that the efficiency of a flotation cycle is directly dependent on the CaF 2 content in the concentrate and tail products, this automation requires a quasi-real-time quantitative analysis of CaF 2 concentration in the floated pulp. The feasibility was studied of using a thermoluminescence technique as an on-line analysis method to measure the CaF 2 concentration during the flotation cycle. A first set of experimental conditions to determine CaF 2 content in acid-grade fluorspar has been already developed and the preliminary results so far obtained are presented. (author)

  18. Effect of natural irradiation in fluorites: possible implications for nuclear waste management?

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Vlček, V.; Skála, Roman; Goliáš, V.; Drahokoupil, Jan; Čížek, J.; Strnad, L.; Ederová, J.

    2012-01-01

    Roč. 57, č. 1 (2012), s. 45-52 ISSN 1802-6222 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA106/07/0805; GA AV ČR KAN300100801 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z30130516 Keywords : fluorite * irradiation * X-ray diffraction * differential scanning calorimetry * defects * real structure Subject RIV: DB - Geology ; Mineralogy Impact factor: 0.804, year: 2012

  19. Factors influencing the determination of fluorite by means of neutron activation analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lutze, H.

    1975-01-01

    Proceeding from the necessity of a rapid analysis of fluorite by neutron activation of an unprepared drill core the influence of interfering elements, of inhomogeneous fluorite distribution, of the sample volume and of moisture are examined. Recommendations are given to overcome these interferences. (author)

  20. Thermoluminescence in fluorite: sensitization mechanism

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cruz, M.T. da; Watanabe, S; Mayhugh, M R

    1974-11-01

    The sensitization of the major glow peaks (approximately to 100 and 200/sup 0/ C) in fluorite correlates with population of traps causing higher temperature glow peaks. When considered with supralinearity results, it is concluded that either the sensitization results from an increase in trap-filling efficiencies, or the deeper traps are not filled during irradiation.

  1. Core structure of screw dislocations in Fe from first-principles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ventelon, L.

    2008-11-01

    The various methods appropriate for the simulation of dislocations within first-principles calculations have been set up, improved and compared between them. They have been applied to study screw dislocations in body-centered cubic iron using the SIESTA code. A non-degenerate core structure is obtained; its detailed analysis reveals a dilatation effect. Taking it into account in an anisotropic elasticity model, allows explaining the cell-size dependence of the energetics, obtained within the dipole approach. The Peierls potential obtained in ab initio suggests that the metastable core configuration at halfway position in the Peierls barrier, predicted by empirical potential, does not exist. We show how to construct tri-periodic cells optimized to study kinked dislocations. Using empirical potential, we demonstrate the feasibility of ab initio calculations of Peierls stress and kink formation. (author)

  2. Nuclear magnetic resonance in superionic conductors with fluorite-type structure; Ressonancia magnetica nuclear em condutores superionicos de estrutura fluorita

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Souto, Sergio Paulo Amaral

    1991-12-31

    The {sup 19} F NMR relaxation times T{sub 1} and T{sub 2} were measured in ternary and nonstoichiometric compounds with the fluorite-type structure. We have studied the Na{sub 0-4} Y{sub 0-6} F{sub 2-2} crystal in the temperature range 600 K to 900 K, where the crystal has not the fluorite structure. The T{sub 1} values were measured in 2 Larmor frequencies: 20.42 MHz and 34.24 MHz. The results for T{sub 1} were seem to be qualitatively similar to those measured in the system with two inequivalent sublattices. The T{sub 2} measurements, in the Pb{sub O84} Bi{sub 0-16} F{sub 2-16} crystal, were made during temperature cycles in the range of 300 K to 830 K. The difference in activation energy between cooling and heating half cycles, found to be approximately 0.08 eV, appear to be associated with the change in the clusters structure and not to the energy of defect formation. Finally, similar T{sub 2} measurements during temperature cycling was made in K{sub 0-4} Bi{sub 0-6} F{sub 2-2} : 2% Pb F{sub 2} crystal, in the temperature range 300 K to 800 K, but in this case no difference in the cooling and heating results was observed. We also measured, in the same temperature range, the T{sub 1} relaxation time in 3 Larmor frequencies: 11.71 MHz, 20.42 MHz and 34.24 Mhz. This results appear to indicate the existence of two hopping mechanism. (author). 132 refs., 68 figs.

  3. Vibrational and mechanical properties of single layer MXene structures: a first-principles investigation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yorulmaz, Uğur; Özden, Ayberk; Perkgöz, Nihan K.; Ay, Feridun; Sevik, Cem

    2016-08-01

    MXenes, carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides of early transition metals are the new members of two dimensional materials family given with a formula of {{{M}}}n+1 X n . Recent advances in chemical exfoliation and CVD growth of these crystals together with their promising performance in electrochemical energy storage systems have triggered the interest in these two dimensional structures. In this work, we employ first principles calculations for n = 1 structures of Sc, Ti, Zr, Mo and Hf pristine MXenes and their fully surface terminated forms with F and O. We systematically investigated the dynamical and mechanical stability of both pristine and fully terminated MXene structures to determine the possible MXene candidates for experimental realization. In conjunction with an extensive stability analysis, we report Raman and infrared active mode frequencies for the first time, providing indispensable information for the experimental elaboration of MXene field. After determining dynamically stable MXenes, we provide their phonon dispersion relations, electronic and mechanical properties.

  4. Application of X-ray technique to characterization of fluorite sample

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cancado, R.Z.L.; Luz Ferreira, O. da.

    1986-01-01

    This investigation had the purpose of characterizing fluorite veins of ''Mineracao Sartor'', in Itaborai region/RJ, which is an excelent geographic position in relation to the consuming market. These studies have in view to give subsidy to future works to the best fluorite utilization. They realized tests with X-rays diffractometer and spectrometer, polarizing microscope and with a mounting of electric circuit to measure the type of semiconductivity. (C.M.C.T.R.) [pt

  5. First-principles screening of structural properties of intermetallic compounds on martensitic transformation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lee, Joohwi; Ikeda, Yuji; Tanaka, Isao

    2017-11-01

    Martensitic transformation with good structural compatibility between parent and martensitic phases are required for shape memory alloys (SMAs) in terms of functional stability. In this study, first-principles-based materials screening is systematically performed to investigate the intermetallic compounds with the martensitic phases by focusing on energetic and dynamical stabilities as well as structural compatibility with the parent phase. The B2, D03, and L21 crystal structures are considered as the parent phases, and the 2H and 6M structures are considered as the martensitic phases. In total, 3384 binary and 3243 ternary alloys with stoichiometric composition ratios are investigated. It is found that 187 alloys survive after the screening. Some of the surviving alloys are constituted by the chemical elements already widely used in SMAs, but other various metallic elements are also found in the surviving alloys. The energetic stability of the surviving alloys is further analyzed by comparison with the data in Materials Project Database (MPD) to examine the alloys whose martensitic structures may cause further phase separation or transition to the other structures.

  6. First principle study of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag boron nitride nanoribbon: Role of vacancies

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kumar, Arun [Department of Physics, Govt. College Banjar, Kullu, Himanchal Pradesh, 175123 India (India); Bahadur, Amar, E-mail: abr.phys@gmail.com [Department of Physics, Kamla Nehru Institute of Physical and Social Sciences, Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 228118 India (India); Mishra, Madhukar [Department of Physics, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031 India (India); Vasudeva, Neena [Department of Physics, S. V. G. College, Ghumarwin, Bilaspur, Himanchal Pradesh, 1714021 India (India)

    2015-05-15

    We study the effect of vacancies on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of zigzag boron nitride nanoribbon (ZBNNR) by using first principle calculations. We find that the shift of the vacancies with respect to the ribbon edges causes change in the structural geometry, electronic structure and magnetization of ZBNNR. These vacancies also produce band gap modulation and consequently results the magnetization of ZBNNR.

  7. Conclusion - Admixture elements as indicators of fluorite genesis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fayziev, A.R.

    2002-01-01

    The information obtained during scientific researches was generalized and analyzed. It was defined that studying of qualitative composition and quantitative content revealed the geochemical features of fluorite.

  8. A first-principle for the nervous system

    OpenAIRE

    Vadakkan, Kunjumon

    2016-01-01

    Higher brain functions such as perception and memory are first-person internal sensations whose mechanisms can have options to concurrently activate motor neurons for behavioral action. By setting up all the required constraints using available information from different levels, a theoretical examination from a first-person frame of reference led to the derivation of a first-principle of the structure-function units. These units operate in synchrony with the synaptically-connected neural circ...

  9. Pressure induced structural phase transition of OsB 2: First-principles calculations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ren, Fengzhu; Wang, Yuanxu; Lo, V. C.

    2010-04-01

    Orthorhombic OsB 2 was synthesized at 1000 °C and its compressibility was measured by using the high-pressure X-ray diffraction in a Diacell diamond anvil cell from ambient pressure to 32 GPa [R.W. Cumberland, et al. (2005)]. First-principles calculations were performed to study the possibility of the phase transition of OsB 2. An analysis of the calculated enthalpy shows that orthorhombic OsB 2 can transfer to the hexagonal phase at 10.8 GPa. The calculated results with the quasi-harmonic approximation indicate that this phase transition pressure is little affected by the thermal effect. The calculated phonon band structure shows that the hexagonal P 6 3/ mmc structure (high-pressure phase) is stable for OsB 2. We expect the phase transition can be further confirmed by the experimental work.

  10. First Principles Prediction of Structure, Structure Selectivity, and Thermodynamic Stability under Realistic Conditions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ceder, Gerbrand [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States). Dept. of Materials and Engineering

    2018-01-28

    Novel materials are often the enabler for new energy technologies. In ab-initio computational materials science, method are developed to predict the behavior of materials starting from the laws of physics, so that properties can be predicted before compounds have to be synthesized and tested. As such, a virtual materials laboratory can be constructed, saving time and money. The objectives of this program were to develop first-principles theory to predict the structure and thermodynamic stability of materials. Since its inception the program focused on the development of the cluster expansion to deal with the increased complexity of complex oxides. This research led to the incorporation of vibrational degrees of freedom in ab-initio thermodynamics, developed methods for multi-component cluster expansions, included the explicit configurational degrees of freedom of localized electrons, developed the formalism for stability in aqueous environments, and culminated in the first ever approach to produce exact ground state predictions of the cluster expansion. Many of these methods have been disseminated to the larger theory community through the Materials Project, pymatgen software, or individual codes. We summarize three of the main accomplishments.

  11. First principles investigation of structural, vibrational and thermal properties of black and blue phosphorene

    Science.gov (United States)

    Arif Khalil, R. M.; Ahmad, Javed; Rana, Anwar Manzoor; Bukhari, Syed Hamad; Tufiq Jamil, M.; Tehreem, Tuba; Nissar, Umair

    2018-05-01

    In this investigation, structural, dynamical and thermal properties of black and blue phosphorene (P) are presented through the first principles calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT). These DFT calculations depict that due to the approximately same values of ground state energy at zero Kelvin and Helmholtz free energy at room-temperature, it is expected that both structures can coexist at transition temperature. Lattice dynamics of both phases were investigated by using the finite displacement supercell approach. It is noticed on the basis of harmonic approximation thermodynamic calculations that the blue phase is thermodynamically more stable than the black phase above 155 K.

  12. First-principles Electronic Structure Calculations for Scintillation Phosphor Nuclear Detector Materials

    Science.gov (United States)

    Canning, Andrew

    2013-03-01

    Inorganic scintillation phosphors (scintillators) are extensively employed as radiation detector materials in many fields of applied and fundamental research such as medical imaging, high energy physics, astrophysics, oil exploration and nuclear materials detection for homeland security and other applications. The ideal scintillator for gamma ray detection must have exceptional performance in terms of stopping power, luminosity, proportionality, speed, and cost. Recently, trivalent lanthanide dopants such as Ce and Eu have received greater attention for fast and bright scintillators as the optical 5d to 4f transition is relatively fast. However, crystal growth and production costs remain challenging for these new materials so there is still a need for new higher performing scintillators that meet the needs of the different application areas. First principles calculations can provide a useful insight into the chemical and electronic properties of such materials and hence can aid in the search for better new scintillators. In the past there has been little first-principles work done on scintillator materials in part because it means modeling f electrons in lanthanides as well as complex excited state and scattering processes. In this talk I will give an overview of the scintillation process and show how first-principles calculations can be applied to such systems to gain a better understanding of the physics involved. I will also present work on a high-throughput first principles approach to select new scintillator materials for fabrication as well as present more detailed calculations to study trapping process etc. that can limit their brightness. This work in collaboration with experimental groups has lead to the discovery of some new bright scintillators. Work supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and carried out under U.S. Department of Energy Contract no. DE-AC02-05CH11231 at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

  13. Structural and electronic properties of LaPd2As2 superconductor: First-principle calculations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Singh, Birender; Kumar, Pradeep

    2017-05-01

    In present work we have studied electronic and structural properties of superconducting LaPd2As2 compound having collapsed tetragonal structure using first-principle calculations. The band structure calculations show that the LaPd2As2 is metallic consistent with the reported experimental observation, and the density of states plots clearly shows that at the Fermi level major contribution to density of states arises from Pd 4d and As 4p states, unlike the Fe-based superconductors where major contribution at the Fermi level comes from Fe 3d states. The estimated value of electron-phonon coupling is found to be 0.37, which gives the upper bound of superconducting transition temperature of 5K, suggesting the conventional nature of this superconductor.

  14. Relationship between uranium-molybdenum, fluorite and gold deposits within provinces of continental volcanicity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Modnikov, I.S.; Skvortsova, K.V.; Chesnokov, L.V.

    1974-01-01

    The article gives a comparative description of and the age relationships between uranium-molybdenum, gold and fluorite mineralizations in the areas of development of adhesite-diorite and liparite-granite vulcanoplutonic formations, which are most fully and intensively manifest in the intra-anticlinal and median blocks of folded regions in the final stages of geosynclinal development or during the final stages of tectono-magmatic activation. These formations usually fill vulcano-tectonic depression structures - overlaid troughs and inherited delections. The geological and geochemical data are evidence of the close temporal link between the hydrothermal process of ore formation and the type and scale of manifestations of the vulcano-plutonic magmatism that is responsible for the general geochemical features of the ores of deposits of various types. The formation of gold, fluorite and uranium-molybdenum deposits occurred immediately after the completion of effusive and intrusive magmatism during a single metallogenic cycle. The spatial distribution of the ore fields and deposits depends chiefly on the peculiarities of the tectonic make-up of the depression structures, and also on the type and scale of the manifestations of vulcano-plutonic magmatism. (B.Ya.)

  15. A first-principles study of the electronic structure of the sulvanite compounds

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Osorio-Guillen, J.M., E-mail: jorge.osorio@fisica.udea.edu.co [Instituto de Fisica, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin A.A. 1226 (Colombia); Espinosa-Garcia, W.F. [Instituto de Fisica, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin A.A. 1226 (Colombia)

    2012-03-15

    We have investigated by means of first-principles total energy calculations the electronic structure of the sulvanite compounds: Cu{sub 3}VS{sub 4}, Cu{sub 3}NbS{sub 4} and Cu{sub 3}TaS{sub 4}; the later is a possible candidate as a p-type transparent conductor with potential applications in solar cells and electrochromic devices. The calculated electronic structure shows that these compounds are indirect band gap semiconductors, with the valence band maximum located at the R-point and the conduction band minimum located at the X-point. The character of the valence band maximum is dominated by Cu d-states and the character of the conduction band minimum is due to the d-states of the group five elements. From the calculated charge density and electron localisation function we can conclude that the sulvanite compounds are polar covalent semiconductors.

  16. First-principles elasticity of monocarboaluminate hydrates

    KAUST Repository

    Moon, J.; Yoon, S.; Wentzcovitch, R. M.; Monteiro, P. J. M.

    2014-01-01

    The elasticity of monocarboaluminate hydrates, 3CaO·Al2O3·CaCO3·xH2O (x = 11 or 8), has been investigated by first-principles calculations. Previous experimental study revealed that the fully hydrated monocarboaluminate (x = 11) exhibits exceptionally low compressibility compared to other reported calcium aluminate hydrates. This stiff hydration product can contribute to the strength of concrete made with Portland cements containing calcium carbonates. In this study, full elastic tensors and mechanical properties of the crystal structures with different water contents (x = 11 or 8) are computed by first-principles methods based on density functional theory. The results indicate that the compressibility of monocarboaluminate is highly dependent on the water content in the interlayer region. The structure also becomes more isotropic with the addition of water molecules in this region. Since the monocarboaluminate is a key hydration product of limestone added cement, elasticity of the crystal is important to understand its mechanical impact on concrete. Besides, it is put forth that this theoretical calculation will be useful in predicting the elastic properties of other complex cementitous materials and the influence of ion exchange on compressibility.

  17. First-principles elasticity of monocarboaluminate hydrates

    KAUST Repository

    Moon, J.

    2014-07-01

    The elasticity of monocarboaluminate hydrates, 3CaO·Al2O3·CaCO3·xH2O (x = 11 or 8), has been investigated by first-principles calculations. Previous experimental study revealed that the fully hydrated monocarboaluminate (x = 11) exhibits exceptionally low compressibility compared to other reported calcium aluminate hydrates. This stiff hydration product can contribute to the strength of concrete made with Portland cements containing calcium carbonates. In this study, full elastic tensors and mechanical properties of the crystal structures with different water contents (x = 11 or 8) are computed by first-principles methods based on density functional theory. The results indicate that the compressibility of monocarboaluminate is highly dependent on the water content in the interlayer region. The structure also becomes more isotropic with the addition of water molecules in this region. Since the monocarboaluminate is a key hydration product of limestone added cement, elasticity of the crystal is important to understand its mechanical impact on concrete. Besides, it is put forth that this theoretical calculation will be useful in predicting the elastic properties of other complex cementitous materials and the influence of ion exchange on compressibility.

  18. First-principles simulation of Raman spectra and structural properties of quartz up to 5 GPa

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Lei; Lv Chao-Jia; Yi Li; Liu Hong; Du Jian-Guo; Zhuang Chun-Qiang

    2015-01-01

    The crystal structure and Raman spectra of quartz are calculated by using first-principles method in a pressure range from 0 to 5 GPa. The results show that the lattice constants (a, c, and V) decrease with increasing pressure and the a-axis is more compressible than the c axis. The Si–O bond distance decreases with increasing pressure, which is in contrast to experimental results reported by Hazen et al. [Hazen R M, Finger L W, Hemley R J and Mao H K 1989 Solid State Communications 725 507–511], and Glinnemann et al. [Glinnemann J, King H E Jr, Schulz H, Hahn T, La Placa S J and Dacol F 1992 Z. Kristallogr. 198 177–212]. The most striking changes are of inter-tetrahedral O–O distances and Si–O–Si angles. The volume of the tetrahedron decreased by 0.9% (from 0 to 5 GPa), which suggests that it is relatively rigid. Vibrational models of the quartz modes are identified by visualizing the associated atomic motions. Raman vibrations are mainly controlled by the deformation of the tetrahedron and the changes in the Si–O–Si bonds. Vibrational directions and intensities of atoms in all Raman modes just show little deviations when pressure increases from 0 to 5 GPa. The pressure derivatives (dν i /dP) of the 12 Raman frequencies are obtained at 0 GPa–5 GPa. The calculated results show that first-principles methods can well describe the high-pressure structural properties and Raman spectra of quartz. The combination of first-principles simulations of the Raman frequencies of minerals and Raman spectroscopy experiments is a useful tool for exploring the stress conditions within the Earth. (paper)

  19. [Assessment of Soil Fluorine Pollution in Jinhua Fluorite Ore Areas].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ye, Qun-feng; Zhou, Xiao-ling

    2015-07-01

    The contents of. soil total fluorine (TF) and water-soluble fluorine (WF) were measured in fluorite ore areas located in Jinhua City. The single factor index, geoaccumulation index and health risk assessment were used to evaluate fluorine pollution in soil in four fluorite ore areas and one non-ore area, respectively. The results showed that the TF contents in soils were 28. 36-56 052. 39 mg.kg-1 with an arithmetic mean value of 8 325.90 mg.kg-1, a geometric mean of 1 555. 94 mg.kg-1, and a median of 812. 98 mg.kg-1. The variation coefficient of TF was 172. 07% . The soil WF contents ranged from 0. 83 to 74. 63 mg.kg-1 with an arithmetic mean value of 16. 94 mg.kg-1, a geometric mean of 10. 59 mg.kg-1, and a median of 10. 17 mg.kg-1. The variation coefficient of WF was 100. 10%. The soil TF and WF contents were far higher than the national average level of the local fluorine epidemic occurrence area. The fluoride pollution in soil was significantly affected by human factors. Soil fluorine pollution in Yangjia, Lengshuikeng and Huajie fluorite ore areas was the most serious, followed by Daren fluorite ore area, and in non-ore area there was almost no fluorine pollution. Oral ingestion of soils was the main exposure route. Sensitivity analysis of model parameters showed that children's weight exerted the largest influence over hazard quotient. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found among the three kinds of evaluation methods.

  20. First principles study of structural, electronic and optical properties of KCl crystal

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chen, Z.J.; Xiao, H.Y.; Zu, X.T.

    2006-01-01

    The structural, electronic and optical properties of KCl crystal in B1, B2, B3 and T1 structures have been systematically studied using first-principle pseudopotential calculations. In addition, pressure-induced phase transition has also been investigated. It was found that when the pressure is below 2.8 GPa, the B1 structure is the most stable. Above 2.8 GPa KCl crystal will undergo a structural phase transition from the relatively open NaCl structure into the more dense CsCl atomic arrangement. Our results also suggested that at about 1.2 GPa structural phase transition from B3 to T1 will occur. When the pressure arrives at 39.9 GPa, the phase transition will occur from B2 to T1. In addition, we found KCl Crystal has indirect band gap in B2 structure and direct band gap in B1, B3 and T1 structures. The band gap value is the smallest in the T1 structure and is the largest in the B1 and B3 structures. Our calculations are found to be in good agreement with available experimental and theoretical results. The dielectric function and energy loss function of KCl crystal in four structures (B1, B2, B3 and T1) have been calculated as well as the anisotropy of the optical properties of KCl crystal in T1 structure

  1. First-principles study of structural stability and elastic property of pre-perovskite PbTiO3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Yong; Ni Li-Hong; Ren Zhao-Hui; Xu Gang; Li Xiang; Song Chen-Lu; Han Gao-Rong

    2012-01-01

    The structural stability and the elastic properties of a novel structure of lead titanate, which is named pre- perovskite PbTiO 3 (PP-PTO) and is constructed with TiO 6 octahedral columns arranged in a one-dimensional manner, are investigated by using first-principles calculations. PP-PTO is energetically unstable compared with conventional perovskite phases, however it is mechanically stable. The equilibrium transition pressures for changing from pre- perovskite to cubic and tetragonal phases are −0.5 GPa and −1.4 GPa, respectively, with first-order characteristics. Further, the differences in elastic properties between pre-perovskite and conventional perovskite phases are discussed for the covalent bonding network, which shows a highly anisotropic character in PP-PTO. This study provides a crucial insight into the structural stabilities of PP-PTO and conventional perovskite. (condensed matter: structural, mechanical, and thermal properties)

  2. First-principles study on band structures and electrical transports of doped-SnTe

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xiao Dong

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available Tin telluride is a thermoelectric material that enables the conversion of thermal energy to electricity. SnTe demonstrates a great potential for large-scale applications due to its lead-free nature and the similar crystal structure to PbTe. In this paper, the effect of dopants (i.e., Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu, Yb, Zn, Cd, Hg, and In on the band structures and electrical transport properties of SnTe was investigated based on the first-principles density functional theory including spin–orbit coupling. The results show that Zn and Cd have a dominant effect of band convergence, leading to power factor enhancement. Indium induces obvious resonant states, while Hg-doped SnTe exhibits a different behavior with defect states locating slightly above the Fermi level.

  3. Anisotropy and temperature dependence of structural, thermodynamic, and elastic properties of crystalline cellulose Iβ: a first-principles investigation

    Science.gov (United States)

    ShunLi Shang; Louis G. Hector Jr.; Paul Saxe; Zi-Kui Liu; Robert J. Moon; Pablo D. Zavattieri

    2014-01-01

    Anisotropy and temperature dependence of structural, thermodynamic and elastic properties of crystalline cellulose Iβ were computed with first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and a semi-empirical correction for van der Waals interactions. Specifically, we report the computed temperature variation (up to 500...

  4. Investigation of structural stability and elastic properties of CrH and MnH: A first principles study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kanagaprabha, S.; Rajeswarapalanichamy, R.; Sudhapriyanga, G.; Murugan, A.; Santhosh, M.; Iyakutti, K.

    2015-06-01

    The structural and mechanical properties of CrH and MnH are investigated using first principles calculation based on density functional theory as implemented in VASP code with generalized gradient approximation. The calculated ground state properties are in good agreement with previous experimental and other theoretical results. A structural phase transition from NaCl to NiAs phase at a pressure of 76 GPa is predicted for both CrH and MnH.

  5. First-principles calculations of BC{sub 4}N nanostructures: stability and electronic structure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Freitas, A.; Azevedo, S. [Universidade Federal da Paraiba, CCEN, Departamento de Fisica, Joao Pessoa, PB (Brazil); Machado, M. [Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Departamento de Fisica, Pelotas, RS (Brazil); Kaschny, J.R. [Instituto Federal da Bahia-Campus Vitoria da Conquista, Vitoria da Conquista, BA (Brazil)

    2012-07-15

    In this work, we apply first-principles methods to investigate the stability and electronic structure of BC{sub 4}N nanostructures which were constructed from hexagonal graphite layers where substitutional nitrogen and boron atoms are placed at specific sites. These layers were rolled up to form zigzag and armchair nanotubes, with diameters varying from 7 to 12 A, or cut and bent to form nanocones, with 60 and 120 disclination angles. The calculation results indicate that the most stable structures are the ones which maximize the number of B-N and C-C bonds. It is found that the zigzag nanotubes are more stable than the armchair ones, where the strain energy decreases with increasing tube diameter D, following a 1/D {sup 2} law. The results show that the 60 disclination nanocones are the most stable ones. Additionally, the calculated electronic properties indicate a semiconducting behavior for all calculated structures, which is intermediate to the typical behaviors found for hexagonal boron nitride and graphene. (orig.)

  6. Magnetic properties and structural transitions of fluorite-related rare earth osmates Ln3OsO7 (Ln=Pr, Tb)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hinatsu, Yukio; Doi, Yoshihiro

    2013-02-01

    Ternary rare-earth osmates Ln3OsO7 (Ln=Pr, Tb) have been prepared. They crystallize in an ortho-rhombic superstructure of cubic fluorite with space group Cmcm. Both of these compounds undergo a structural phase transition at 130 K (Ln=Pr) and 580 K (Ln=Tb). These compounds show complex magnetic behavior at low temperatures. Pr3OsO7 exhibits magnetic transitions at 8 and 73 K, and Tb3OsO7 magnetically orders at 8 and 60 K. The Os moments become one-dimensionally ordered, and when the temperature is furthermore decreased, it provokes the ordering in the Ln3+ sublattice that simultaneously becomes three-dimensionally ordered with the Os sublattice.

  7. Structural, electronic and elastic properties of potassium hexatitanate crystal from first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hua Manyu; Li Yimin; Long Chunguang; Li Xia

    2012-01-01

    The structural, electronic and elastic properties of potassium hexatitanate (K 2 Ti 6 O 13 ) whisker were investigated using first-principles calculations. The calculated cell parameters of K 2 Ti 6 O 13 including lattice constants and atomic positions are in good agreement with the experimental data. The obtained formation enthalpy (-61.1535 eV/atom) and cohesive energy (-137.4502 eV/atom) are both negative, showing its high structural stability. Further analysis of the electronic structures shows that the potassium hexatitanate is a wide-band semiconductor. Within K 2 Ti 6 O 13 crystal, the Ti---O bonding interactions are stronger than that of K---O, while no apparent K---Ti bonding interactions can be observed. The structural stability of K 2 Ti 6 O 13 was closely associated with the covalent bond interactions between Ti (d) and O (p) orbits. Further calculations on elastic properties show that K 2 Ti 6 O 13 is a high stiffness and brittle material with small anisotropy in shear and compression.

  8. First-principles study of complex material systems

    Science.gov (United States)

    He, Lixin

    This thesis covers several topics concerning the study of complex materials systems by first-principles methods. It contains four chapters. A brief, introductory motivation of this work will be given in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, I will give a short overview of the first-principles methods, including density-functional theory (DFT), planewave pseudopotential methods, and the Berry-phase theory of polarization in crystallines insulators. I then discuss in detail the locality and exponential decay properties of Wannier functions and of related quantities such as the density matrix, and their application in linear-scaling algorithms. In Chapter 3, I investigate the interaction of oxygen vacancies and 180° domain walls in tetragonal PbTiO3 using first-principles methods. Our calculations indicate that the oxygen vacancies have a lower formation energy in the domain wall than in the bulk, thereby confirming the tendency of these defects to migrate to, and pin, the domain walls. The pinning energies are reported for each of the three possible orientations of the original Ti--O--Ti bonds, and attempts to model the results with simple continuum models are discussed. CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) has attracted a lot of attention recently because it was found to have an enormous dielectric response over a very wide temperature range. In Chapter 4, I study the electronic and lattice structure, and the lattice dynamical properties, of this system. Our first-principles calculations together with experimental results point towards an extrinsic mechanism as the origin of the unusual dielectric response.

  9. Electronic Structure of Cu(tmdt2 Studied with First-Principles Calculations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kiyoyuki Terakura

    2012-08-01

    Full Text Available We have studied the electronic structure of Cu(tmdt2, a material related to single-component molecular conductors, by first-principles calculations. The total energy calculations for several different magnetic configurations show that there is strong antiferromagnetic (AFM exchange coupling along the crystal a-axis. The electronic structures are analyzed in terms of the molecular orbitals near the Fermi level of isolated Cu(tmdt2 molecule. This analysis reveals that the system is characterized by the half-filled pdσ(− band whose intermolecular hopping integrals have strong one-dimensionality along the crystal a-axis. As the exchange splitting of the band is larger than the band width, the basic mechanism of the AFM exchange coupling is the superexchange. It will also be shown that two more ligand orbitals which are fairly insensitive to magnetism are located near the Fermi level. Because of the presence of these orbitals, the present calculation predicts that Cu(tmdt2 is metallic even in its AFM state, being inconsistent with the available experiment. Some comments will be made on the difference between Cu(tmdt2 and Cu(dmdt2.

  10. Boron Fullerenes: A First-Principles Study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gonzalez Szwacki Nevill

    2007-01-01

    Full Text Available AbstractA family of unusually stable boron cages was identified and examined using first-principles local-density functional method. The structure of the fullerenes is similar to that of the B12icosahedron and consists of six crossing double-rings. The energetically most stable fullerene is made up of 180 boron atoms. A connection between the fullerene family and its precursors, boron sheets, is made. We show that the most stable boron sheets are not necessarily precursors of very stable boron cages. Our finding is a step forward in the understanding of the structure of the recently produced boron nanotubes.

  11. First-principle study of nanostructures of functionalized graphene

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    We present first-principle calculations of 2D nanostructures of graphene functionalized with hydrogen and fluorine, respectively, in chair conformation. The partial density of states, band structure, binding energy and transverse displacement of C atoms due to functionalization (buckling) have been calculated within the ...

  12. Principles of fluid-structure interaction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schumann, U.; Kernforschungszentrum Karlsruhe G.m.b.H.

    1981-01-01

    Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) is an important physical phenomenon which has attracted significant attention in nuclear reactor safety analysis. Here, simple explanations of the principle effects of FSI are given and illustrated by reference to numerical and experimental results. First, a very simple fluid-structure model is introduced which consists of a spring supported piston closing a fluid filled rigid pipe. The motion of the piston and the fluid is approximately described by one degree of freedom, respectively. Depending on the load frequency and material parameters one finds that the coupled system is characterized by virtual masses and stiffnesses or by the inverse properties which are termed virtual fluidities and compressibilities. Thus the two parts interact as if they are connected in series or in parallel. The two eigenfrequencies of the coupled system enclose the eigenfrequencies of the individual fluid and structure parts. Second, the great importance of Hamilton's principle for derivation of the coupled equations of motion is emphasized. From this principle upper and lower bounds for the effective density of a heterogeneous fluid-solid mixture are deduced. Continuum models for such mixtures contain a virtual density tensor. Finally, we discuss FSI for the case of a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) in the first (subcooled) blowdown period. Here, the fluid imposes pressure loadings on internal structures like the core barrel and the motion of these structures influences the fluid motion. Recent experimental results obtained at the HDR are compared with numerical predictions of the FLUX 2-code. The fair agreement confirms that we have well understood the principal effects of FSI. (orig.) [de

  13. First-principles calculation on dilute magnetic alloys in zinc blend crystal structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ullah, Hamid; Inayat, Kalsoom; Khan, S.A; Mohammad, S.; Ali, A.; Alahmed, Z.A.; Reshak, A.H.

    2015-01-01

    Ab-initio calculations are performed to investigate the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of spin-polarized diluted magnetic alloys in zinc blende structure. The first-principles study is carried out on Mn doped III–V semiconductors. The calculated band structures, electronic properties and magnetic properties of Ga 1−x Mn x X (X=P, As) compounds reveal that Ga 0.75 Mn 0.25 P is half metallic turned to be metallic with increasing x to 0.5 and 0.75, whereas substitute P by As cause to maintain the half-metallicity nature in both of Ga 0.75 Mn 0.25 As and Ga 0.5 Mn 0.5 As and tune Ga 0.25 Mn 0.75 As to be metallic. Calculated total magnetic moments and the robustness of half-metallicity of Ga 0.75 Mn 0.25 P, Ga 0.75 Mn 0.25 As and Ga 0.5 Mn 0.5 As with respect to the variation in lattice parameters are also discussed. The predicted theoretical evidence shows that some Mn-doped III–V semiconductors can be effectively used in spintronic devices

  14. A first-principles study on hydrogen in ZnS: Structure, stability and diffusion

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sun, Yu [State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Xie, Sheng-Yi, E-mail: ayikongjian@gmail.com [State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Meng, Xing, E-mail: mengxingjlu@163.com [College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China)

    2015-02-20

    Based on first-principles calculations, the local structures and their energetic stability for impurity hydrogen (H) in semiconductor ZnS are investigated. H is most favorable to dwell in the bond center (BC) site in ZnS. The antibonding site of Zn (AB{sub Zn}) has close energy with BC. The antibonding site of S (AB{sub S}) and interstitial (I{sub H}) site have 0.19 eV and 0.44 eV energy cost, separately. The bond strength with S and Zn determines the stability of impurity H in ZnS. Meanwhile, H is highly moveable in ZnS. At the room temperature, H can overcome the barrier to diffuse through the neighboring BC site. - Highlights: • Local structures for hydrogen in ZnS are investigated. • Impurity level of hydrogen is modulated by bonding with S or Zn. • Hydrogen is highly moveable in ZnS.

  15. Introduction to First-Principles Electronic Structure Methods: Application to Actinide Materials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Klepeis, J E

    2006-01-01

    This paper provides an introduction for non-experts to first-principles electronic structure methods that are widely used in condensed-matter physics. Particular emphasis is placed on giving the appropriate background information needed to better appreciate the use of these methods to study actinide and other materials. Specifically, I describe the underlying theory sufficiently to enable an understanding of the relative strengths and weaknesses of the methods. I also explain the meaning of commonly used terminology, including density functional theory (DFT), local density approximation (LDA), and generalized gradient approximation (GGA), as well as linear muffin-tin orbital (LMTO), linear augmented plane wave (LAPW), and pseudopotential methods. I also briefly discuss methodologies that extend the basic theory to address specific limitations. Finally, I describe a few illustrative applications, including quantum molecular dynamics (QMD) simulations and studies of surfaces, impurities, and defects. I conclude by addressing the current controversy regarding magnetic calculations for actinide materials

  16. First-principles study of electron transport through monatomic Al and Na wires

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kobayashi, Nobuhiko; Brandbyge, Mads; Tsukada, Masaru

    2000-01-01

    We present first-principles calculations of electron transport, in particular, the conduction channels of monatomic Al and Na atom wires bridged between metallic jellium electrodes. The electronic structures are calculated by the first-principles recursion-transfer matrix method, and the conduction...... channels are investigated using the eigenchannel decomposition (ECD) of the conductance, the local density of states (LDOS), and the current density. The ECD is different from the conventional decomposition of atomic orbitals, and the study of decomposed electronic structures is shown to be effective...

  17. Continental basinal origin of ore fluids from southwestern Massif central fluorite veins (Albigeois, France): evidence from fluid inclusion and stable isotope analyses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Munoz, M.; Boyce, A.J.; Courjault-Rade, P.; Fallick, A.E.; Tollon, F.

    1999-01-01

    The most important fluorspar mining district in France is located in the Palaeozoic basement of the Albigeois in southwestern French Massif Central. The massive fluorite is hosted within large E-W striking fractures, crosscutting Cambro-Ordovician clastics, associated with large zones of hypersilicified tectonic breccia which form the wall of the mined deposits. Fluid inclusion data for pre-fluorite and fluorite stage fluids have salinities between 20-26 wt% NaCl equiv., with homogenisation temperatures between 85-170C. Furthermore, low first ice melting temperatures (around -50C) indicates the presence of significant CaCl 2 and possibly MgCl 2 together with NaCl. Calculated fluid δ 18 O for pre-fluorite quartz ranges from -9.1per thousand to -5.2per thousand, with δD between -55per thousand to -64per thousand, placing the data directly on the present day meteoric water line. Fluorite stage fluids have δ 18 O between +0.1per thousand to +3.2per thousand, and δD ranging from -53per thousand to -75per thousand, indicating an interacted meteoric fluid origin. Combining the fluid inclusion and stable isotope data illustrates that the main fluorite depositing fluid has characteristics typical of a basinal brine. The authors have no evidence that a magmatic system was involved in the deposit genesis. The proposed model highlights that mineralisation was related to major Mesozoic extensional events coinciding with the gradual opening of the Atlantic and Tethys oceans. In order to account for the chemistry of the fluids, and the siting of the deposits, the authors postulate a genetic relationship with local, continental, evaporite-bearing basins coincident with, and controlled by the E-W fractures. (Copyright (c) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam. All rights reserved.)

  18. First-principles calculation on dilute magnetic alloys in zinc blend crystal structure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ullah, Hamid, E-mail: hamidullah@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, Government Post Graduate Jahanzeb College, Saidu Sharif Swat (Pakistan); Inayat, Kalsoom [Department of Physics, Government Post Graduate Jahanzeb College, Saidu Sharif Swat (Pakistan); Khan, S.A; Mohammad, S. [Department of Physics, Materials Modeling Laboratory, Hazara University, Mansehra 21300 (Pakistan); Ali, A. [Department of Advanced Materials Science & Engineering, Hanseo University, Seosan-si, Chungnam-do 356-706 (Korea, Republic of); Alahmed, Z.A. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451 (Saudi Arabia); Reshak, A.H. [New Technologies-Research Center, University of West Bohemia, Univerzitni 8, 306 14 Pilsen (Czech Republic); Center of Excellence Geopolymer and Green Technology, School of Material Engineering, University Malaysia Perlis, 01007 Kangar, Perlis (Malaysia)

    2015-07-01

    Ab-initio calculations are performed to investigate the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of spin-polarized diluted magnetic alloys in zinc blende structure. The first-principles study is carried out on Mn doped III–V semiconductors. The calculated band structures, electronic properties and magnetic properties of Ga{sub 1−x}Mn{sub x}X (X=P, As) compounds reveal that Ga{sub 0.75}Mn{sub 0.25}P is half metallic turned to be metallic with increasing x to 0.5 and 0.75, whereas substitute P by As cause to maintain the half-metallicity nature in both of Ga{sub 0.75}Mn{sub 0.25}As and Ga{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}As and tune Ga{sub 0.25}Mn{sub 0.75}As to be metallic. Calculated total magnetic moments and the robustness of half-metallicity of Ga{sub 0.75}Mn{sub 0.25}P, Ga{sub 0.75}Mn{sub 0.25}As and Ga{sub 0.5}Mn{sub 0.5}As with respect to the variation in lattice parameters are also discussed. The predicted theoretical evidence shows that some Mn-doped III–V semiconductors can be effectively used in spintronic devices.

  19. First-principles study of ternary fcc solution phases from special quasirandom structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shin Dongwon; Wang Yi; Liu Zikui; Walle, Axel van de

    2007-01-01

    In the present work, ternary special quasirandom structures (SQSs) for a fcc solid solution phase are generated at different compositions, x A =x B =x C =(1/3) and x A =(1/2), x B =x C =(1/4), whose correlation functions are satisfactorily close to those of a random fcc solution. The generated SQSs are used to calculate the mixing enthalpy of the fcc phase in the Ca-Sr-Yb system. It is observed that first-principles calculations of all the binary and ternary SQSs in the Ca-Sr-Yb system exhibit very small local relaxation. It is concluded that the fcc ternary SQSs can provide valuable information about the mixing behavior of the fcc ternary solid solution phase. The SQSs presented in this work can be widely used to study the behavior of ternary fcc solid solutions

  20. First-principles study on electronic structures and magnetic properties of Eu-doped phosphorene

    Science.gov (United States)

    Luan, Zhaohui; Zhao, Lei; Chang, Hao; Sun, Dan; Tan, Changlong; Huang, Yuewu

    2017-11-01

    The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Eu-doped phosphorene with different doping concentrations were investigated by first-principles calculations for the first time. The calculations show that Eu-doped phosphorene systems are stable and have the large magnetic moments of more than 6 μB by 2.7, 6.25 and 12.5 at.% doping concentrations. The major contribution to the magnetic moment stems from the 4f states of Eu-doped atom. Meanwhile, Eu-doped atom introduces the impurity bands which can be changed by different doping concentrations. In order to determine the magnetic interaction, the different configurations for two Eu atoms doping in 3 × 3 × 1 phosphorene supercell were studied, which reveals that all of the configurations tend to form ferromagnetic. These results can provide references for inducing large magnetism of two-dimensional phosphorene, which are valuable for their applications in spintronic devices and novel semiconductor materials.

  1. The reasons for the color green fluorite Mehmandooye cover using UV spectroscopy and XRF results

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pirzadeh, Sara; Zahiri, Reza

    2016-04-01

    Fluorite mineral or fluorine with chemical formula CaF2 is most important mineralfluor in nature. This mineral crystallization to colors yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, colorless and sometimes black andin cubic system crystallized.assemi transparent and glass with polished.fluoritethe purity include 48/9% fluoreand 51/9% calcium. How the creation colors in minerals different greatly indebted to Kurt Nassau research from Bell Labs, Murray Hill, New Jersey.almostall the mechanisms that cause color in minerals, are the result of the interaction of light waves with the electrons The main factors affecting the color generation include the following: 1)the presence of a constructive element inherent (essential ingredient mineral composition) 2)The presence of a minor impurities (such a element as involved in latticesolid solution) 3) appearancedefects in the crystal structure 4) There are some physical boundaries with distances very small and delicate, like blades out of the solution (which may be the play of colors or Chatvyansy) 5) Mixing mechanical impurities dispersed in a host mineral Based on the results of the analysis, XRF and UV spectrum and also based on the results of ICP, because the color green fluorite examined, the focus color (F_center) and also the presence of some elementsintermediate (such as Y (yttrium). [1] Bill, H., Calas, G. Color centres associated rare earth ions and the origin of coloration in natural fluorites// PhysChem Min, (1978), v 3, pp. 117-131.

  2. Structure and stacking faults in layered Mg-Zn-Y alloys: A first-principles study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Datta, Aditi; Waghmare, U.V.; Ramamurty, U.

    2008-01-01

    We use first-principles density functional theory total energy calculations based on pseudo-potentials and plane-wave basis to assess stability of the periodic structures with different stacking sequences in Mg-Zn-Y alloys. For pure Mg, we find that the 6-layer (6l) structure with the ABACAB stacking is most stable after the lowest energy hcp (2l) structure with ABAB stacking. Addition of 2 at.% Y leads to stabilization of the structure to 6l sequence whereas the addition of 2 at.% Zn makes the 6l energetically comparable to that of the hcp. Stacking fault (SF) on the basal plane of 6l structure is higher in energy than that of the hcp 2l Mg, which further increases upon Y doping and decreases significantly with Zn doping. SF energy surface for the prismatic slip indicates activation of non-basal slip in alloys with a 6l structure. Charge density analysis shows that the 2l and 6l structures are electronically similar which might be a cause for better stability of 6l structure over a 4l sequence or other periodic structures. Thus, in an Mg-Zn-Y alloy, Y stabilizes the long periodicity, while its mechanical properties are further improved due to Zn doping

  3. Towards first principles modeling of electrochemical electrode-electrolyte interfaces

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Malte; Björketun, Mårten; Hansen, Martin Hangaard

    2015-01-01

    We present a mini-perspective on the development of first principles modeling of electrochemical interfaces. We show that none of the existing methods deal with all the thermodynamic constraints that the electrochemical environment imposes on the structure of the interface. We present two...

  4. Integration of first-principles methods and crystallographic database searches for new ferroelectrics: Strategies and explorations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bennett, Joseph W.; Rabe, Karin M.

    2012-01-01

    In this concept paper, the development of strategies for the integration of first-principles methods with crystallographic database mining for the discovery and design of novel ferroelectric materials is discussed, drawing on the results and experience derived from exploratory investigations on three different systems: (1) the double perovskite Sr(Sb 1/2 Mn 1/2 )O 3 as a candidate semiconducting ferroelectric; (2) polar derivatives of schafarzikite MSb 2 O 4 ; and (3) ferroelectric semiconductors with formula M 2 P 2 (S,Se) 6 . A variety of avenues for further research and investigation are suggested, including automated structure type classification, low-symmetry improper ferroelectrics, and high-throughput first-principles searches for additional representatives of structural families with desirable functional properties. - Graphical abstract: Integration of first-principles methods with crystallographic database mining, for the discovery and design of novel ferroelectric materials, could potentially lead to new classes of multifunctional materials. Highlights: ► Integration of first-principles methods and database mining. ► Minor structural families with desirable functional properties. ► Survey of polar entries in the Inorganic Crystal Structural Database.

  5. Metastable Structures in Cluster Catalysis from First-Principles: Structural Ensemble in Reaction Conditions and Metastability Triggered Reactivity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Geng; Sautet, Philippe

    2018-02-28

    Reactivity studies on catalytic transition metal clusters are usually performed on a single global minimum structure. With the example of a Pt 13 cluster under a pressure of hydrogen, we show from first-principle calculations that low energy metastable structures of the cluster can play a major role for catalytic reactivity and that hence consideration of the global minimum structure alone can severely underestimate the activity. The catalyst is fluxional with an ensemble of metastable structures energetically accessible at reaction conditions. A modified genetic algorithm is proposed to comprehensively search for the low energy metastable ensemble (LEME) structures instead of merely the global minimum structure. In order to reduce the computational cost of density functional calculations, a high dimensional neural network potential is employed to accelerate the exploration. The presence and influence of LEME structures during catalysis is discussed by the example of H covered Pt 13 clusters for two reactions of major importance: hydrogen evolution reaction and methane activation. The results demonstrate that although the number of accessible metastable structures is reduced under reaction condition for Pt 13 clusters, these metastable structures can exhibit high activity and dominate the observed activity due to their unique electronic or structural properties. This underlines the necessity of thoroughly exploring the LEME structures in catalysis simulations. The approach enables one to systematically address the impact of isomers in catalysis studies, taking into account the high adsorbate coverage induced by reaction conditions.

  6. Damage evolution of ion irradiated defected-fluorite La 2 Zr 2 O 7 epitaxial thin films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kaspar, Tiffany C.; Gigax, Jonathan G.; Shao, Lin; Bowden, Mark E.; Varga, Tamas; Shutthanandan, Vaithiyalingam; Spurgeon, Steven R.; Yan, Pengfei; Wang, Chongmin; Ramuhalli, Pradeep; Henager, Charles H.

    2017-05-01

    Pyrochlore-structure oxides, A2B2O7, may exhibit remarkable radiation tolerance due to the ease with which they can accommodate disorder by transitioning to a defected fluorite structure. The mechanism of defect formation was explored by evaluating the radiation damage behavior of high quality epitaxial La2Zr2O7 thin films with the defected fluorite structure, irradiated with 1 MeV Zr+ at doses up to 10 displacements per atom (dpa). The level of film damage was evaluated as a function of dose by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry in the channeling geometry (RBS/c) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). At lower doses, the surface of the La2Zr2O7 film amorphized, and the amorphous fraction as a function of dose fit well to a stimulated amorphization model. As the dose increased, the surface amorphization slowed, and amorphization appeared at the interface. Even at a dose of 10 dpa, the core of the film remained crystalline, despite the prediction of amorphization from the model. To inform future ab initio simulations of La2Zr2O7, the bandgap of a thick La2Zr2O7 film was measured to be indirect at 4.96 eV, with a direct transition at 5.60 eV.

  7. Direct reading spectrochemical determination of aluminium, iron and silicon in fluorite

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Roca, M.

    1966-01-01

    A quantitative spectrochemical method for the determination of Al, Fe and Si in fluorite has been worked out. The sample was supported in a graphite electrode with crater of 5 mm. in diameter, 2,5 mm deep, and burned by a d.c. are in a direct reading spectrometer. The excitation of samples has been studied without dilution as well as using graphite powder as diluent in the ratios 1:1, 1:4, and 1:9; the latter factor was chosen. Ag, Ca, Co, Cr, Mo and Sn were tested as internal standards. It has not been found any significant inter element effect. It is necessary to use natural fluorite as base material for the standards. (Author) 5 refs

  8. Structural studies of TiC1−xOx solid solution by Rietveld refinement and first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jiang, Bo; Hou, Na; Huang, Shanyan; Zhou, Gege; Hou, Jungang; Cao, Zhanmin; Zhu, Hongmin

    2013-01-01

    The lattice parameters, structural stability and electronic structure of titanium oxycarbides (TiC 1−x O x , 0≤x≤1) solid solution were investigated by Rietveld refinement and first-principles calculations. Series of TiC 1−x O x were precisely synthesized by sintering process under the vacuum. Rietveld refinement results of XRD patterns show the properties of continuous solid solution in TiC 1−x O x over the whole composition range. The lattice parameters vary from 0.4324 nm to 0.4194 nm decreasing with increasing oxygen concentration. Results of first-principles calculations reveal that the disorder C/O structure is stable than the order C/O structure. Further investigations of the vacancy in Ti 1−Va (C 1−x O x ) 1−Va solid solution present that the structure of vacancy segregated in TiO-part is more stable than the disorder C/O structure, which can be ascribed to the Ti–Ti bond across O-vacancy and the charge redistributed around Ti-vacancy via the analysis of the electron density difference plots and PDOS. - Graphical abstract: XRD of series of titanium oxycarbides (TiC 1−x O x , 0≤x≤1) solid solution prepared by adjusting the proportion of TiO in the starting material. Highlights: • Titanium oxycarbides were obtained by sintering TiO and TiC under carefully controlled conditions. • Rietveld refinement results show continuous solid solution with FCC structure in TiC 1−x O x . • The disorder C/O structure is stable than the order C/O structure. • Introduction of vacancy segregated in TiO-part is more stable than disorder C/O structure. • Ti–Ti bond across O-vacancy and the charge redistributed around Ti-vacancy enhance structural stability

  9. Genesis of rare-metal pegmatites and alkaline apatite-fluorite rocks of Burpala massi, Northern Baikal folded zone

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sotnikova, Irina; Vladykin, Nikolai

    2015-04-01

    Burpalinsky rare metal alkaline massif in the Northern Baikal folded zone in southern margin of Siberian Platform, is a of intrusion central type, created 287 Ma covering area of about 250 km2. It is composed of nepheline syenites and pulaskites grading to quartz syenites in the contacts. Veines and dykes are represented by shonkinites, sodalite syenite, leucocratic granophyres, alkali granites and numerous rare metal alkaline syenite pegmatites and two dykes of carbonatites. All rocks except for granites are cut by a large apatite-fluorite dyke rocks with mica and magnetite, which in turn is cut by alaskite granites dyke. The massif has been studied by A.M. Portnov, A.A. Ganzeev et al. (1992) Burpalinsky massif is highly enriched with trace elements, which are concentrated in pegmatite dykes. About 70 rare-metal minerals we found in massif. Zr-silicates: zircon, eudialyte, lovenite, Ti-lovenite, velerite, burpalite, seidozerite, Ca- seidozerite, Rosenbuschite, vlasovite, katapleite, Ca-katapleite, elpidite. Ti- minerals:- sphene, astrophyllite, ramsaite, Mn-neptunite bafertisite, chevkinite, Mn-ilmenite, pirofanite, Sr-perrerit, landauite, rutile, anatase, brookite; TR- minerals - loparite, metaloparite, britolite, rinkolite, melanocerite, bastnesite, parisite, ankilite, monazite, fluocerite, TR-apatite; Nb- minerals - pyrochlore, loparite. Other rare minerals leucophanite, hambergite, pyrochlore, betafite, torite, thorianite, tayniolite, brewsterite, cryolite and others. We have proposed a new scheme massif: shonkinites - nepheline syenites - alkaline syenite - quartz syenites - veined rocks: mariupolites, rare-metal pegmatites, apatite, fluorite rock alyaskite and alkaline granites and carbonatites (Sotnikova, 2009). Apatite-fluorite rocks are found in the central part of massif. This is a large vein body of 2 km length and a 20 m width cutting prevailing pulaskites. Previously, these rocks were regarded as hydrothermal low-temperature phase. New geological and

  10. First-principles molecular dynamics for metals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fernando, G.W.; Qian, G.; Weinert, M.; Davenport, J.W.

    1989-01-01

    A Car-Parrinello-type first-principles molecular-dynamics approach capable of treating the partial occupancy of electronic states that occurs at the Fermi level in a metal is presented. The algorithms used to study metals are both simple and computationally efficient. We also discuss the connection between ordinary electronic-structure calculations and molecular-dynamics simulations as well as the role of Brillouin-zone sampling. This extension should be useful not only for metallic solids but also for solids that become metals in their liquid and/or amorphous phases

  11. Structural, elastic, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Terbium oxide: First-principles investigations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Samah Al-Qaisi

    Full Text Available First-principles investigations of the Terbium oxide TbO are performed on structural, elastic, mechanical and thermodynamic properties. The investigations are accomplished by employing full potential augmented plane wave FP-LAPW method framed within density functional theory DFT as implemented in the WIEN2k package. The exchange-correlation energy functional, a part of the total energy functional, is treated through Perdew Burke Ernzerhof scheme of the Generalized Gradient Approximation PBEGGA. The calculations of the ground state structural parameters, like lattice constants a0, bulk moduli B and their pressure derivative B′ values, are done for the rock-salt RS, zinc-blende ZB, cesium chloride CsCl, wurtzite WZ and nickel arsenide NiAs polymorphs of the TbO compound. The elastic constants (C11, C12, C13, C33, and C44 and mechanical properties (Young’s modulus Y, Shear modulus S, Poisson’s ratio σ, Anisotropic ratio A and compressibility β, were also calculated to comprehend its potential for valuable applications. From our calculations, the RS phase of TbO compound was found strongest one mechanically amongst the studied cubic structures whereas from hexagonal phases, the NiAs type structure was found stronger than WZ phase of the TbO. To analyze the ductility of the different structures of the TbO, Pugh’s rule (B/SH and Cauchy pressure (C12–C44 approaches are used. It was found that ZB, CsCl and WZ type structures of the TbO were of ductile nature with the obvious dominance of the ionic bonding while RS and NiAs structures exhibited brittle nature with the covalent bonding dominance. Moreover, Debye temperature was calculated for both cubic and hexagonal structures of TbO in question by averaging the computed sound velocities. Keywords: DFT, TbO, Elastic properties, Thermodynamic properties

  12. Concentration of small ring structures in vitreous silica from a first-principles analysis of the Raman spectrum.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Umari, P; Gonze, Xavier; Pasquarello, Alfredo

    2003-01-17

    Using a first-principles approach, we calculate Raman spectra for a model structure of vitreous silica. We develop a perturbational method for calculating the dielectric tensor in an ultrasoft pseudopotential scheme and obtain Raman coupling tensors by finite differences with respect to atomic displacements. For frequencies below 1000 cm(-1), the parallel-polarized Raman spectrum of vitreous silica is dominated by oxygen bending motions, showing a strong sensitivity to the intermediate range structure. By modeling the Raman coupling, we derive estimates for the concentrations of three- and four-membered rings from the experimental intensities of the Raman defect lines.

  13. A first-principles study of half-metallic ferromagnetism in binary alkaline-earth nitrides with rock-salt structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gao, G.Y.; Yao, K.L.; Liu, Z.L.; Zhang, J.; Min, Y.; Fan, S.W.

    2008-01-01

    In this Letter, using the first-principles full-potential linearized augmented plane-wave (FP-LAPW) method, we extend the electronic structure and magnetism studies on zinc-blende structure of II-V compounds MX (M=Ca,Sr,Ba; X=N,P,As) [M. Sieberer, J. Redinger, S. Khmelevskyi, P. Mohn, Phys. Rev. B 73 (2006) 024404] to the rock-salt structure. It is found that, in the nine compounds, only alkaline-earth nitrides CaN, SrN and BaN exhibit ferromagnetic half-metallic character with a magnetic moment of 1.00μ B per formula unit. Furthermore, compared with the zinc-blende structure of CaN, SrN and BaN, the rock-salt structure has lower energy, which makes them more promising candidates of possible growth of half-metallic films on suitable substrates

  14. Investigation of lanthanide ions and other paramagnetic impurities in natural fluorite by electron paramagnetic resonance: examples of application to mining exploration and geochemistry

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chatagnon, B.

    1981-01-01

    This research thesis reports the application to geology, and more particularly to geochemistry and mining exploration, of a physical method: the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). After a report of a bibliographical investigation on mineralogy and geochemistry of fluorite and lanthanides, as well as on paramagnetic centres observed by physicists in synthetic fluorite, the author reports an experimental work, and describes two examples of application of EPR: firstly, the exploration of radioactive ores, and secondly, with the joint use of neutron activation analysis, the characterization of the redox status of the hydrothermal solution which is at the origin of fluorinated mineralisation

  15. First-principle calculations on the structural and electronic properties of hard C11N4

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li, Dongxu; Shi, Jiancheng; Lai, Mengling; Li, Rongkai; Yu, Dongli

    2014-01-01

    A graphite-like C 11 N 4 model was built by stacking graphene and a C 3 N 4 triazine layer and simulated by first principle calculations, which transfers to a diamond-like structure under high pressure. The structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of both materials were calculated. The elastic constants of both materials satisfy the Born-criterion. Furthermore, no imaginary frequencies were observed in phonon calculations. The diamond-like C 11 N 4 is semiconducting and consists of polyhedral and hollow C–N cages. The Vickers hardness of diamond-like C 11 N 4 was calculated to be 58 GPa. The phase transformation from graphite-like to diamond-like C 11 N 4 is proposed to occur at approximately 27.2 GPa based on the pressure-dependent enthalpy

  16. Pressure-induced structural, magnetic and transport transitions in Sr2FeO3 from first-principles

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ting Jia

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available The serial system Srn+1FenO2n+1(n=1,2,3… with the FeO4 square planar motif exhibits abundant phase transitions under pressure. In this work, we investigate the pressure-induced structural, magnetic and transport transitions in Sr2FeO3 from first-principles. Our results show that the system undergoes a structural transition from Immm to Ammm when the volume decreases by 30%, together with a spin-state transition (SST from high-spin (S = 2 to intermediate-spin (S = 1, an antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic transition and an insulator-to-metal transition (IMT. Besides, the IMT here is a bandwidth controlled transition, but little influenced by the SST.

  17. First principles simulation on the K0.8Fe2Se2 high-temperature structural superconductor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guo, Rui; Yang, Shizhong; Khosravi, Ebrahim; Zhao, Guang-Lin; Bagayoko, Diola

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: • The superconductor K 0.8 Fe 2 Se 2 super cell size, shape, and atomic positions are fully optimized using first principles density functional theory method. • Each K atom donates 0.8 |e| with K vacancies in the supercell, each Fe atom donates 0.4 |e|, while each Se atom gains 0.7 |e| ∼ 0.8 |e|. • Fe atoms show magnetic moment fluctuation and possible strong spin-orbital coupling. -- Abstract: Since the synthesis of the first ones in 2008, iron-based high temperature superconductors have been the subject of many studies. This great interest is partly due to their higher, upper magnetic field, smaller Fermi surface around the Γ point, and a larger coherence length. This work is focused on A x Fe 2 Se 2 structural superconductor (FeSe, 11 hierarchy; A = K, Cs) as recently observed. ARPES data show novel, electronic structure and a hole-free Fermi surface which is different from previously observed Fermi surface images. We use ab initio density functional theory method to simulate the electronic structure of the novel superconductor A x Fe 2 Se 2 . We compare this electronic structure with those of other Fe-based superconductors

  18. Thermodynamic determination of fluorite phases of the ULnO4 type

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Paula, H.C.B.

    1981-12-01

    A method for the determination of structure and thermodynamical stability of fluorite phases of the ULnO 4 type is presented. Through the use of a solid body galvanic chain with CaO-doped ZrO 2 working as an oxygen ion conductor solid electrolyte, phase transformation temperatures are determined, as well as solubility enthalpies and entropies for ULnO 4 systems (Ln= Sm, Tb, Er, Ho, Tm, YB). X-ray analyses confirmed the electrochemical measurements. The emf measurement system is checked by using binary oxides with known composition and oxygen partial pressure. A comparison between stabilities of analysed compounds is also presented. (Author) [pt

  19. Electrical properties of improper ferroelectrics from first principles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stengel, Massimiliano; Fennie, Craig J.; Ghosez, Philippe

    2012-09-01

    We study the interplay of structural and polar distortions in hexagonal YMnO3 and short-period PbTiO3/SrTiO3 (PTO/STO) superlattices by means of first-principles calculations at constrained electric displacement field D. We find that in YMnO3 the tilts of the oxygen polyhedra produce a robustly polar ground state, which persists at any choice of the electrical boundary conditions. Conversely, in PTO/STO the antiferrodistortive instabilities alone do not break inversion symmetry, and open-circuit boundary conditions restore a nonpolar state. We suggest that this qualitative difference naturally provides a route to rationalizing the concept of “improper ferroelectricity” from the point of view of first-principles theory. We discuss the implications of our arguments for the design of novel multiferroic materials with enhanced functionalities and for the symmetry analysis of the phase transitions.

  20. First-principles study on structure stabilities of α-S and Na-S battery systems

    Science.gov (United States)

    Momida, Hiroyoshi; Oguchi, Tamio

    2014-03-01

    To understand microscopic mechanisms of charge and discharge reactions in Na-S batteries, there has been increasing needs to study fundamental atomic and electronic structures of elemental S as well as that of Na-S phases. The most stable form of S is known to be an orthorhombic α-S crystal at ambient temperature and pressure, and α-S consists of puckered S8 rings which crystallize in space group Fddd . In this study, the crystal structure of α-S is examined by using first-principles calculations with and without the van der Waals interaction corrections of Grimme's method, and results clearly show that the van der Waals interactions between the S8 rings have crucial roles on cohesion of α-S. We also study structure stabilities of Na2S, NaS, NaS2, and Na2S5 phases with reported crystal structures. Using calculated total energies of the crystal structure models, we estimate discharge voltages assuming discharge reactions from 2Na+ xS -->Na2Sx, and discharge reactions in Na/S battery systems are discussed by comparing with experimental results. This work was partially supported by Elements Strategy Initiative for Catalysts and Batteries (ESICB) of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), Japan.

  1. First-principles calculations of the electronic and structural properties of GaSb

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Castaño-González, E.-E. [Universidad del Norte, Grupo de Investigación en Física Aplicada, Departamento de Física (Colombia); Seña, N. [Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Colombia, Departamento de Física, Grupo de Materiales Nanoestructurados y sus Aplicaciones (Colombia); Mendoza-Estrada, V.; González-Hernández, R., E-mail: rhernandezj@uninorte.edu.co [Universidad del Norte, Grupo de Investigación en Física Aplicada, Departamento de Física (Colombia); Dussan, A. [Universidad Nacional de Colombia-Colombia, Departamento de Física, Grupo de Materiales Nanoestructurados y sus Aplicaciones (Colombia); Mesa, F., E-mail: fredy.mesa@urosario.edu.co [Universidad del Rosario, Grupo NanoTech, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas (Colombia)

    2016-10-15

    In this paper, we carried out first-principles calculations in order to investigate the structural and electronic properties of the binary compound gallium antimonide (GaSb). This theoretical study was carried out using the Density Functional Theory within the plane-wave pseudopotential method. The effects of exchange and correlation (XC) were treated using the functional Local Density Approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA): Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE), Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof revised for solids (PBEsol), Perdew-Wang91 (PW91), revised Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (rPBE), Armiento–Mattson 2005 (AM05) and meta-generalized gradient approximation (meta-GGA): Tao–Perdew–Staroverov–Scuseria (TPSS) and revised Tao–Perdew–Staroverov–Scuseria (RTPSS) and modified Becke-Johnson (MBJ). We calculated the densities of state (DOS) and band structure with different XC potentials identified and compared them with the theoretical and experimental results reported in the literature. It was discovered that functional: LDA, PBEsol, AM05 and RTPSS provide the best results to calculate the lattice parameters (a) and bulk modulus (B{sub 0}); while for the cohesive energy (E{sub coh}), functional: AM05, RTPSS and PW91 are closer to the values obtained experimentally. The MBJ, Rtpss and AM05 values found for the band gap energy is slightly underestimated with those values reported experimentally.

  2. First principles study of AlBi

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Amrani, B.; Achour, H.; Louhibi, S.; Tebboune, A.; Sekkal, N.

    2008-05-01

    Using the first principles method of the full potential linear augmented plane waves (FPLAPW), the structural and the electronic properties of AlBi are investigated. It is found that this compound has a small and direct semiconducting gap at Γ. Through the quasi-harmonic Debye model, in which the phononic effects are considered, the dependences of the volume, the bulk modulus, the variation of the thermal expansion α, as well as the Debye temperature θ D and the heat capacity C v are successfully obtained in the whole range from 0 to 30 GPa and temperature range from 0 to 1200 K. (author)

  3. First-principles investigation of mechanical properties of silicene, germanene and stanene

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mortazavi, Bohayra; Rahaman, Obaidur; Makaremi, Meysam; Dianat, Arezoo; Cuniberti, Gianaurelio; Rabczuk, Timon

    2017-03-01

    Two-dimensional allotropes of group-IV substrates including silicene, germanene and stanene have recently attracted considerable attention in nanodevice fabrication industry. These materials involving the buckled structure have been experimentally fabricated lately. In this study, first-principles density functional theory calculations were utilized to investigate the mechanical properties of single-layer and free-standing silicene, germanene and stanene. Uniaxial tensile and compressive simulations were carried out to probe and compare stress-strain properties; such as the Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and ultimate strength. We evaluated the chirality effect on the mechanical response and bond structure of the 2D substrates. Our first-principles simulations suggest that in all studied samples application of uniaxial loading can alter the electronic nature of the buckled structures into the metallic character. Our investigation provides a general but also useful viewpoint with respect to the mechanical properties of silicene, germanene and stanene.

  4. Physics of Schottky-barrier change by segregation and structural disorder at metal/Si interfaces: First-principles study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nakayama, T.; Kobinata, K.

    2012-01-01

    Schottky-barrier changes by the segregation and structural disorder are studied using the first-principles calculations and adopting Au/Si interface. The Schottky barrier for electrons simply decreases as increasing the valency of segregated atoms from II to VI families, which variation is shown closely related to how the Si atoms are terminated at the interface. On the other hand, the structural disorders (defects) prefer to locate near the interface and the Schottky barrier for hole carriers does not change in cases of Si vacancy and Au substitution, while it increases in cases of Si and Au interstitials reflecting the appearance of Si dangling bonds.

  5. The structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of LiAlB{sub 4} under pressure from first principles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tayran, Ceren; Aydin, Sezgin [Department of Physics, Sciences Faculty, Gazi University, 06500, Ankara (Turkey)

    2017-05-15

    The structural, elastic, mechanical, and electronic properties of lithium aluminum tetraboride (LiAlB{sub 4}) under hydrostatic pressure have been investigated by using first-principles density functional theory calculations. The effects of pressure on the lattice parameters, volume, and bond lengths are studied. It is indicated from the calculated elastic constants that LiAlB{sub 4} compound is mechanically stable on 0-40 GPa pressure range. And, by means of these elastic constants set, some mechanical properties such as bulk, shear and Young's moduli, and then Poisson's ratio are determined as a function of pressure. Also, the ductile or brittle nature of LiAlB{sub 4} is examined. Additionally, using the first-principles data obtained from the geometry optimizations, the hardness of LiAlB{sub 4} is calculated, and its nature is investigated under pressure. Furthermore, in order to reveal the effects of pressure on the electronic and binding behavior of the compound, band structures, total and partial density of states, charge densities, Mulliken atomic charges, and bond overlap populations are searched as a function of pressure. To check the stability of the compound, phonon dispersion curves are calculated. And, the results are compared with the other convenient borides. (copyright 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  6. Recent Progress in First-Principles Methods for Computing the Electronic Structure of Correlated Materials

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fredrik Nilsson

    2018-03-01

    Full Text Available Substantial progress has been achieved in the last couple of decades in computing the electronic structure of correlated materials from first principles. This progress has been driven by parallel development in theory and numerical algorithms. Theoretical development in combining ab initio approaches and many-body methods is particularly promising. A crucial role is also played by a systematic method for deriving a low-energy model, which bridges the gap between real and model systems. In this article, an overview is given tracing the development from the LDA+U to the latest progress in combining the G W method and (extended dynamical mean-field theory ( G W +EDMFT. The emphasis is on conceptual and theoretical aspects rather than technical ones.

  7. First-principles real-space tight-binding LMTO calculation of electronic structures for atomic clusters

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Xie, Z.L.; Dy, K.S.; Wu, S.Y.

    1997-01-01

    A real-space scheme has been developed for a first-principles calculation of electronic structures and total energies of atomic clusters. The scheme is based on the combination of the tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital (TBLMTO) method and the method of real-space Green close-quote s function. With this approach, the local electronic density of states can be conveniently determined from the real-space Green close-quote s function. Furthermore, the full electron density of a cluster can be directly calculated in real space. The scheme has been shown to be very efficient due to the incorporation of the method of real-space Green close-quote s function and Delley close-quote s method of evaluating multicenter integrals. copyright 1996 The American Physical Society

  8. Diagenetic and post-diagenetic fabrics in the Kamarposht fluorite mine (east of Mazandaran province: Explainaton and genetic interpretation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Faezeh Nabiloo

    2017-11-01

    barite as massive and vein, abundant galena and near contact between mineralization zones in carbonate host rocks (Elika Fm. and pyrite-bearing coalified shales (base of Shemshak Fm.? as faulted and/or interbedded are all distinctive geological features for the Kamarposht mine. Fluorite mainly occurs as interrupted, dense and voluminous massive bodies with/without galena which have occupied cavities and open spaces between brecciated fragments of dolomitic limestone relative to the form of disseminate grains, veinlets and geode. Massive and voluminous accumulations of barite in dissolution and karstic cavities and also as discordant veins relative to the bedding of the host rock which have been generated radial, breccias and zebra structures in barite ores. Galena occurs as veinlets and breccias with medium to coarse grain size with/without fluorite in dolomitic and silicified host rocks and also as vein-veinlets into and/or rime of massive barites. Discussion Based on field evidences and mode occurrence of ore minerals and ore textures, mineralization in the Kamaposht mine has occurred as syn-diagenetic (primary and post-diagenetic/epigenetic (main fabrics. Ores with disseminate particles of ore minerals, stylolite, geode and tiny veinlets fabrics have been interpreted as primary textures that co-exist with diagenesis of host rocks. These fabrics have been formed under diagenetic processes such as nucleation, re-crystalization and disolution of host rocks by diagenetic phreatic reactions that have caused increasing temperature-pressure due to increasing depth of burial diagenesis (Force et al., 1991; Fontbote and Gorzawski 1990; Rastad and Shariatmadar, 2001; Haeri-Ardakani et al., 2013. The main textures of mineralization in the Kamarposht mine namely open-space filling fabrics including veins and breccias fabrics with replacement, network and zebra textures which are associated with dolomitized and silicified host rock have been caused by late and/or post

  9. A kinetic study of the replacement of calcite marble by fluorite

    Science.gov (United States)

    Trindade Pedrosa, Elisabete; Boeck, Lena; Putnis, Christine V.; Putnis, Andrew

    2016-04-01

    Replacement reactions are relevant in any situation that involves the reequilibration between a solid and an aqueous fluid phase and are commonly controlled by an interface-coupled dissolution-precipitation mechanism (Putnis and Putnis, 2007). These reactions control many large-scale Earth processes whenever aqueous fluids are available, such as during metamorphism, metasomatism, and weathering. An important consequence of coupled dissolution-precipitation is the generation of porosity in the product phase that then allows the infiltration of the fluid within the mineral being replaced. Understanding the mechanism and kinetics of the replacement of carbonates by fluorite has application in earth sciences and engineering. Fluorite (CaF2) occurs in all kinds of rocks (igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic) and its origin is commonly associated with hydrothermal fluids. Moreover, calcium carbonate has been suggested as a successful seed material for the sequestration of fluoride from contaminated waters (Waghmare and Arfin, 2015). The aim of the present work is to investigate aspects of the replacement of calcium carbonate by fluorite to better understand the mechanism and kinetics of this reaction. Small cubes (˜ 3 × 3 × 3 mm) of Carrara marble (CaCO3 > 99 %) were cut and reacted with a 4 M ammonium fluoride (NH4F) solution for different times (1 to 48 hours) and temperatures (60, 80, 100, and 140 ° C). The microstructure of the product phases was analysed using SEM. The kinetics of replacement was monitored from the Rietveld analysis of X-ray powder diffraction patterns of the products as a function of temperature and reaction time. After reaction, all samples preserved their size and external morphology (a pseudomorphic replacement) and the product phase (fluorite) was highly porous. The activation energy Ea (kJ/mol) of the replacement reaction was empirically determined by both model-fitting and model-free methods. The isoconversional method yielded an

  10. Structural stabilities and electronic properties of Mg28-nAln clusters: A first-principles study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bao-Juan Lu

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available In this paper, we have constructed the alloy configurations of Mg28-nAln by replacing atoms at various possible positions, starting from the stable structures of Mg28 and Al28 clusters. According to the symmetry of the cluster structure, the isomers of these initial structures have been screened with the congruence check, which would reduce computational hours and improve efficiency. Using the first-principles method, the structural evolution, mixing behavior and electronic properties of Mg28-nAln clusters are investigated for all compositions. We conclude that Al atoms prefer to reside in the central positions of Mg−Al clusters and Mg atoms tend to occupy the peripheral location. The negative mixing enthalpies imply the stabilities of these Mg-Al clusters and thus possible applications in catalysis and hydrogen storage materials. Among Mg28-nAln clusters, Mg24Al4, Mg21Al7, Mg14Al14, Mg26Al2 and Mg27Al1 present relatively high thermodynamic stabilities, and the electronic properties of these stable structures are discussed with the charge distributions around the Fermi level.

  11. A first-principles study of short range order in Cu-Zn

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Slutter, M.; Turchi, P.E.A.; Johnson, D.D.; Nicholson, D.M.; Stocks, G.M.; Pinski, F.J.

    1990-01-01

    Recently, measurements of short-range order (SRO) diffuse neutron scattering intensity have been performed on quenched Cu-Zn alloys with 22.4 to 31.1 atomic percent (a/o) Zn, and pair interactions were obtained by inverse Monte Carlo simulation. These results are compared to SRO intensities and effective pair interactions obtained from first-principles electronic structure calculations. The theoretical SRO intensities were calculated with the cluster variation method (CVM) in the tetrahedron-octahedron approximation with first-principles pain interactions as input. More generally, phase stability in the Cu-Zn alloy system is discussed, using ab-initio energetic properties

  12. Forecast of Piezoelectric Properties of Crystalline Materials from First Principles Calculation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zheng Yanqing; Shi Erwei; Chen Jianjun; Zhang Tao; Song Lixin

    2006-01-01

    In this paper, forecast of piezoelectric tensors are presented. Piezo crystals including quartz, quartz-like crystals, known and novel crystals of langasite-type structure are treated with density-functional perturb theory (DFPT) using plane-wave pseudopotentials method, within the local density approximation (LDA) to the exchange-correlation functional. Compared with experimental results, the ab initio calculation results have quantitative or semi-quantitative accuracy. It is shown that first principles calculation opens a door to the search and design of new piezoelectric material. Further application of first principles calculation to forecast the whole piezoelectric properties are also discussed

  13. First Principles Modeling of Phonon Heat Conduction in Nanoscale Crystalline Structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mazumder, Sandip; Li, Ju

    2010-01-01

    of optical phonons, and (2) by developing a suite of numerical algorithms for solution of the BTE for phonons. The suite of numerical algorithms includes Monte Carlo techniques and deterministic techniques based on the Discrete Ordinates Method and the Ballistic-Diffusive approximation of the BTE. These methods were applied to calculation of thermal conductivity of silicon thin films, and to simulate heat conduction in multi-dimensional structures. In addition, thermal transport in silicon nanowires was investigated using two different first principles methods. One was to apply the Green-Kubo formulation to an equilibrium system. The other was to use Non-Equilibrium Molecular Dynamics (NEMD). Results of MD simulations showed that the nanowire cross-sectional shape and size significantly affects the thermal conductivity, as has been found experimentally. In summary, the project clarified the role of various phonon modes - in particular, optical phonon - in non-equilibrium transport in silicon. It laid the foundation for the solution of the BTE in complex three-dimensional structures using deterministic techniques, paving the way for the development of robust numerical tools that could be coupled to existing device simulation tools to enable coupled electro-thermal modeling of practical electronic/optoelectronic devices. Finally, it shed light on why the thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires is so sensitive to its cross-sectional shape.

  14. Structural, electronic, and vibrational properties of high-density amorphous silicon: a first-principles molecular-dynamics study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Morishita, Tetsuya

    2009-05-21

    We report a first-principles study of the structural, electronic, and dynamical properties of high-density amorphous (HDA) silicon, which was found to be formed by pressurizing low-density amorphous (LDA) silicon (a normal amorphous Si) [T. Morishita, Phys. Rev. Lett. 93, 055503 (2004); P. F. McMillan, M. Wilson, D. Daisenberger, and D. Machon, Nature Mater. 4, 680 (2005)]. Striking structural differences between HDA and LDA are revealed. The LDA structure holds a tetrahedral network, while the HDA structure contains a highly distorted tetrahedral network. The fifth neighboring atom in HDA tends to be located at an interstitial position of a distorted tetrahedron composed of the first four neighboring atoms. Consequently, the coordination number of HDA is calculated to be approximately 5 unlike that of LDA. The electronic density of state (EDOS) shows that HDA is metallic, which is consistent with a recent experimental measurement of the electronic resistance of HDA Si. We find from local EDOS that highly distorted tetrahedral configurations enhance the metallic nature of HDA. The vibrational density of state (VDOS) also reflects the structural differences between HDA and LDA. Some of the characteristic vibrational modes of LDA are dematerialized in HDA, indicating the degradation of covalent bonds. The overall profile of the VDOS for HDA is found to be an intermediate between that for LDA and liquid Si under pressure (high-density liquid Si).

  15. Electronic, elastic, acoustic and optical properties of cubic TiO2: A DFT approach

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mahmood, Tariq; Cao, Chuanbao; Tahir, Muhammad; Idrees, Faryal; Ahmed, Maqsood; Tanveer, M.; Aslam, Imran; Usman, Zahid; Ali, Zulfiqar; Hussain, Sajad

    2013-01-01

    The electronic, elastic, acoustic and optical properties of cubic phases TiO 2 fluorite and pyrite are investigated using the first principles calculations. We have employed five different exchange–correlation functions within the local density and generalized gradient approximations using the ultrasoft plane wave pseudopotential method. The calculated band structures of cubic-TiO 2 elucidate that the TiO 2 fluorite and pyrite are direct and indirect semiconductors in contrast to the previous findings. From our studied properties such as bulk and shear moduli, elastic constants C 44 and Debye temperature for TiO 2 fluorite and pyrite, we infer that both the cubic phases are not superhard materials and the pyrite phase is harder than fluorite. The longitudinal and transversal acoustic wave speeds for both phases in the directions [100], [110] and [111] are determined using the pre-calculated elastic constants. In addition, we also calculate the optical properties such as dielectric function, absorption spectrum, refractive index and energy loss function using the pre-optimized structure. On the observation of optical properties TiO 2 fluorite phase turn out to be more photocatalytic than pyrite

  16. Electronic structure and lattice dynamics of CaPd3B studied by first-principles methods

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Music, Denis; Ahuja, Rajeev; Schneider, Jochen M.

    2006-01-01

    Using first-principles methods, we have studied the electronic structure and lattice dynamics of CaPd 3 B and compared them to isostructural MgNi 3 C. CaPd 3 B possesses less electronic states at the Fermi level, but more phonon modes at low frequencies, than MgNi 3 C. According to the phonon density of states, low frequency acoustic modes are dominated by Pd states, corresponding to Ni in MgNi 3 C. Furthermore, these Pd modes show soft phonons, which may be significant for second-order phase transitions. Based on the comparison to MgNi 3 C, we suggest that the properties of these two compounds may be similar

  17. Formation of defect-fluorite structured NdNiOxHy epitaxial thin films via a soft chemical route from NdNiO3 precursors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Onozuka, T; Chikamatsu, A; Katayama, T; Fukumura, T; Hasegawa, T

    2016-07-26

    A new phase of oxyhydride NdNiOxHy with a defect-fluorite structure was obtained by a soft chemical reaction of NdNiO3 epitaxial thin films on a substrate of SrTiO3 (100) with CaH2. The epitaxial relationship of this phase relative to SrTiO3 could be controlled by changing the reaction temperature. At 240 °C, NdNiOxHy grew with a [001] orientation, forming a thin layer of infinite-layer NdNiO2 at the interface between the NdNiOxHy and the substrate. Meanwhile, a high-temperature reaction at 400 °C formed [110]-oriented NdNiOxHy without NdNiO2.

  18. First principles calculations of interstitial and lamellar rhenium nitrides

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Soto, G., E-mail: gerardo@cnyn.unam.mx [Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnologia, Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada Baja California (Mexico); Tiznado, H.; Reyes, A.; Cruz, W. de la [Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnologia, Km 107 Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada, Ensenada Baja California (Mexico)

    2012-02-15

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The possible structures of rhenium nitride as a function of composition are analyzed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The alloying energy is favorable for rhenium nitride in lamellar arrangements. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The structures produced by magnetron sputtering are metastable variations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The structures produced by high-pressure high-temperature are stable configurations. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The lamellar structures are a new category of interstitial dissolutions. - Abstract: We report here a systematic first principles study of two classes of variable-composition rhenium nitride: i, interstitial rhenium nitride as a solid solution and ii, rhenium nitride in lamellar structures. The compounds in class i are cubic and hexagonal close-packed rhenium phases, with nitrogen in the octahedral and tetrahedral interstices of the metal, and they are formed without changes to the structure, except for slight distortions of the unit cells. In the compounds in class ii, by contrast, the nitrogen inclusion provokes stacking faults in the parent metal structure. These faults create trigonal-prismatic sites where the nitrogen residence is energetically favored. This second class of compounds produces lamellar structures, where the nitrogen lamellas are inserted among multiple rhenium layers. The Re{sub 3}N and Re{sub 2}N phases produced recently by high-temperature and high-pressure synthesis belong to this class. The ratio of the nitrogen layers to the rhenium layers is given by the composition. While the first principle calculations point to higher stability for the lamellar structures as opposed to the interstitial phases, the experimental evidence presented here demonstrates that the interstitial classes are synthesizable by plasma methods. We conclude that rhenium nitrides possess polymorphism and that the two-dimensional lamellar structures might represent an emerging class of materials

  19. First principles calculations of interstitial and lamellar rhenium nitrides

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Soto, G.; Tiznado, H.; Reyes, A.; Cruz, W. de la

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► The possible structures of rhenium nitride as a function of composition are analyzed. ► The alloying energy is favorable for rhenium nitride in lamellar arrangements. ► The structures produced by magnetron sputtering are metastable variations. ► The structures produced by high-pressure high-temperature are stable configurations. ► The lamellar structures are a new category of interstitial dissolutions. - Abstract: We report here a systematic first principles study of two classes of variable-composition rhenium nitride: i, interstitial rhenium nitride as a solid solution and ii, rhenium nitride in lamellar structures. The compounds in class i are cubic and hexagonal close-packed rhenium phases, with nitrogen in the octahedral and tetrahedral interstices of the metal, and they are formed without changes to the structure, except for slight distortions of the unit cells. In the compounds in class ii, by contrast, the nitrogen inclusion provokes stacking faults in the parent metal structure. These faults create trigonal-prismatic sites where the nitrogen residence is energetically favored. This second class of compounds produces lamellar structures, where the nitrogen lamellas are inserted among multiple rhenium layers. The Re 3 N and Re 2 N phases produced recently by high-temperature and high-pressure synthesis belong to this class. The ratio of the nitrogen layers to the rhenium layers is given by the composition. While the first principle calculations point to higher stability for the lamellar structures as opposed to the interstitial phases, the experimental evidence presented here demonstrates that the interstitial classes are synthesizable by plasma methods. We conclude that rhenium nitrides possess polymorphism and that the two-dimensional lamellar structures might represent an emerging class of materials within binary nitride chemistry.

  20. The Improvement Effect of Dispersant in Fluorite Flotation: Determination by the Analysis of XRD and FESEM-EDX

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Y. J. Li

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Different dispersants were added in the dispersion process to improve the efficiency of fluorite flotation. The types and dosage of dispersant on the improvement of fluorite flotation were investigated; when the sodium polyacrylate (SPA was used as the dispersant and its addition is 0.5%, the concentrate grade of CaF2 increased from 90% to 98% and the fluorite recovery increased from 81% to 85%. Methods of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM, and Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX were used to characterize the sample. According to the analysis of results, the optimal sample consisted of CaF2 and very little CaCO3 in the size range of 0–5 μm. It could be concluded that the mechanism of improvement for the concentrate grade and recovery of CaF2 was attributed to the change of potential energy barrier which caused the separation of particles with different charge. All results indicate that SPA has a great potential to be an efficient and cost-effective dispersant for the improvement of fluorite flotation.

  1. Hydrothermal uranium deposits containing molybdenum and fluorite in the Marysvale volcanic field, west-central Utah

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cunningham, C.G.; Rasmussen, J.D.; Steven, T.A.; Rye, R.O.; Rowley, P.D.; Romberger, S.B.; Selverstone, J.

    1998-01-01

    Uranium deposits containing molybdenum and fluorite occur in the Central Mining Area, near Marysvale, Utah, and formed in an epithermal vein system that is part of a volcanic/hypabyssal complex. They represent a known, but uncommon, type of deposit; relative to other commonly described volcanic-related uranium deposits, they are young, well-exposed and well-documented. Hydrothermal uranium-bearing quartz and fluorite veins are exposed over a 300 m vertical range in the mines. Molybdenum, as jordisite (amorphous MoS2, together with fluorite and pyrite, increase with depth, and uranium decreases with depth. The veins cut 23-Ma quartz monzonite, 20-Ma granite, and 19-Ma rhyolite ash-flow tuff. The veins formed at 19-18 Ma in a 1 km2 area, above a cupola of a composite, recurrent, magma chamber at least 24 ?? 5 km across that fed a sequence of 21- to 14-Ma hypabyssal granitic stocks, rhyolite lava flows, ash-flow tuffs, and volcanic domes. Formation of the Central Mining Area began when the intrusion of a rhyolite stock, and related molybdenite-bearing, uranium-rich, glassy rhyolite dikes, lifted the fractured roof above the stock. A breccia pipe formed and relieved magmatic pressures, and as blocks of the fractured roof began to settle back in place, flat-lying, concave-downward, 'pull-apart' fractures were formed. Uranium-bearing, quartz and fluorite veins were deposited by a shallow hydrothermal system in the disarticulated carapace. The veins, which filled open spaces along the high-angle fault zones and flat-lying fractures, were deposited within 115 m of the ground surface above the concealed rhyolite stock. Hydrothermal fluids with temperatures near 200??C, ??18OH2O ~ -1.5, ?? -1.5, ??DH2O ~ -130, log fO2 about -47 to -50, and pH about 6 to 7, permeated the fractured rocks; these fluids were rich in fluorine, molybdenum, potassium, and hydrogen sulfide, and contained uranium as fluoride complexes. The hydrothermal fluids reacted with the wallrock resulting in

  2. Adsorption of organic molecules on mineral surfaces studied by first-principle calculations: A review.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhao, Hongxia; Yang, Yong; Shu, Xin; Wang, Yanwei; Ran, Qianping

    2018-04-09

    First-principle calculations, especially by the density functional theory (DFT) methods, are becoming a power technique to study molecular structure and properties of organic/inorganic interfaces. This review introduces some recent examples on the study of adsorption models of organic molecules or oligomers on mineral surfaces and interfacial properties obtained from first-principles calculations. The aim of this contribution is to inspire scientists to benefit from first-principle calculations and to apply the similar strategies when studying and tailoring interfacial properties at the atomistic scale, especially for those interested in the design and development of new molecules and new products. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  3. Crystal structure of fluorite-related Ln3SbO7 (Ln=La–Dy) ceramics studied by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Siqueira, K.P.F.; Borges, R.M.; Granado, E.; Malard, L.M.; Paula, A.M. de; Moreira, R.L.; Bittar, E.M.; Dias, A.

    2013-01-01

    Ln 3 SbO 7 (Ln=La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb and Dy) ceramics were synthesized by solid-state reaction in optimized conditions of temperature and time to yield single-phase ceramics. The crystal structures of the obtained ceramics were investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, second harmonic generation (SHG) and Raman scattering. All samples exhibited fluorite-type orthorhombic structures with different oxygen arrangements as a function of the ionic radius of the lanthanide metal. For ceramics with the largest ionic radii (La–Nd), the ceramics crystallized into the Cmcm space group, while the ceramics with intermediate and smallest ionic radii (Sm–Dy) exhibited a different crystal structure belonging to the same space group, described under the Ccmm setting. The results from SHG and Raman scattering confirmed these settings and ruled out any possibility for the non-centrosymmetric C222 1 space group describing the structure of the small ionic radii ceramics, solving a recent controversy in the literature. Besides, the Raman modes for all samples are reported for the first time, showing characteristic features for each group of samples. - Graphical abstract: Raman spectrum for La 3 SbO 7 ceramics showing their 22 phonon modes adjusted through Lorentzian lines. According to synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering, this material belongs to the space group Cmcm. - Highlights: • Ln 3 SbO 7 ceramics belonging to the space groups Cmcm and Ccmm are synthesized. • SXRD, SHG and Raman scattering confirmed the orthorhombic structures. • Ccmm instead of C222 1 is the correct one based on SHG and Raman data

  4. Phase stability, electronic structure and equation of state of cubic TcN from first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Song, T.; Ma, Q.; Sun, X.W.; Liu, Z.J.; Fu, Z.J.; Wei, X.P.; Wang, T.; Tian, J.H.

    2016-01-01

    The phase transition, electronic band structure, and equation of state (EOS) of cubic TcN are investigated by first-principles pseudopotential method based on density-functional theory. The calculated enthalpies show that TcN has a transformation between zincblende and rocksalt phases and the pressure determined by the relative enthalpy is 32 GPa. The calculated band structure indicates the metallic feature and it might make cubic TcN a better candidate for hard materials. Particular attention is paid to the predictions of volume, bulk modulus and its pressure derivative which play a central role in the formulation of approximate EOSs using the quasi-harmonic Debye model. - Highlights: • The phase transition pressure and electronic band structure for cubic TcN are determined. • Particular attention is paid to investigate the equation of state parameters for cubic TcN. • The thermodynamic properties up to 80 GPa and 3000 K are successfully predicted.

  5. Mechanical Properties and Electronic Structure of N and Ta Doped TiC: A First-Principles Study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ma Shi-Qing; Liu Ying; Ye Jin-Wen; Wang Bin

    2014-01-01

    The first principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) are employed to investigate the mechanical properties and electronic structure of N and Ta doped TiC. The result shows that the co-doping of nitrogen and tantalum dilates the lattice constant and improves the stability of TiC. Nitrogen and tantalum can signiβcantly enhance the elastic constants and elastic moduli of TiC. The results of B/G and C 12 –C 44 indicate tantalum can markedly increase the ductility of TiC. The electronic structure is calculated to describe the bonding characteristic, which revealed the strong hybridization between C-p and Ta-d and between N-p and Ti-d. The hardnessis is estimated by a semi-empirical model that is based on the Mulliken overlap population and bond length. While the weakest bond takes determinative role of the hardness of materials, the addition of Ta sharply reduces the hardness of TiC. (condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties)

  6. First-principles study of structural and work function properties for nitrogen-doped single-walled carbon nanotubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shao, Xiji; Li, Detian; Cai, Jianqiu; Luo, Haijun; Dong, Changkun

    2016-01-01

    Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Substitutional nitrogen atom doping in capped (5, 5) SWNT is investigated. • Serious defects appear from breaks of C−N bonds with N contents of above 23.3 at.%. • Work function drops after N doping and may reach 4.1 eV. - Abstract: The structural and electronic properties of the capped (5, 5) single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT), including the structural stability, the work function, and the charge transfer performance, are investigated for the substitutional nitrogen atom doping under different concentrations by first-principles density functional theory. The geometrical structure keeps almost intact with single or two N atom doping, while C−N bonds may break up with serious defects for N concentrations of 23.3 at.% and above. The SWNT remains metallic and the work function drops after doping due to the upward shift of Fermi level, leading to the increase of the electrical conductivity. N doping enhances the oxygen reduction activity stronger than N adsorption because of higher charge transfers.

  7. Spectroscopic and computer modelling studies of mixed-cation superionic fluorites

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Netshisaulu, TT

    2005-10-19

    Full Text Available into the local environments of the Cd and Pb cations (as a function of composition and temperature) in CdF2 (xPbF(2)) mixed-cation superionic fluorites. A high degree of disorder is shown around both cations. However, the extent of disorder is even larger around...

  8. Hippocrates' First Aphorism: Reflections on Ageless Principles for the Practice of Medicine.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Loscalzo, Joseph

    2016-01-01

    Hippocrates' first aphorism presents a structurally simple but conceptually complex series of observations on the art and science of medicine. Its principles are timeless, relevant to physicians in antiquity as well as in the current era. This article analyzes Hippocrates' aphorism in light of Galen's and others' commentaries on it and interprets the principles espoused by Hippocrates in light of the perennial challenges of the practice of medicine.

  9. The structural, electronic and phonon behavior of CsPbI_3: A first principles study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bano, Amreen; Khare, Preeti; Parey, Vanshree; Shukla, Aarti; Gaur, N. K.

    2016-01-01

    Metal halide perovskites are optoelectronic materials that have attracted enormous attention as solar cells with power conversion efficiencies reaching 20%. The benefit of using hybrid compounds resides in their ability to combine the advantage of these two classes of compounds: the high mobility of inorganic materials and the ease of processing of organic materials. In spite of the growing attention of this new material, very little is known about the electronic and phonon properties of the inorganic part of this compounds. A theoretical study of structural, electronic and phonon properties of metal-halide cubic perovskite, CsPbI_3 is presented, using first-principles calculations with planewave pseudopotential method as personified in PWSCF code. In this approach local density approximation (LDA) is used for exchange-correlation potential.

  10. Phases of Ca from first principles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Qiu, S L; Marcus, P M

    2009-01-01

    Structures and properties of many of the phases of Ca under pressure are calculated from first principles by a systematic procedure that minimizes total energy E with respect to structure under the constraint of constant volume V. The minima of E are followed on successive sweeps of lattice parameters for 11 of 14 Bravais symmetries for one-atom-per-cell structures. The structures include the four orthorhombic phases. Also included are the hexagonal close-packed and cubic diamond phases with two atoms per primitive cell. No uniquely orthorhombic phases are found; all one-atom orthorhombic phases over a mega-bar pressure range are identical to higher-symmetry phases. The simple cubic phase is shown to be stable where it is the ground state. The number of distinct one-atom phases reduces to five plus the two two-atom phases. For each of these phases the Gibbs free energy at pressure p, G(p), is calculated for a non-vibrating lattice; the functions G(p) give the ground state at each p, the relative stabilities of all phases and the thermodynamic phase transition pressures for all phase transitions over a several-megabar range.

  11. Pressure induced structural phase transition in solid oxidizer KClO3: A first-principles study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yedukondalu, N.; Ghule, Vikas D.; Vaitheeswaran, G.

    2013-05-01

    High pressure behavior of potassium chlorate (KClO3) has been investigated from 0 to 10 GPa by means of first principles density functional theory calculations. The calculated ground state parameters, transition pressure, and phonon frequencies using semiempirical dispersion correction scheme are in excellent agreement with experiment. It is found that KClO3 undergoes a pressure induced first order phase transition with an associated volume collapse of 6.4% from monoclinic (P21/m) → rhombohedral (R3m) structure at 2.26 GPa, which is in good accord with experimental observation. However, the transition pressure was found to underestimate (0.11 GPa) and overestimate (3.57 GPa) using local density approximation and generalized gradient approximation functionals, respectively. Mechanical stability of both the phases is explained from the calculated single crystal elastic constants. In addition, the zone center phonon frequencies have been calculated using density functional perturbation theory at ambient as well as at high pressure and the lattice modes are found to soften under pressure between 0.6 and 1.2 GPa. The present study reveals that the observed structural phase transition leads to changes in the decomposition mechanism of KClO3 which corroborates with the experimental results.

  12. Whether FeTe is superconductor: Insights from first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li, Jian; Huang, GuiQin, E-mail: huangguiqin@njnu.edu.cn; Zhu, XingFeng

    2013-09-15

    Highlights: • The ground state of FeTe is in the double stripe antiferromagnetic phase. • The nesting of electron and hole at the Fermi surface is not present in FeTe. • The spin–lattice interaction can lead to the phonon softening. • The electron–phonon coupling constant λ is enhanced due to spin–phonon coupling. • Whether FeTe can be superconductor? Some discussions are made. -- Abstract: We present a first-principles pseudopotential study on the electronic structure, phonon structure and the electron–phonon interaction of stoichiometric FeTe in both the nonmagnetic and double stripe antiferromagnetic phases. Our electronic structure calculations show that the nesting effect of Fermi surface is not present in stoichiometric FeTe after considering the magnetic interaction. Comparing the phonon behavior in the double stripe antiferromagnetic phase with that in the nonmagnetic phase, we find that the spin–lattice interaction can lead to the phonon softening and increase electron–phonon coupling constant λ by about 33%, which is similar to other iron-based superconductors in the single stripe antiferromagnetic phase. We suggest that the phonon softening may have no clear contact with the specific magnetic order in the ground state. Finally, we make some discussion about whether FeTe can be superconductor combining our first-principles calculations.

  13. Solid thermoluminescent dosemeter of sodium tetraborate and brazilian fluorite sensible to thermal neutrons

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fratin, L.; Cruz, M.T. da

    1987-01-01

    A solid termoluminescent dosemeter of sodium tetraborate and brazilian fluorite sensible to thermal neutrons is described. The nuclears reactions 1) 10 B + n → 7 Li + He + Q1 (6,1%) where: Q1=2,79 MeV and Eα1 = 1,758 MeV and 2) 10 B + n → 7 Li* + 4 He + Q2 (93,9%) where: Q2 = 2,316 MeV and E2α 2 = 1,474 MeV are responsible by the thermoluminescent response of the thermal neutrons dosemeters. The stages in the fabrication process of this dosemeter of which are:1) sodium tetraborate vitrification, 2) mixture and pressing 3) sintering are cited. The obtainment of a natural fluorite dosemeter with sodium chloride is also shown. (C.G.C.) [pt

  14. Structural, electronic and optical properties of silver delafossite oxides: A first-principles study with hybrid functional

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kumar, Mukesh; Persson, Clas

    2013-01-01

    Ternary delafossite compounds are potential materials for optoelectronic devices. Employing a first-principles method, we calculate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the silver based compounds AgMO 2 (M=Al, Ga or In), which crystallize in delafossite structure. Our calculations show that these AgMO 2 oxides have indirect band gaps and the gap energies are in the region of 1.6–3.0 eV whereas, the lowest direct band gap energies are estimated in the range of 2.6–4.3 eV. Furthermore, we find that AgMO 2 compounds exhibit a strong anisotropy for the dielectric function and absorption spectra. The absorption onset for these compounds occurs well above the band gap energies. Overall, we show that the hybrid functional improves the lattice parameters and band gap energies and the calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental values

  15. Adsorption and Electronic Structure of Sr and Ag Atoms on Graphite Surfaces: a First-Principles Study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Luo, Xiao-Feng; Fang, Chao; Li, Xin; Lai, Wen-Sheng; Sun, Li-Feng; Liang, Tong-Xiang

    2013-06-01

    The adsorption behaviors of radioactive strontium and silver nuclides on the graphite surface in a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor are studied by first-principles theory using generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local density approximation (LDA) pseudo-potentials. It turns out that Sr prefers to be absorbed at the hollow of the carbon hexagonal cell by 0.54 eV (GGA), while Ag likes to sit right above the carbon atom with an adsorption energy of almost zero (GGA) and 0.45 eV (LDA). Electronic structure analysis reveals that Sr donates its partial electrons of the 4p and 5s states to the graphite substrate, while Ag on graphite is a physical adsorption without any electron transfer.

  16. Role of anion doping on electronic structure and magnetism of GdN by first principles calculations

    KAUST Repository

    Zhang, Xuejing; Mi, Wenbo; Guo, Zaibing; Cheng, Yingchun; Chen, Guifeng; Bai, Haili

    2014-01-01

    We have investigated the electronic structure and magnetism of anion doped GdN1-yXy (X = B, C, O, F, P, S and As) systems by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. GdN 1-yXy systems doped by O, C, F, P, and S atoms are more stable than those doped by B and As atoms because of relatively high binding energies. The anion doping and the N defect states modify the density of states at the Fermi level, resulting in a decrease in spin polarization and a slight increase in the magnetic moment at the Gd and N sites. © 2014 The Royal Society of Chemistry.

  17. First-principles study on the structure, elastic properties, hardness and electronic structure of TMB4 (TM=Cr, Re, Ru and Os) compounds

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pan, Y.; Zheng, W.T.; Guan, W.M.; Zhang, K.H.; Fan, X.F.

    2013-01-01

    The structural formation, elastic properties, hardness and electronic structure of TMB 4 (TM=Cr, Re, Ru and Os) compounds are investigated using first-principles approach. The value of C 22 for these compounds is almost two times bigger than the C 11 and C 33 . The intrinsic hardness, shear modulus and Young's modulus are calculated to be in a sequence of CrB 4 >ReB 4 >RuB 4 >OsB 4 , and the Poisson's ratio and B/G ratio of TMB 4 follow the order of CrB 4 4 4 4 . The intrinsic hardness of CrB 4 and ReB 4 by LDA is bigger than 40 GPa. The high hardness of TMB 4 compounds is derived from the feature of B–B bonds cage and higher C 22 value. The B–B covalent bonds as bonds cage enhances the resistance to shear deformation and improve the hardness. We predict that the TMB 4 compounds with CrB 4 -type are the potential superhard materials. - Graphical abstract: The first-principles calculations show that the intrinsic hardness of CrB 4 and ReB 4 are bigger than 40 GPa, which are the potential superhard materials due to the B–B bonds cage structure. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The intrinsic hardness of CrB 4 and ReB 4 is bigger than 40 GPa. • The hardness of TMB 4 is calculated to be in a sequence of CrB 4 >ReB 4 >RuB 4 >OsB 4 . • The trend of hardness for TMB 4 is consistent with the variation of elastic modulus. • The C 22 value of TMB 4 is bigger than that of C 11 and C 33 . • The high hardness of TMB 4 is originated from the B–B bonds cage

  18. First-Principles Study of the Li-Mg-N-H System: Compound Structures and Hydrogen Storage Properties

    Science.gov (United States)

    Michel, Kyle; Ozolins, Vidvuds

    2009-03-01

    The Li-Mg-N-H system is studied with the addition of the Li4Mg(NH)3, MgNH, and Li4NH compounds using first-principles density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. A structure for the mixed imide Li4Mg(NH)3 is proposed, belonging to the Imm2 space group. A new structure for Li2Mg(NH)2 is given that has Pca21 symmetry; this compound has been previously reported as having Iba2 symmetry. The stability of the Li4Mg-imide is studied with respect to its decomposition reactions. The static, zero-point (ZPE), and vibrational energies of all relevant compounds belonging to this system are reported along with their predicted lowest-energy structures. Dehydrogenation reactions are presented that involve these phases and which are found to be spontaneously occurring within 400 K of room temperature. It is predicted that mixing LiH, LiNH2, and Li2Mg(NH)2 at 505 K will form Li4Mg(NH)3 with the release of 2.04 wt. % H2.

  19. First principles total energy calculations of the structural and electronic properties of ScxGa1-xN

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Moreno-Armenta, Maria Guadalupe; Mancera, Luis; Takeuchi, Noboru

    2003-01-01

    Using first principles total energy calculations within the the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method, we have investigated the structural and electronic properties of Sc x Ga 1-x N, with Sc concentrations varying from 0% up to 100%. In particular we have studied the relative stability of several configurations of Sc x Ga 1-x N in wurtzite-like structures (the ground state configuration of GaN), or in rocksalt-like structures (the ground state configuration of ScN). It is found that for Sc concentrations less than ∼65%, the favored structure is a wurtzite-like one, while for Sc concentrations greater than ∼65%, the favored structure is a NaCl-like structure. It is also found that for the wurtzite-like crystals, the fundamental gap is large and direct. For the rocksalt crystals the fundamental gap is small and indirect, but with an additional larger direct gap. In agreement with the experiments of Little and Kordesch [Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 2891 (2001)] we found a decrease of the band gap with the increase of the Sc concentration. (Abstract Copyright [2003], Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

  20. First-principles investigation of Cr-doped Fe2B: Structural, mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wei, Xiang; Chen, Zhiguo; Zhong, Jue; Wang, Li; Wang, Yipeng; Shu, Zhongliang

    2018-06-01

    The structural, mechanical, electronic and magnetic properties of Fe8-xCrxB4 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) have been investigated by first-principles calculation. It was found that the calculated structural parameters are well consistent with available experimental data. Moreover, all studied compounds are thermodynamically stable phases. On the whole, the moduli of the compounds firstly increase and then decrease with the increase of Cr concentration, whereas the variation of hardness exhibits more fluctuations. All Cr-doped Fe2B have better ductility than Fe2B except Fe2Cr6B4 and Fe5Cr3B4. Interestingly, Fe4Cr4B4 is of not only the slightly larger hardness, but also much better ductility than Fe2B. As the Cr concentration is lower than 20 wt%, the hardness of Cr-doped Fe2B slightly decreases with increasing Cr, whereas the sharply increased hardness of (Fe, Cr)2B in Fe-B alloys or boriding layer should be attributed to the multiple alloying effects resulting from Cr and the other alloying elements. The electronic structures revealed that the Fe-B and/or Cr-B bonds are mainly responsible for their mechanical properties, and the M-N (M = Fe or Cr, N = Fe or Cr) bonds in 〈2 2 0〉 and 〈1 1 3〉 orientations show covalent character. Additionally, the magnetic moments (Ms) of the compounds do not monotonically decrease with increasing Cr.

  1. A density-functional and molecular-dynamics study on the physical properties of yttrium-doped tantalum oxynitride

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wolff, H.; Schilling, H.; Lerch, M.; Dronskowski, R.

    2006-01-01

    Fluorite-type phases in the system Y-Ta-O-N have been studied using both first-principle electronic-structure calculations and molecular-dynamic simulations to validate the structural data and to explain unusual asymmetric reflection profiles observed in the experimental X-ray diffraction patterns. We provide evidence that the compounds may be macroscopically described as to represent cubic fluorite-type defect structures despite the fact that DFT calculations clearly show that all crystallographic unit cells appear as triclinically distorted. Additionally, we find that there is a minute (but hardly significant) tendency for anionic ordering at absolute zero temperature but none under reaction conditions. - Graphical abstract: Structural result of a room-temperature molecular-dynamic simulation of a supercell of Y 0.125 Ta 0.875 O 0.875 N□ 0.125

  2. First principles calculation of material properties of group IV elements and III-V compounds

    Science.gov (United States)

    Malone, Brad Dean

    This thesis presents first principles calculations on the properties of group IV elements and group III-V compounds. It includes investigations into what structure a material is likely to form in, and given that structure, what are its electronic, optical, and lattice dynamical properties as well as what are the properties of defects that might be introduced into the sample. The thesis is divided as follows: • Chapter 1 contains some of the conceptual foundations used in the present work. These involve the major approximations which allow us to approach the problem of systems with huge numbers of interacting electrons and atomic cores. • Then, in Chapter 2, we discuss one of the major limitations to the DFT formalism introduced in Chapter 1, namely its inability to predict the quasiparticle spectra of materials and in particular the band gap of a semiconductor. We introduce a Green's function approach to the electron self-energy Sigma known as the GW approximation and use it to compute the quasiparticle band structures of a number of group IV and III-V semiconductors. • In Chapter 3 we present a first-principles study of a number of high-pressure metastable phases of Si with tetrahedral bonding. The phases studied include all experimentally determined phases that result from decompression from the metallic beta-Sn phase, specifically the BC8 (Si-III), hexagonal diamond (Si-IV), and R8 (Si-XII). In addition to these, we also study the hypothetical ST12 structure found upon decompression from beta-Sn in germanium. • Our attention is then turned to the first principles calculations of optical properties in Chapter 4. The Bethe-Salpeter equation is then solved to obtain the optical spectrum of this material including electron-hole interactions. The calculated optical spectrum is compared with experimental data for other forms of silicon commonly used in photovoltaic devices, namely the cubic, polycrystalline, and amorphous forms. • In Chapter 5 we present

  3. Hierarchical Coupling of First-Principles Molecular Dynamics with Advanced Sampling Methods.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sevgen, Emre; Giberti, Federico; Sidky, Hythem; Whitmer, Jonathan K; Galli, Giulia; Gygi, Francois; de Pablo, Juan J

    2018-05-14

    We present a seamless coupling of a suite of codes designed to perform advanced sampling simulations, with a first-principles molecular dynamics (MD) engine. As an illustrative example, we discuss results for the free energy and potential surfaces of the alanine dipeptide obtained using both local and hybrid density functionals (DFT), and we compare them with those of a widely used classical force field, Amber99sb. In our calculations, the efficiency of first-principles MD using hybrid functionals is augmented by hierarchical sampling, where hybrid free energy calculations are initiated using estimates obtained with local functionals. We find that the free energy surfaces obtained from classical and first-principles calculations differ. Compared to DFT results, the classical force field overestimates the internal energy contribution of high free energy states, and it underestimates the entropic contribution along the entire free energy profile. Using the string method, we illustrate how these differences lead to different transition pathways connecting the metastable minima of the alanine dipeptide. In larger peptides, those differences would lead to qualitatively different results for the equilibrium structure and conformation of these molecules.

  4. First-principle calculations on the structural and electronic properties of hard C{sub 11}N{sub 4}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li, Dongxu, E-mail: lidongxu@hqu.edu.cn [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021 (China); Shi, Jiancheng; Lai, Mengling; Li, Rongkai [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021 (China); Yu, Dongli [State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science and Technology, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004 (China)

    2014-09-15

    A graphite-like C{sub 11}N{sub 4} model was built by stacking graphene and a C{sub 3}N{sub 4} triazine layer and simulated by first principle calculations, which transfers to a diamond-like structure under high pressure. The structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of both materials were calculated. The elastic constants of both materials satisfy the Born-criterion. Furthermore, no imaginary frequencies were observed in phonon calculations. The diamond-like C{sub 11}N{sub 4} is semiconducting and consists of polyhedral and hollow C–N cages. The Vickers hardness of diamond-like C{sub 11}N{sub 4} was calculated to be 58 GPa. The phase transformation from graphite-like to diamond-like C{sub 11}N{sub 4} is proposed to occur at approximately 27.2 GPa based on the pressure-dependent enthalpy.

  5. Selective Separation of Fluorite, Barite and Calcite with Valonea Extract and Sodium Fluosilicate as Depressants

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Zijie Ren

    2017-02-01

    Full Text Available Fluorite, barite and calcite are important industry minerals. However, they often co-exist, presenting difficulty in selectively separating them due to their similar surface properties. In this study, valonea extract and sodium fluosilicate were used as depressants to selectively separate them by flotation, with sodium oleate as the collector. The single mineral flotation results showed that valonea extract displayed the strongest depression on calcite, while sodium fluosilicate displayed the strongest depression on barite. These two depressants allowed selective separation of the three minerals through sequential flotation. The flotation of mixed minerals showed that 94% of the calcite was successfully depressed by the valonea extract, and 95% recovery of the fluorite was achieved in the subsequent flotation with sodium fluosilicate depressing barite. The different depressant–mineral interactions were investigated via electro-kinetic studies and molecular dynamics (MD simulations using the Materials Studio 6.0 program. The valonea extract exhibited the strongest adsorption on the calcite surface, and sodium fluosilicate exhibited the strongest adsorption on the barite surface, which prevented oleate species from reacting with Ca2+ or Ba2+ surface sites. This study provides useful guidance for how to process fluorite, barite and calcite resources.

  6. Reversal of the lattice structure in SrCoOx epitaxial thin films studied by real-time optical spectroscopy and first-principles calculations

    OpenAIRE

    Choi, Woo Seok; Jeen, Hyoungjeen; Lee, Jun Hee; Seo, S. S. Ambrose; Cooper, Valentino R.; Rabe, Karin M.; Lee, Ho Nyung

    2013-01-01

    Using real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry, we directly observed a reversible lattice and electronic structure evolution in SrCoOx (x = 2.5 - 3) epitaxial thin films. Drastically different electronic ground states, which are extremely susceptible to the oxygen content x, are found in the two topotactic phases, i.e. the brownmillerite SrCoO2.5 and the perovskite SrCoO3. First principles calculations confirmed substantial differences in the electronic structure, including a metal-insulator tran...

  7. Structural electronic and mechanical properties of YM2 (M=Mn, Fe, Co) laves phase compounds: First principle calculations analyzed with datamining approach

    Science.gov (United States)

    Saidi, F.; Sebaa, N.; Mahmoudi, A.; Aourag, H.; Merad, G.; Dergal, M.

    2018-06-01

    We performed first-principle calculations to investigate structural, phase stability, electronic and mechanical properties for the Laves phases YM2 (M = Mn, Fe, Co) with C15, C14 and C36 structures. We used the density functional theory within the framework of both pseudo-potentials and plane wave basis using VASP (Vienna Ab Initio Software Package). The calculated equilibrium structural parameters are in accordance with available theoretical values. Mechanical properties were calculated, discussed, and analyzed with data mining approach in terms of structure stability. The results reveal that YCo2 is harder than YFe2 and YMn2.

  8. Influences of Stone–Wales defects on the structure, stability and electronic properties of antimonene: A first principle study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hu, Yonghong, E-mail: hchyh2001@tom.com [School of Nuclear Technology and Chemistry & Biology, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100 (China); Wu, Yunyi [Department of Energy Materials and Technology, General Research Institute for Nonferrous Metals, Beijing (China); Zhang, Shengli [Institute of Optoelectronics & Nanomaterials, Herbert Gleiter Institute of Nanoscience, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094 (China)

    2016-12-15

    Defects are inevitably present in materials, and their existence strongly affects the fundamental physical properties of 2D materials. Here, we performed first-principles calculations to study the structural and electronic properties of antimonene with Stone–Wales defects, highlighting the differences in the structure and electronic properties. Our calculations show that the presence of a SW defect in antimonene changes the geometrical symmetry. And the band gap decreases in electronic band structure with the decrease of the SW defect concentration. The formation energy and cohesive energy of a SW defect in antimonene are studied, showing the possibility of its existence and its good stability, respectively. The difference charge density near the SW defect is explored, by which the structural deformations of antimonene are explained. At last, we calculated the STM images for the SW defective antimonene to provide more information and characters for possible experimental observation. These results may provide meaningful references to the development and design of novel nanodevices based on new 2D materials.

  9. Chemical ordering in substituted fluorite oxides: a computational investigation of Ho2Zr2O7 and RE2Th2O7 (RE=Ho, Y, Gd, Nd, La)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Solomon, Jonathan M.; Shamblin, Jacob; Lang, Maik; Navrotsky, Alexandra; Asta, Mark

    2016-12-01

    Fluorite-structured oxides find widespread use for applications spanning nuclear energy and waste containment, energy conversion, and sensing. In such applications the host tetravalent cation is often partially substituted by trivalent cations, with an associated formation of charge-compensating oxygen vacancies. The stability and properties of such materials are known to be influenced strongly by chemical ordering of the cations and vacancies, and the nature of such ordering and associated energetics are thus of considerable interest. Here we employ density-functional theory (DFT) calculations to study the structure and energetics of cation and oxygen-vacancy ordering in Ho2Zr2O7. In a recent neutron total scattering study, solid solutions in this system were reported to feature local chemical ordering based on the fluorite-derivative weberite structure. The calculations show a preferred chemical ordering qualitatively consistent with these findings, and yield values for the ordering energy of 9.5 kJ/mol-cation. Similar DFT calculations are applied to additional RE2Th2O7 fluorite compounds, spanning a range of values for the ratio of the tetravalent and trivalent (RE) cation radii. The results demonstrate that weberite-type order becomes destabilized with increasing values of this size ratio, consistent with an increasing energetic preference for the tetravalent cations to have higher oxygen coordination.

  10. Graphene substrate-mediated catalytic performance enhancement of Ru nanoparticles: A first-principles study

    KAUST Repository

    Liu, Xin; Yao, Kexin; Meng, Changgong; Han, Yu

    2012-01-01

    The structural, energetic and magnetic properties of Ru nanoparticles deposited on pristine and defective graphene have been thoroughly studied by first-principles based calculations. The calculated binding energy of a Ru 13 nanoparticle on a single

  11. First Principles Study of Electronic and Magnetic Structures in Double Perovskites

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ball, Molly

    films of Sr2CrReO 6, where our experimental collaborators found extraordinarily large anisotropy fields and record-breaking strain-tunable magnetocrystalline anisotropy (MCA). We employed first principles calculations that examine the dependence of MCA on strain and could identify orbital magnetism on the Re atoms as the origin of this unique phenomenon. In the last section, we introduce double perovskites as novel lead-free halide solar cell materials, with current focus on Cs2AgBiBr 6 and Cs2AgBiCl6. While organic Pb based halides that can be synthesized without expensive clean rooms have achieved within record time efficiencies that rival that of traditional semiconductor based materials, creating quite a buzz within the field of photovoltaics, their Pb content and lacking air stability represented severe roadblocks towards market introduction. Here, we show with band structure calculations that spin-orbit coupling is a much more dominant interaction than in traditional semiconductors and thus needs to be considered when designing novel materials for maximum efficiency. The results of this study have given momentum to investigate additional halides double perovskites. Finally, we will summarize and discuss the importance of computational modeling in order to explore the wide and to date little explored composition space of double perovskites, one of the currently most promising materials classes for novel devices with unique and extremely tunable properties.

  12. Automated first-principles mapping for phase-change materials.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Esser, Marc; Maintz, Stefan; Dronskowski, Richard

    2017-04-05

    Plotting materials on bi-coordinate maps according to physically meaningful descriptors has a successful tradition in computational solid-state science spanning more than four decades. Equipped with new ab initio techniques introduced in this work, we generate an improved version of the treasure map for phase-change materials (PCMs) as introduced previously by Lencer et al. which, other than before, charts all industrially used PCMs correctly. Furthermore, we suggest seven new PCM candidates, namely SiSb 4 Te 7 , Si 2 Sb 2 Te 5 , SiAs 2 Te 4 , PbAs 2 Te 4 , SiSb 2 Te 4 , Sn 2 As 2 Te 5 , and PbAs 4 Te 7 , to be used as synthetic targets. To realize aforementioned maps based on orbital mixing (or "hybridization") and ionicity coordinates, structural information was first included into an ab initio numerical descriptor for sp 3 orbital mixing and then generalized beyond high-symmetry structures. In addition, a simple, yet powerful quantum-mechanical ionization measure also including structural information was introduced. Taken together, these tools allow for (automatically) generating materials maps solely relying on first-principles calculations. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  13. First Principles Investigations of Technologically and Environmentally Important Nano-structured Materials and Devices

    Science.gov (United States)

    Paul, Sujata

    In the course of my PhD I have worked on a broad range of problems using simulations from first principles: from catalysis and chemical reactions at surfaces and on nanostructures, characterization of carbon-based systems and devices, and surface and interface physics. My research activities focused on the application of ab-initio electronic structure techniques to the theoretical study of important aspects of the physics and chemistry of materials for energy and environmental applications and nano-electronic devices. A common theme of my research is the computational study of chemical reactions of environmentally important molecules (CO, CO2) using high performance simulations. In particular, my principal aim was to design novel nano-structured functional catalytic surfaces and interfaces for environmentally relevant remediation and recycling reactions, with particular attention to the management of carbon dioxide. We have studied the carbon-mediated partial sequestration and selective oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO), both in the presence and absence of hydrogen, on graphitic edges. Using first-principles calculations we have studied several reactions of CO with carbon nanostructures, where the active sites can be regenerated by the deposition of carbon decomposed from the reactant (CO) to make the reactions self-sustained. Using statistical mechanics, we have also studied the conditions under which the conversion of CO to graphene and carbon dioxide is thermodynamically favorable, both in the presence and in the absence of hydrogen. These results are a first step toward the development of processes for the carbon-mediated partial sequestration and selective oxidation of CO in a hydrogen atmosphere. We have elucidated the atomic scale mechanisms of activation and reduction of carbon dioxide on specifically designed catalytic surfaces via the rational manipulation of the surface properties that can be achieved by combining transition metal thin films on oxide

  14. First-principles calculations of novel materials

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Jifeng

    Computational material simulation is becoming more and more important as a branch of material science. Depending on the scale of the systems, there are many simulation methods, i.e. first-principles calculation (or ab-initio), molecular dynamics, mesoscale methods and continuum methods. Among them, first-principles calculation, which involves density functional theory (DFT) and based on quantum mechanics, has become to be a reliable tool in condensed matter physics. DFT is a single-electron approximation in solving the many-body problems. Intrinsically speaking, both DFT and ab-initio belong to the first-principles calculation since the theoretical background of ab-initio is Hartree-Fock (HF) approximation and both are aimed at solving the Schrodinger equation of the many-body system using the self-consistent field (SCF) method and calculating the ground state properties. The difference is that DFT introduces parameters either from experiments or from other molecular dynamic (MD) calculations to approximate the expressions of the exchange-correlation terms. The exchange term is accurately calculated but the correlation term is neglected in HF. In this dissertation, DFT based first-principles calculations were performed for all the novel materials and interesting materials introduced. Specifically, the DFT theory together with the rationale behind related properties (e.g. electronic, optical, defect, thermoelectric, magnetic) are introduced in Chapter 2. Starting from Chapter 3 to Chapter 5, several representative materials were studied. In particular, a new semiconducting oxytelluride, Ba2TeO is studied in Chapter 3. Our calculations indicate a direct semiconducting character with a band gap value of 2.43 eV, which agrees well with the optical experiment (˜ 2.93 eV). Moreover, the optical and defects properties of Ba2TeO are also systematically investigated with a view to understanding its potential as an optoelectronic or transparent conducting material. We find

  15. Novel Natural Convection Heat Sink Design Concepts From First Principles

    Science.gov (United States)

    2016-06-01

    CONVECTION HEAT SINK DESIGN CONCEPTS FROM FIRST PRINCIPLES by Derek E. Fletcher June 2016 Thesis Advisor: Garth Hobson Second Reader...COVERED Master’s Thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE NOVEL NATURAL CONVECTION HEAT SINK DESIGN CONCEPTS FROM FIRST PRINCIPLES 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 6...CONVECTION HEAT SINK DESIGN CONCEPTS FROM FIRST PRINCIPLES Derek E. Fletcher Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy B.S., Southwestern

  16. First-principles modeling of magnetic misfit interfaces

    KAUST Repository

    Grytsiuk, Sergii

    2013-08-16

    We investigate the structural and magnetic properties of interfaces with large lattice mismatch, choosing Pt/Co and Au/Co as prototypes. For our first-principles calculations, we reduce the lattice mismatch to 0.2% by constructing Moiré supercells. Our results show that the roughness and atomic density, and thus the magnetic properties, depend strongly on the substrate and thickness of the Co slab. An increasing thickness leads to the formation of a Co transition layer at the interface, especially for Pt/Co due to strong Pt-Co interaction. A Moiré supercell with a transition layer is found to reproduce the main experimental findings and thus turns out to be the appropriate model for simulating magnetic misfit interfaces.

  17. First-principles modeling of magnetic misfit interfaces

    KAUST Repository

    Grytsyuk, Sergiy; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo

    2013-01-01

    We investigate the structural and magnetic properties of interfaces with large lattice mismatch, choosing Pt/Co and Au/Co as prototypes. For our first-principles calculations, we reduce the lattice mismatch to 0.2% by constructing Moiré supercells. Our results show that the roughness and atomic density, and thus the magnetic properties, depend strongly on the substrate and thickness of the Co slab. An increasing thickness leads to the formation of a Co transition layer at the interface, especially for Pt/Co due to strong Pt-Co interaction. A Moiré supercell with a transition layer is found to reproduce the main experimental findings and thus turns out to be the appropriate model for simulating magnetic misfit interfaces.

  18. Structural, mechanical and electronic properties of OsTM and TMOs{sub 2} (TM = Ti, Zr and Hf): First-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu, Qi-Jun, E-mail: qijunliu@home.swjtu.edu.cn [Bond and Band Engineering Group, Institute of High Temperature and High Pressure Physics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031 (China); Zhang, Ning-Chao; Liu, Fu-Sheng [Bond and Band Engineering Group, Institute of High Temperature and High Pressure Physics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031 (China); Liu, Zheng-Tang [State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710072 (China)

    2014-03-15

    Highlights: • OsTM and TMOs{sub 2} compounds have no superhard character. • These compounds are mechanically stable and behave in ductile manner. • OsTM has a mixture of covalent-ionic and metallic character. -- Abstract: The first-principles calculations have been performed to study the structural, elastic, mechanical and electronic properties of cubic OsTM (TM = Ti, Zr, and Hf) and hexagonal TMOs{sub 2} compounds. The calculated structural parameters are in good agreement with the available experimental data. To the best of our knowledge, the elastic constants of OsTM and TMOs{sub 2} compounds have been obtained for the first time. The calculated elastic and mechanical properties show that these compounds have no superhard character. These compounds are mechanically stable and behave in ductile manner. The electronic band structures and densities of states of OsTM and TMOs{sub 2} compounds have been analysed. OsTM has a mixture of covalent-ionic and metallic character, and TMOs{sub 2} has strong metallic nature.

  19. INAA in the determination of the elemental constituents of a natural fluorite

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Balogun, F.A.; Tubosun, I.A.; Adesanmi, C.A.; Ajao, J.A.; Akanle, A.O.; Spyrou, N.M.; Ojo, J.O.

    1997-01-01

    A complementary use of the comparative and the semi-absolute variations of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) has enabled us to determine 22 different elements in a sample of natural fluorite originating from the younger granite province of Nigeria. The mineral has a brownish purple appearance with some veinlets having a deep purple coloration. Of all the 22 elements measured, Fe (851.36 ppm), Sb (7.69 ppm), Ag (87.4 ppm), Hg (2.71 ppm) and Se (1.97 ppm) are found to be exclusive to the veinlets while Au (109.15 ppm), Co (2.15 ppm) and W (173.20 ppm) are concentrated in the main matrix of the fluorite. With the aid of the semi-absolute method, it was possible to measure the Au concentration in the IAEA Soil-7 reference material to be 56.83±5.87% ppm. A qualitative electron microprobe analysis (EMA) showed that the bulk of the matrix is composed mainly of Ca and F, as expected. (author)

  20. Anomalous doping effect in black phosphorene from first-principles calculations

    OpenAIRE

    Yu, Weiyang; Zhu, Zhili; Niu, Chun-Yao; Li, Chong; Cho, Jun-Hyung; Jia, Yu

    2014-01-01

    Using first-principles density functional theory calculations, we investigate the geometries, electronic structures, and thermodynamic stabilities of substitutionally doped phosphorene sheets with group III, IV, V, and VI elements. We find that the electronic properties of phosphorene are drastically modified by the number of valence electrons in dopant atoms. The dopants with even number of valence electrons enable the doped phosphorenes to have a metallic feature, while the dopants with odd...

  1. Structural, electronic, elastic, and thermodynamic properties of CaSi, Ca2Si, and CaSi2 phases from first-principles calculations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, X. D.; Li, K.; Wei, C. H.; Han, W. D.; Zhou, N. G.

    2018-06-01

    The structural, electronic, elastic, and thermodynamic properties of CaSi, Ca2Si, and CaSi2 are systematically investigated by using first-principles calculations method based on density functional theory (DFT). The calculated formation enthalpies and cohesive energies show that CaSi2 possesses the greatest structural stability and CaSi has the strongest alloying ability. The structural stability of the three phases is compared according to electronic structures. Further analysis on electronic structures indicates that the bonding of these phases exhibits the combinations of metallic, covalent, and ionic bonds. The elastic constants are calculated, and the bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and anisotropy factor of polycrystalline materials are deduced. Additionally, the thermodynamic properties were theoretically predicted and discussed.

  2. Origin of structural analogies and differences between the atomic structures of GeSe4 and GeS4 glasses: A first principles study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bouzid, Assil; Le Roux, Sébastien; Ori, Guido; Boero, Mauro; Massobrio, Carlo

    2015-07-21

    First-principles molecular dynamics simulations based on density functional theory are employed for a comparative study of structural and bonding properties of two stoichiometrically identical chalcogenide glasses, GeSe4 and GeS4. Two periodic cells of 120 and 480 atoms are adopted. Both glasses feature a coexistence of Ge-centered tetrahedra and Se(S) homopolar connections. Results obtained for N = 480 indicate substantial differences at the level of the Se(S) environment, since Ge-Se-Se connections are more frequent than the corresponding Ge-S-S ones. The presence of a more prominent first sharp diffraction peak in the total neutron structure factor of glassy GeS4 is rationalized in terms of a higher number of large size rings, accounting for extended Ge-Se correlations. Both the electronic density of states and appropriate electronic localization tools provide evidence of a higher ionic character of Ge-S bonds when compared to Ge-Se bonds. An interesting byproduct of these investigations is the occurrence of discernible size effects that affect structural motifs involving next nearest neighbor distances, when 120 or 480 atoms are used.

  3. First-principles study of the Pd–Si system and Pd(001)/SiC(001) hetero-structure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Turchi, P.E.A. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Ivashchenko, V.I. [National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU), Kiev (Ukraine)

    2014-11-01

    First-principles molecular dynamics simulations of the Pd(001)/3C–SiC(001) nano-layered structure were carried out at different temperatures ranging from 300 to 2100 K. Various PdSi (Pnma, Fm3m, P6m2, Pm3m), Pd2Si (P6⁻2m, P63/mmc, P3m1, P3⁻1m) and Pd3Si (Pnma, P6322, Pm3m, I4/mmm) structures under pressure were studied to identify the structure of the Pd/Si and Pd/C interfaces in the Pd/SiC systems at high temperatures. It was found that a large atomic mixing at the Pd/Si interface occurred at 1500–1800 K, whereas the Pd/C interface remained sharp even at the highest temperature of 2100 K. At the Pd/C interface, voids and a graphite-like clustering were detected. Palladium and silicon atoms interact at the Pd/Si interface to mostly form C22-Pd2Si and D011-Pd3Si fragments, in agreement with experiment.

  4. First principles study of structural, electronic and optical properties of polymorphic forms of Rb 2Te

    Science.gov (United States)

    Alay-e-Abbas, S. M.; Shaukat, A.

    2011-05-01

    First-principles density functional theory calculations have been performed for structural, electronic and optical properties of three polymorphic forms of rubidium telluride. Our calculations show that the sequence of pressure induced phase transitions for Rb 2Te is Fm3¯m → Pnma → P6 3/mmc which is governed by the coordination numbers of the anions. From our calculated low transition pressure value for the Fm3¯m phase to the Pnma phase transition of Rb 2Te, the experimentally observed meta-stability of Fm3¯m phase at ambient conditions seems reasonable. The electronic band structure has been calculated for all the three phases and the change in the energy band gap is discussed for the transitioning phases. The energy band gaps obtained for the three phases of Rb 2Te decrease on going from the meta-stable phase to the high-pressure phases. Total and partial density of states for the polymorphs of Rb 2Te has been computed to elucidate the contribution of various atomic states on the electronic band structure. Furthermore, optical properties for all the polymorphic forms have been presented in form of the complex dielectric function.

  5. Silicene on metal substrates: A first-principles study on the emergence of a hierarchy of honeycomb structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kaltsas, D.; Tsetseris, L.; Dimoulas, A.

    2014-01-01

    Experimental studies have reported several types of Si monolayer structures that are formed on metal surfaces. These structures typically show the topology of a honeycomb bonding network, but differ in terms of corrugation and surface coverage. Using first-principles calculations, we identify atomic-scale mechanisms that underlie the appearance of different configurations as coverage increases during Si deposition on silver. The key point is that any extra Si adatoms that land on preformed silicene films can be incorporated in the honeycomb network and form bonds with underlying Ag atoms. As a result, the corrugation profile changes, giving rise to varying overlayer geometries. We also show that the same set of mechanisms control the appearance of silicene films on an iridium substrate. The results address available experimental data, but also probe the stability and properties of silicene wetting films that have not been observed yet.

  6. Generalization of first-principles thermodynamic model: Application to hexagonal close-packed ε-Fe3N

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Bakkedal, Morten B.; Shang, Shu- Li; Liu, Zi-Kui

    2016-01-01

    A complete first-principles thermodynamic model was developed and applied to hexagonal close-packed structure ε-Fe3N. The electronic structure was calculated using density functional theory and the quasiharmonic phonon approximation to determine macroscopic thermodynamic properties at finite...

  7. Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Fe{sub 2}-based full Heusler alloys: A first principle study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dahmane, F., E-mail: fethallah05@gmail.com [Département de SM, Institue des sciences et des technologies, Centre universitaire de Tissemsilt, 38000, Tissemsilt (Algeria); Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science Laboratory, Physics Department, University of Sidi Bel-Abbes, 22000 Sidi Bel-Abbes (Algeria); Mogulkoc, Y. [Department of Engineering Physics, Ankara University, Ankara (Turkey); Doumi, B.; Tadjer, A. [Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science Laboratory, Physics Department, University of Sidi Bel-Abbes, 22000 Sidi Bel-Abbes (Algeria); Khenata, R. [Laboratoire de Physique Quantique de la Matière et de Modélisation Mathématique (LPQ3M), Université de Mascara, 29000 Mascara (Algeria); Bin Omran, S. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O Box 2455, Riyadh 11451 (Saudi Arabia); Rai, D.P. [Department of Physics, Pachhunga University College, Aizawl-796001 (India); Murtaza, G. [Materials Modeling Lab, Department of Physics, Islamia College University, Peshawar (Pakistan); Varshney, Dinesh [Materials Science Laboratory, School of Physics, Vigyan Bhavan, Devi Ahilya University, Khandwa Road Campus, Indore 452001 (India)

    2016-06-01

    Using the first-principles density functional calculations, the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the Fe{sub 2}XAl (X=Cr, Mn, Ni) compounds in both the Hg{sub 2}CuTi and Cu{sub 2}MnAl-type structures were studied by the full-potential linearized augmented plane waves (FP-LAPW) method. The exchange and correlation potential is treated by the generalized-gradient approximation (GGA) where the results show that the Cu{sub 2}MnAl-type structure is energetically more stable than the Hg{sub 2}CuTi-type structure for the Fe{sub 2}CrAl and Fe{sub 2}MnAl compounds at the equilibrium volume. The full Heusler compounds Fe{sub 2}XAl (X=Cr, Mn) are half-metallic in the Cu{sub 2}MnAl-type structure. Fe{sub 2}NiAl has a metallic character in both CuHg{sub 2}Ti and AlCu{sub 2}Mn-type structures. The total magnetic moments of the Fe{sub 2}CrAl and Fe{sub 2}MnAl compounds are 1.0 and 2.0 μ{sub B}, respectively, which are in agreement with the Slater–Pauling rule M{sub tot}=Z{sub tot}− 24.

  8. A first principles calculations of structural, electronic, magnetic and dynamical properties of mononitrides FeN and CoN

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Soni, Himadri R.; Mankad, Venu; Gupta, Sanjeev K.; Jha, Prafulla K.

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► We present spin dependent bandstructure, structural and magnetic moment of FeN/CoN. ► The PDC, PHDOS, spin effect on phonons suggests ZB is preferred at ambient pressure. ► Spin calculation offers an opportunity to understand the role of spin on phonons. - Abstract: Using first principles density functional theoretical calculations, the present paper reports a systematic nonspin and spin polarized total energy calculations of the lattice dynamical and a number of other properties such as band structure, structural and magnetic moment of two mononitrides FeN and CoN. The phonon dispersion curves and phonon density of states in the case of FeN and CoN have been determined for the first time and discussed. The structural and dynamical calculations suggest that the zinc blende structure is preferred at ambient pressure for both compounds. The rocksalt FeN has a nonzero magnetic moment while for FeN in zinc blende phase, it is either zero or very small. The zinc blende phase for both compounds is nonmagnetic. The spin calculation offers an intensive opportunity to understand the role of spin on the phonon properties of two mononitrides. Majority of the modes are sensitive to the effect of spin due to the modification of lattice constant. In this work we reveal that spin modifies the interionic interactions and local structure and leads to a flexible lattice which can be used for the functional materials design.

  9. Lattice structures and electronic properties of MO/MoSe2 interface from first-principles calculations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Yu; Tang, Fu-Ling; Xue, Hong-Tao; Lu, Wen-Jiang; Liu, Jiang-Fei; Huang, Min

    2015-02-01

    Using first-principles plane-wave calculations within density functional theory, we theoretically studied the atomic structure, bonding energy and electronic properties of the perfect Mo (110)/MoSe2 (100) interface with a lattice mismatch less than 4.2%. Compared with the perfect structure, the interface is somewhat relaxed, and its atomic positions and bond lengths change slightly. The calculated interface bonding energy is about -1.2 J/m2, indicating that this interface is very stable. The MoSe2 layer on the interface has some interface states near the Fermi level, the interface states are mainly caused by Mo 4d orbitals, while the Se atom almost have no contribution. On the interface, Mo-5s and Se-4p orbitals hybridize at about -6.5 to -5.0 eV, and Mo-4d and Se-4p orbitals hybridize at about -5.0 to -1.0 eV. These hybridizations greatly improve the bonding ability of Mo and Se atom in the interface. By Bader charge analysis, we find electron redistribution near the interface which promotes the bonding of the Mo and MoSe2 layer.

  10. Interfacial bonding and electronic structure of GaN/GaAs interface: A first-principles study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cao, Ruyue; Zhang, Zhaofu; Wang, Changhong; Li, Haobo; Dong, Hong; Liu, Hui; Wang, Weichao; Xie, Xinjian

    2015-01-01

    Understanding of GaN interfacing with GaAs is crucial for GaN to be an effective interfacial layer between high-k oxides and III-V materials with the application in high-mobility metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) devices. Utilizing first principles calculations, here, we investigate the structural and electronic properties of the GaN/GaAs interface with respect to the interfacial nitrogen contents. The decrease of interfacial N contents leads to more Ga dangling bonds and As-As dimers. At the N-rich limit, the interface with N concentration of 87.5% shows the most stability. Furthermore, a strong band offsets dependence on the interfacial N concentration is also observed. The valance band offset of N7 with hybrid functional calculation is 0.51 eV. The electronic structure analysis shows that significant interface states exist in all the GaN/GaAs models with various N contents, which originate from the interfacial dangling bonds and some unsaturated Ga and N atoms. These large amounts of gap states result in Fermi level pinning and essentially degrade the device performance

  11. First-principles calculations of vacancy effects on structural and electronic properties of TiCx and TiNx

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dridi, Z.; Bouhafs, B.; Ruterana, P.; Aourag, H.

    2002-01-01

    First-principles calculations have been used to study the effect of vacancies on the structural and electronic properties in substoichiometric TiC x and TiN x . The effect of vacancies on equilibrium volumes, bulk moduli, electronic band structures and density of states of the substoichiometric phases was studied using a full-potential linear augmented plane-wave method. A model structure of eight-atom supercells with ordered vacancies within the carbon and nitrogen sublattices is used. We find that the lattice parameters of the studied stoichiometries in both TiC x and TiN x are smaller than that of ideal stoichiometric TiC and TiN. Our results for the variation of the lattice parameters and the bulk moduli for TiC x are found to be in good agreement with experiment. The variation of the energy gaps with the atomic concentration ratio shows that these compounds present the same trends. Results for TiC x are compared to a recent full-potential calculation with relaxed 16-atom supercells

  12. A first-principles approach to finite temperature elastic constants

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wang, Y; Wang, J J; Zhang, H; Manga, V R; Shang, S L; Chen, L-Q; Liu, Z-K [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 (United States)

    2010-06-09

    A first-principles approach to calculating the elastic stiffness coefficients at finite temperatures was proposed. It is based on the assumption that the temperature dependence of elastic stiffness coefficients mainly results from volume change as a function of temperature; it combines the first-principles calculations of elastic constants at 0 K and the first-principles phonon theory of thermal expansion. Its applications to elastic constants of Al, Cu, Ni, Mo, Ta, NiAl, and Ni{sub 3}Al from 0 K up to their respective melting points show excellent agreement between the predicted values and existing experimental measurements.

  13. A first-principles approach to finite temperature elastic constants

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Y; Wang, J J; Zhang, H; Manga, V R; Shang, S L; Chen, L-Q; Liu, Z-K

    2010-01-01

    A first-principles approach to calculating the elastic stiffness coefficients at finite temperatures was proposed. It is based on the assumption that the temperature dependence of elastic stiffness coefficients mainly results from volume change as a function of temperature; it combines the first-principles calculations of elastic constants at 0 K and the first-principles phonon theory of thermal expansion. Its applications to elastic constants of Al, Cu, Ni, Mo, Ta, NiAl, and Ni 3 Al from 0 K up to their respective melting points show excellent agreement between the predicted values and existing experimental measurements.

  14. First-principles study of thermoelectric properties of CuI

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yadav, Manoj K; Sanyal, Biplab

    2014-01-01

    Theoretical investigations of the thermoelectric properties of CuI have been carried out employing first-principles calculations followed by the calculations of transport coefficients based on Boltzmann transport theory. Among the three different phases of CuI, viz. zinc-blende, wurtzite and rock salt, the thermoelectric power factor is found to be the maximum for the rock salt phase. We have analysed the variations of Seebeck coefficients and thermoelectric power factors on the basis of calculated electronic structures near the valence band maxima of these phases. (papers)

  15. First Principles Simulation of a Ceramic/ Metal Interface with Misfit

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Benedek, R.; Alavi, A.; Seidman, D. N.; Yang, L. H.; Muller, D. A.; Woodward, C.

    2000-01-01

    The relaxed atomic structure of a model ceramic/metal interface, {222}MgO/Cu , is simulated, including lattice constant mismatch, using first principles local-density functional theory plane wave pseudopotential methods. The 399-atom computational unit cell contains 36 O and 49 Cu atoms per layer in accordance with the 7/6 ratio of MgO to Cu lattice constants. The atomic layers on both sides of the interface warp to optimize the local bonding. The interface adhesive energy is calculated. The interface electronic structure is found to vary appreciably with the local environment. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society

  16. First-Principle Characterization for Singlet Fission Couplings.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Chou-Hsun; Hsu, Chao-Ping

    2015-05-21

    The electronic coupling for singlet fission, an important parameter for determining the rate, has been found to be too small unless charge-transfer (CT) components were introduced in the diabatic states, mostly through perturbation or a model Hamiltonian. In the present work, the fragment spin difference (FSD) scheme was generalized to calculate the singlet fission coupling. The largest coupling strength obtained was 14.8 meV for two pentacenes in a crystal structure, or 33.7 meV for a transition-state structure, which yielded a singlet fission lifetime of 239 or 37 fs, generally consistent with experimental results (80 fs). Test results with other polyacene molecules are similar. We found that the charge on one fragment in the S1 diabatic state correlates well with FSD coupling, indicating the importance of the CT component. The FSD approach is a useful first-principle method for singlet fission coupling, without the need to include the CT component explicitly.

  17. The effect of boron concentration on the structure and elastic properties of Ru-Ir alloys: first-principles calculations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Xiaolong; Zhou, Zhaobo; Hu, Riming; Zhou, Xiaolong; Yu, Jie; Liu, Manmen

    2018-04-01

    The Phase stability, electronic structure, elastic properties and hardness of Ru-Ir alloys with different B concentration were investigated by first principles calculations. The calculated formation enthaplies and cohesive energies show that these compounds are all thermodynamically stable. Information on electronic structure indicates that they possess metallic characteristic and Ru-Ir-B alloys were composed of the Ru-B and Ir-B covalent bond. The elastic properties were calculated, which included bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and hardness. The calculated results reveal that the plastic of Ru-Ir-B alloys increase with the increase of the content of B atoms, but the hardness of Ru-Ir-B alloys have no substantial progress with the increase of the content of B atoms. However, it is interesting that the hardness of the Ru-Ir-B compound was improved obviously as the B content was higher than 18 atoms because of a phase structure transition.

  18. First-principles calculations of a high-pressure synthesized compound PtC

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li Linyan; Yu Wen; Jin Changqing

    2005-01-01

    The first-principles density-functional method is used to study the recently high-pressure synthesized compound PtC. It is confirmed by our calculations that platinum carbide has a zinc-blende ground-state phase at zero pressure and that the rock-salt structure is a high-pressure phase. The theoretical transition pressure from zinc-blende to rock-salt structure is determined to be 52 GPa. Furthermore, our calculation shows the possibility that the PtC experimentally synthesized under high pressure conditions might undergo a transition from rock-salt to zinc-blende structure after a pressure quench to ambient conditions

  19. The Interface between Gd and Monolayer MoS2: A First-Principles Study

    KAUST Repository

    Zhang, Xuejing; Mi, Wenbo; Wang, Xiaocha; Cheng, Yingchun; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo

    2014-01-01

    We analyze the electronic structure of interfaces between two-, four- and six-layer Gd(0001) and monolayer MoS2 by first-principles calculations. Strong chemical bonds shift the Fermi energy of MoS2 upwards into the conduction band. At the surface

  20. Magnetic interactions in praseodymium ruthenate Pr{sub 3}RuO{sub 7} with fluorite-related structure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Inabayashi, Masaki; Doi, Yoshihiro; Wakeshima, Makoto; Hinatsu, Yukio, E-mail: hinatsu@sci.hokudai.ac.jp

    2017-06-15

    Solid solutions Pr{sub 3}(Ru{sub 1-x}Ta{sub x})O{sub 7} (0≤x≤1.0) and (Pr{sub 1-x}Y{sub x}){sub 3}RuO{sub 7} (0≤x≤0.7) were obtained as a single phase compound. They crystallize in an orthorhombic superstructure derived from that of the cubic fluorite with space group Cmcm. The results of the Rietveld analysis for X-ray diffraction profiles of Pr{sub 3}(Ru{sub 1-x}Ta{sub x})O{sub 7} showed that Ru and Ta atoms are randomly situated at the six-coordinate 4b site. For (Pr{sub 1-x}Y{sub x}){sub 3}RuO{sub 7}, with increasing the concentration of Y ions (x value), the smaller Y ions occupy selectively the seven-coordinate 8g site rather than the eight-coordinate 4a site. Through magnetic susceptibility measurements for Pr{sub 3}(Ru{sub 1-x}Ta{sub x})O{sub 7}, the antiferromagnetic transition temperatures decrease linearly with increasing x value, and at x=0.75 no magnetic ordering was found down to 1.8 K, indicating the magnetic interaction is not one-dimensional, but three-dimensional. On the other hand, the antiferromagnetic transition temperature for (Pr{sub 1-x}Y{sub x}){sub 3}RuO{sub 7} decreases with increasing x value, but above x≥0.50 it becomes constant (~12 K). This result indicates that Pr{sup 3+} ions at the seven-coordinate site greatly contribute to the antiferromagnetic interactions observed in (Pr{sub 1-x}Y{sub x}){sub 3}RuO{sub 7}. Density functional calculations of Pr{sub 3}RuO{sub 7} demonstrate that the electronic structure gives insulating character and that oxygen 2p orbitals hybridize strongly with Ru 4d orbitals in the valence band (VB). Near the top of VB, the Pr 4 f orbitals at the seven-coordinated site also show a weak hybridization with the O(1) 2p orbitals. The Ru-O(1)-Pr superexchange pathway take part in three-dimensional magnetic interaction and play an important role in an enhancement of long-range magnetic ordering. - Graphical abstract: The spin densities and the spin polarization of Pr{sub 3}RuO{sub 7} are shown

  1. Structural, electronic, elastic and thermal properties of Li{sub 2}AgSb. First-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li, Ji-Hong [Sichuan Univ., Chengdu (China). Inst. of Atomic and Molecular Physics; Longdong Univ., Qingyang (China). College of Physics and Electronic Engineering; Zhu, Xu-Hui [Sichuan Univ., Chengdu (China). Inst. of Atomic and Molecular Physics; Cheng, Yan [Sichuan Univ., Chengdu (China). Inst. of Atomic and Molecular Physics; Sichuan Univ., Chengdu (China). Key Laboratory of High Energy Density Physics and Technology of Ministry of Education; Ji, Guang-Fu [Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang (China). National Key Laboratory of Shock Wave and Detonation Physics

    2015-07-01

    Based on the first-principles density functional theory calculations combined with the quasi-harmonic Debye model, the pressure dependencies of the structural, elastic, electronic and thermal properties of Li{sub 2}AgSb were systematically investigated. The calculated lattice parameters and unit cell volume of Li{sub 2}AgSb at the ground state were in good agreement with the available experimental data. The obtained elastic constants, the bulk modulus and the shear modulus revealed that Li{sub 2}AgSb is mechanically stable and behaves in a ductile manner under the applied pressure. The elasticity-relevant properties, the Young's modulus and the Poisson's ratio showed that pressure can enhance the stiffness of Li{sub 2}AgSb and that Li{sub 2}AgSb is mechanically stable up to 20 GPa. The characteristics of the band structure and the partial density of states of Li{sub 2}AgSb were analysed, showing that Li{sub 2}AgSb is a semiconductor with a direct band gap of 217 meV at 0 GPa and that the increasing pressure can make the band structure of Li{sub 2}AgSb become an indirect one. Studies have shown that, unlike temperature, pressure has little effect on the heat capacity and the thermal expansion coefficient of Li{sub 2}AgSb.

  2. The electronic structure and ferromagnetism of TM (TM=V, Cr, and Mn)-doped BN(5, 5) nanotube: A first-principles study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    He, K.H.; Zheng, G.; Chen, G.; Wan, M.; Ji, G.F.

    2008-01-01

    We study the electronic structure and ferromagnetism of V-, Cr-, and Mn-doped single-wall BN(5, 5) nanotube by using polarized spin calculations within first principles. The optimized structures show that the transition-metal atoms move outwards and the calculated electronic properties demonstrate that the isolated V-, Cr-, and Mn-doped BN(5, 5) nanotubes show half-metallicity. The total ferromagnetic moments are 2μ B , 3.02μ B , and 3.98μ B for V-, Cr-, and Mn-doped BN(5, 5), respectively. The study suggests that such transition-metal (TM)-doped nanotubes may be useful in spintronics and nanomagnets

  3. First principles studies of multiferroic materials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Picozzi, Silvia; Ederer, Claude

    2009-01-01

    Multiferroics, materials where spontaneous long-range magnetic and dipolar orders coexist, represent an attractive class of compounds, which combine rich and fascinating fundamental physics with a technologically appealing potential for applications in the general area of spintronics. Ab initio calculations have significantly contributed to recent progress in this area, by elucidating different mechanisms for multiferroicity and providing essential information on various compounds where these effects are manifestly at play. In particular, here we present examples of density-functional theory investigations for two main classes of materials: (a) multiferroics where ferroelectricity is driven by hybridization or purely structural effects, with BiFeO 3 as the prototype material, and (b) multiferroics where ferroelectricity is driven by correlation effects and is strongly linked to electronic degrees of freedom such as spin-, charge-, or orbital-ordering, with rare-earth manganites as prototypes. As for the first class of multiferroics, first principles calculations are shown to provide an accurate qualitative and quantitative description of the physics in BiFeO 3 , ranging from the prediction of large ferroelectric polarization and weak ferromagnetism, over the effect of epitaxial strain, to the identification of possible scenarios for coupling between ferroelectric and magnetic order. For the second class of multiferroics, ab initio calculations have shown that, in those cases where spin-ordering breaks inversion symmetry (e.g. in antiferromagnetic E-type HoMnO 3 ), the magnetically induced ferroelectric polarization can be as large as a few μC cm -2 . The examples presented point the way to several possible avenues for future research: on the technological side, first principles simulations can contribute to a rational materials design, aimed at identifying spintronic materials that exhibit ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity at or above room temperature. On the

  4. Laser site selective spectroscopy of rare-earth defects in fluorites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Murdoch, K.M.

    1998-01-01

    Full text: Rare-earth (R 3+ ) doped fluorites (CaF 2 , SrF 2 , and BaF 2 ) have long been a model system for investigating the defect chemistry of crystalline solids. The trivalent R 3+ ions substitute for the divalent cations of the host and are charge compensated by the inclusion of additional interstitial fluoride ions (F - j ). A variety of R 3+ centres arise, including cubic symmetry R 3+ sites remote from any F - j , single R 3+ ions associated with one neighbouring F - j , and clusters of R 3+ associated with multiple F - j . Additional R 3+ centres are produced by chemical modifications involving the substitution of host anions or cations. Numerous experimental studies have shown that the relative populations of these centres are determined by the size of the R 3+ ions, the R 3+ concentration in the crystal, the crystals thermal history, and any pressure treatments. A considerable volume of theoretical work has also been presented to interpret these results. Laser site selective spectroscopy has proved a powerful technique for probing the defect chemistry of R 3+ doped fluorites. Some of the important results and conclusions of these experiments will be reviewed. A detailed account, with references to the original studies, has also been published recently

  5. Geo economical studies of Mina Florencia (Fluorite)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gomez Rifas, C.; Mari, C.; Theune, C.; Bosse, R.

    1982-01-01

    This report describes the works of Prospecting of Fluorite in Mina Florencia, in Maldonado Province. The project began in January of 1981, with the elaboration of a regional geologic cartography scale 1/20.000 of an area of 90,85 kilometers and cartography detailed scale 1/5.000 of the immediate area to Mina Florencia (6 kilometer that demonstrated the existence other veins of similar characteristic of the mine in exploration. Later on they were carried out geophysical studies (resistividad and electromagnetism, under the direction of the geophysical Fritz R. Haut of the BGR). The main geophysical anomalies inside the mining concession was studied by mechanical well, which results were showed in this report.

  6. The structural, elastic, electronic and dynamical properties of chalcopyrite semiconductor BeGeAs{sub 2} from first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ciftci, Yasemin Oe. [Gazi University Teknikokullar, Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Ankara (Turkey); Evecen, Meryem; Aldirmaz, Emine [Amasya University, Department of Physics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Amasya (Turkey)

    2017-01-15

    First-principles calculations for the structural, elastic, electronic and vibrational properties of BeGeAs{sub 2} with chalcopyrite structure have been reported in the frame work of the density functional theory. The calculated ground state properties are in good agreement with the available data. By considering the electronic band structure and electronic density of states calculation, it is found that this compound is a semiconductor which confirmed the previous work. Single-crystal elastic constants and related properties such as Young's modulus, Poisson ratio, shear modulus and bulk modulus have been predicted using the stress-finite strain technique. It can be seen from the calculated elastic constants that this compound is mechanically stable in the chalcopyrite structure. Pressure dependences of elastic constants and band gap are also reported. Finally, the phonon dispersion curves and total and partial density of states were calculated and discussed. The calculated phonon frequencies BeGeAs{sub 2} are positive, indicating the dynamical stability of the studied compound. (orig.)

  7. Intricate disorder in defect fluorite/pyrochlore: a concord of chemistry and crystallography

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Simeone, D.; Thorogood, G.J.; Huo, D.; Luneville, L.; Baldinozzi, G.; Petříček, Václav; Porcher, F.; Ribis, J.; Mazerolles, L.; Largeau, L.; Berar, J.F.; Surble, S.

    2017-01-01

    Roč. 7, Jun (2017), 1-7, č. článku 3727. ISSN 2045-2322 Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : disorder * atomic scale * metallic allys * oxides * fluorite/pyrochlore Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism OBOR OECD: Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.) Impact factor: 4.259, year: 2016

  8. First principle study of cubic ScGaN ternaries

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Adli, W.; Mecheref, R.; Sekkal, N.; Tair, F.; Amrani, B.

    2008-08-01

    The electronic properties of the Sc x Ga1- x N ternary alloy are investigated. The transition from rocksalt (B1) to zinc blende (B3) structure is found to occur rapidly after incorporating just a small fraction (less than 1%) of Ga. In the present paper, the first principles method the full potential linear muffin-tin orbitals method (FPLMTO) in its atomic sphere approximation (ASA) coupled to the technique of the empty spheres is employed. Our results concerning the electronic properties are different from those reported in literature. (author)

  9. First principles study of α and δ-Pu

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chattaraj, Debabrata; Dash, Smruti

    2017-01-01

    The structural and electronic properties of α-and δ-Pu has been investigated using state of the art first principles method. All the calculations have been performed using a plane wave based pseudopotential method under the framework of spin polarized density functional theory. The effect of relativistic spin-orbit interactions on these properties has been investigated. The calculated lattice parameters are found to be within ±1% of the experimental data. The cohesive energy of α-and δ-Pu are calculated to be -3.125 and -3.126 eV/atom. The nature of chemical bonding present in those phases of Pu is depicted by calculated density of states spectra. (author)

  10. First-principles electronic structure of Mn-doped GaAs, GaP, and GaN semiconductors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Schulthess, T C [Computer Science and Mathematics Division and Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6164 (United States); Temmerman, W M [Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury, Warrington WA4 4AD (United Kingdom); Szotek, Z [Daresbury Laboratory, Daresbury, Warrington WA4 4AD (United Kingdom); Svane, A [Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C (Denmark); Petit, L [Computer Science and Mathematics Division and Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6164 (United States)

    2007-04-23

    We present first-principles electronic structure calculations of Mn-doped III-V semiconductors based on the local spin-density approximation (LSDA) as well as the self-interaction corrected local spin-density method (SIC-LSD). We find that it is crucial to use a self-interaction free approach to properly describe the electronic ground state. The SIC-LSD calculations predict the proper electronic ground state configuration for Mn in GaAs, GaP, and GaN. Excellent quantitative agreement with experiment is found for the magnetic moment and p-d exchange in (GaMn)As. These results allow us to validate commonly used models for magnetic semiconductors. Furthermore, we discuss the delicate problem of extracting binding energies of localized levels from density functional theory calculations. We propose three approaches to take into account final state effects to estimate the binding energies of the Mn d levels in GaAs. We find good agreement between computed values and estimates from photoemission experiments.

  11. First-principles electronic structure of Mn-doped GaAs, GaP, and GaN semiconductors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schulthess, T C; Temmerman, W M; Szotek, Z; Svane, A; Petit, L

    2007-01-01

    We present first-principles electronic structure calculations of Mn-doped III-V semiconductors based on the local spin-density approximation (LSDA) as well as the self-interaction corrected local spin-density method (SIC-LSD). We find that it is crucial to use a self-interaction free approach to properly describe the electronic ground state. The SIC-LSD calculations predict the proper electronic ground state configuration for Mn in GaAs, GaP, and GaN. Excellent quantitative agreement with experiment is found for the magnetic moment and p-d exchange in (GaMn)As. These results allow us to validate commonly used models for magnetic semiconductors. Furthermore, we discuss the delicate problem of extracting binding energies of localized levels from density functional theory calculations. We propose three approaches to take into account final state effects to estimate the binding energies of the Mn d levels in GaAs. We find good agreement between computed values and estimates from photoemission experiments

  12. The electronic structures and ferromagnetism of Fe-doped GaSb: The first-principle calculation study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lin, Xue-ling; Niu, Cao-ping; Pan, Feng-chun; Chen, Huan-ming; Wang, Xu-ming

    2017-09-01

    The electronic structures and the magnetic properties of Fe doped GaSb have been investigated by the first-principles calculation based on the framework of the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and GGA+U schemes. The calculated results indicated that Fe atoms tend to form the anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) coupling with the nearest-neighbor positions preferentially. Compared with the anti-ferromagnetic coupling, the ferromagnetic interactions occurred at the second nearest-neighbor and third nearest-neighbor sites have a bigger superiority energetically. The effect of strong electron correlation at Fe-d orbit taking on the magnetic properties predicted by GGA+U approach demonstrated that the ferromagnetic (FM) coupling between the Fe ions is even stronger in consideration of the strong electron correlation effect. The ferromagnetism in Fe doped GaSb system predicted by our investigation implied that the doping of Fe into GaSb can be as a vital routine for manufacturing the FM semiconductors with higher Curie temperature.

  13. Electronic structure and equation of state of Sm2Co17 from first-principles DFT+ U

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huang, Patrick; Butch, Nicholas P.; Jeffries, Jason R.; McCall, Scott K.

    2013-03-01

    Rare-earth intermetallics have important applications as permanent magnet materials, and the rational optimization of their properties would benefit greatly from guidance from ab initio modeling. However, these systems are particularly challenging for current electronic structure methods. Here, we present an ab initio study of the prototype material Sm2Co17 and related compounds, using density functional theory with a Hubbard correction for the Sm 4 f-electrons (DFT+ U method) and ultrasoft pseudopotentials. The Hubbard U parameter is derived from first principles [Cococcioni and de Gironcoli, PRB 71, 035105 (2005)], not fit to experiment. Our calculations are in good agreement with recent photoemission measurements at ambient pressure and the equation of state up to 40 GPa, thus supporting the validity of our DFT+ U model. Prepared by LLNL under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

  14. The determination of the structure of γ-alumina using empirical and first principle calculations and supporting experiment

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Paglia, G.; Buckely, C.E.; O'Connor, B.H.; Van Riessen, A.; Rohl, A.L.; Gale, J.D.

    2002-01-01

    Full text: Because of its hardness, abrasion resistance, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and good electrical insulation, alumina (AI 2 O 3 ) is a material of high technological and industrial significance. Alumina exists in a variety of metastable structures including the γ, η, θ, K, and χ aluminas, as well as its stable α alumina phase. The crystal structure of the γ-phase in alumina has attracted considerable attention over the past 40 years, with various reports attributing either a cubic or tetragonal structure to this phase. Consensus on the definitive structure of γ-alumina (γ-AI 2 O 3 ) has yet to be reached. Rapid advancement has occurred in the field of computational materials science in recent times. Huge advances in computing power during this period have made ft possible to apply the laws of quantum mechanics to the study of macroscopic properties of real materials at the atomic level. Predicting the properties of materials by theoretical means complements the traditional experimental approaches. This research is directed at determining the structure of γ-Al 2 O 3 using theoretical first principles and empirical computational techniques combined with experimental methods. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the problems associated with determining the structure of γ-AI 2 O 3 and to outline the methodology being applied to solve it. Copyright (2002) Australian X-ray Analytical Association Inc

  15. Structural, elastic, and electronic properties of new 211 MAX phase Nb{sub 2}GeC from first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Shein, I.R. [Institute of Solid State Chemistry, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg 620990 (Russian Federation); Ivanovskii, A.L., E-mail: ivanovskii@ihim.uran.ru [Institute of Solid State Chemistry, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ekaterinburg 620990 (Russian Federation)

    2013-02-01

    Very recently (2012, Phys. Rev Lett., 109, 035502) a new hexagonal (s.g. P63/mmc, Music-Sharp-Sign 194) ternary phase Nb{sub 2}GeC, which belongs to so-called 211-like MAX phases, was discovered. In order to get a systematic insight into the structural, elastic, and electronic properties of Nb{sub 2}GeC, we used two complementary DFT-based first-principles approaches (as implemented in the VASP and Wien2k packages) to calculate the optimized structural parameters, band structure, densities of state, Fermi surface, and a set of elastic parameters: elastic constants (C{sub ij}), bulk modulus (B), compressibility ({beta}), shear modulus (G), Young's modulus (Y), and elastic anisotropy indexes, which were discussed in comparison with available data. Besides, the inter-atomic bonding picture for Nb{sub 2}GeC was discussed using electron density maps and Bader's charge analysis.

  16. Phase Transition and Thermodynamics of Ruthenium Diboride via First-Principles Calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fen, Luo; Yan, Cheng; Xiang-Rong, Chen; Guang-Fu, Ji

    2009-01-01

    The pressure induced phase transitions of RuB 2 from the OsB 2 -type structure to the ReB 2 -type structure are investigated by first-principles calculations based on the plane-wave basis set with the generalized gradient approximation for exchange and correlation. It is found that the phase transition occurs at 18.6 GPa. We predict the phase transition from the OsB 2 -type RuB 2 to the ReB 2 -type RuB 2 at high temperatures for the first time. The dependences of the heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, and the Grüneisen parameter on pressure and temperature for OsB 2 -type RuB 2 and ReB 2 -type RuB 2 are also investigated

  17. Stability, electronic and thermodynamic properties of aluminene from first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yuan, Junhui [School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074 (China); Yu, Niannian [School of Science, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430070 (China); Xue, Kanhao, E-mail: xkh@hust.edu.cn [School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074 (China); Miao, Xiangshui [School of Optical and Electronic Information, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074 (China)

    2017-07-01

    Highlights: • We have predicted two NEW stable phases of atomic layer aluminum, buckled and 8-Pmmn aluminene. • We have revealed the electronic structures and bonding characteristics of aluminene. • Thermodynamic properties of aluminene were investigated based on phonon properties. - Abstract: Using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), we have investigated the structure stability and electronic properties of both buckled and 8-Pmmn phase aluminene. Phonon dispersion analysis reveals that the buckled and 8-Pmmn aluminene are dynamically stable. The band structure shows that both the buckled and 8-Pmmn aluminene exhibit metallic behavior. Finally, the thermodynamic properties are investigated based on phonon properties.

  18. Stability, electronic and thermodynamic properties of aluminene from first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yuan, Junhui; Yu, Niannian; Xue, Kanhao; Miao, Xiangshui

    2017-01-01

    Highlights: • We have predicted two NEW stable phases of atomic layer aluminum, buckled and 8-Pmmn aluminene. • We have revealed the electronic structures and bonding characteristics of aluminene. • Thermodynamic properties of aluminene were investigated based on phonon properties. - Abstract: Using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT), we have investigated the structure stability and electronic properties of both buckled and 8-Pmmn phase aluminene. Phonon dispersion analysis reveals that the buckled and 8-Pmmn aluminene are dynamically stable. The band structure shows that both the buckled and 8-Pmmn aluminene exhibit metallic behavior. Finally, the thermodynamic properties are investigated based on phonon properties.

  19. Application of mathematical statistics methods to study fluorite deposits

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chermeninov, V.B.

    1980-01-01

    Considered are the applicability of mathematical-statistical methods for the increase of reliability of sampling and geological tasks (study of regularities of ore formation). Compared is the reliability of core sampling (regarding the selective abrasion of fluorite) and neutron activation logging for fluorine. The core sampling data are characterized by higher dispersion than neutron activation logging results (mean value of variation coefficients are 75% and 56% respectively). However the hypothesis of the equality of average two sampling is confirmed; this fact testifies to the absence of considerable variability of ore bodies

  20. First-principles investigation of U doping in ZrO2

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Huang, H.W.; Pan, Y.; Yu, C.; Yang, J.; Wang, H.; Yi, W.; Peng, J.C.

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • U-doped system with cubic structure is more stable than the monoclinic structure. • The elastic modulus of cubic structure is higher than the monoclinic structure. • U-doped weakens the resistance to shear deformation of ZrO 2 . • U-doped enhances the resistance to shape deformation for monoclinic structure. -- Abstract: The formation energies, elastic properties, Debye temperature and electronic structure of U-doped ZrO 2 within cubic and monoclinic structures are investigated by first-principles approach. The calculated formation energies show that the U-doped with cubic structure is more stable than that of monoclinic structure. The U-doped weakens the resistance to shear deformation whether cubic structure or monoclinic structure. However, the U-doped decreases the shape deformation of cubic structure in contrast to enhances the shape deformation for monoclinic structure. The Debye temperature of U-doped system is lower than the corresponding ZrO 2 . We found that the calculated electronic structure of these systems are consistent with the variation of formation energies

  1. The structural, elastic, electronic properties and Debye temperature of Ni3Mo under pressure from first-principles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Qi, Lei; Jin, Yuchun; Zhao, Yuhong; Yang, Xiaomin; Zhao, Hui; Han, Peide

    2015-01-01

    Highlights: • Structural, elastic, electronic properties and Debye temperature under pressure. • Higher hardness of Ni 3 Mo compound may be obtained when pressure increases. • Proper pressure can improve the ductility but excess pressure was just the opposite. • Ni 3 Mo compound has no structural phase transformation under pressure up to 30 GPa. • Debye temperatures increase with increasing pressure. - Abstract: With the help of first principles method based on density functional theory, the structural, elastic, electronic properties and Debye temperature of Ni 3 Mo binary compound under pressure are investigated. Our calculated structural parameters are in good agreement with experimental and previous theoretical results. The obtained elastic constants show that Ni 3 Mo compound is mechanically stable. Elastic properties such as bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young’s modulus E and Poisson’s ratio υ are calculated by the Voigt–Reuss–Hill method. The results of B/G under various pressures show that proper pressure can improve the ductility of Ni 3 Mo but excess pressure will make the ductility decrease. In addition, the density of states as a function of pressure is analyzed. The Debye temperature Θ D calculated from elastic constants increases along with the pressure

  2. Local electronic structure at organic–metal interface studied by UPS, MAES, and first-principles calculation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Aoki, M., E-mail: cmaoki@mail.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Masuda, S.

    2015-10-01

    Understanding and controlling local electronic structures at organic–metal interfaces are crucial for fabricating novel organic-based electronics, as in the case of heterojunctions in semiconductor devices. Here, we report recent studies of valence electronic states at organic–metal interfaces (especially those near the Fermi level of a metal substrate) by the combined analysis of ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), metastable atom electron spectroscopy (MAES), and first-principles calculations. New electronic states in the HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital)–LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) gap formed at an organic–metal interface are classified as a chemisorption-induced gap state (CIGS) and a complex-based gap state (CBGS). The CIGS is further characterized by an asymptotic feature of the metal wave function in the chemisorbed species. The CIGSs in alkanethiolates on Pt(1 1 1) and C{sub 60} on Pt(1 1 1) can be regarded as damping and propagating types, respectively. The CBGSs in K-doped dibenzopentacene (DBP) are composed of DBP-derived MOs and K sp states and distributed over the complex film. No metallic structures were found in the K{sub 1}DBP and K{sub 3}DBP phases, suggesting that they are Mott–Hubbard insulators due to strong electron correlation. The local electronic structures of a pentacene film bridged by Au electrodes under bias voltages were examined by an FET-like specimen. The pentacene-derived bands were steeply shifted at the positively biased electrode, reflecting the p-type character of the film.

  3. Structural phases arising from reconstructive and isostructural transitions in high-melting-point oxides under hydrostatic pressure: A first-principles study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tian, Hao; Kuang, Xiao-Yu; Mao, Ai-Jie; Yang, Yurong; Xu, Changsong; Sayedaghaee, S. Omid; Bellaiche, L.

    2018-01-01

    High-melting-point oxides of chemical formula A B O3 with A =Ca , Sr, Ba and B =Zr , Hf are investigated as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 200 GPa by combining first-principles calculations with a particle swarm optimization method. Ca- and Sr-based systems: (1) first undergo a reconstructive phase transition from a perovskite state to a novel structure that belongs to the post-post-perovskite family and (2) then experience an isostructural transition to a second, also new post-post-perovskite state at higher pressures, via the sudden formation of a specific out-of-plane B -O bond. In contrast, the studied Ba compounds evolve from a perovskite phase to a third novel post-post-perovskite structure via another reconstructive phase transition. The original characteristics of these three different post-post-perovskite states are emphasized. Unusual electronic properties, including significant piezochromic effects and an insulator-metal transition, are also reported and explained.

  4. Reliability evaluation of thermophysical properties from first-principles calculations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Palumbo, Mauro; Fries, Suzana G; Dal Corso, Andrea; Kürmann, Fritz; Hickel, Tilmann; Neugebauer, Jürg

    2014-08-20

    Thermophysical properties, such as heat capacity, bulk modulus and thermal expansion, are of great importance for many technological applications and are traditionally determined experimentally. With the rapid development of computational methods, however, first-principles computed temperature-dependent data are nowadays accessible. We evaluate various computational realizations of such data in comparison to the experimental scatter. The work is focussed on the impact of different first-principles codes (QUANTUM ESPRESSO and VASP), pseudopotentials (ultrasoft and projector augmented wave) as well as phonon determination methods (linear response and direct force constant method) on these properties. Based on the analysis of data for two pure elements, Cr and Ni, consequences for the reliability of temperature-dependent first-principles data in computational thermodynamics are discussed.

  5. First-principles Study of the Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of MgH2

    Science.gov (United States)

    Alford, Ashley; Chou, Mei-Yin

    2003-03-01

    It has been noticed that magnesium might play an interesting role in recently discovered switchable-mirror systems. For example, the films of rare earth and magnesium alloys are found to be superior to the pure rare-earth samples in maximum transparency and mirror-state reflectivity [1]. Moreover, the magnesium-rich Ni-Mg alloy films turned out to be a switchable-mirror system without rare earths [2]. In both cases, pure transparent MgH2 is reversibly formed when these alloys take up hydrogen. In order to model the optical properties of these films, we need to know the electronic and optical properties of MgH2. In this work, we investigate its bonding characteristics, band structure, and dielectric properties with first-principles theoretical methods. The stability of the crystal and the bonding are studied using density functional theory and pseudopotential methods. The excited state properties (the quasiparticle spectra) are studied by many-body perturbation theory within the so-called GW approximation in which the electronic self-energy is approximated by the full Green's function (G) times the screened Coulomb interaction (W). We will report the results for both the rutile-structured alpha-MgH2 and the low-symmetry gamma-MgH2. [1] P. van der Sluis, M. Ouwerkerk, and P. A. Duine, Appl. Phys. Lett. 70, 3356 (1997). [2] T. J. Richardson, J. L. Slack, R. D. armitage, R. Kostecki, B. Farangis, and M. D. Rubin, Appl. Phys. Lett. 78, 3047 (2001).

  6. Structure of amorphous GeSe{sub 9} by neutron diffraction and first-principles molecular dynamics: Impact of trajectory sampling and size effects

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Le Roux, Sébastien; Massobrio, Carlo [Institut de Physique et de Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, BP 43, F-67034 Strasbourg Cedex 2 (France); Bouzid, Assil [Chaire de Simulation à l’Echelle Atomique (CSEA), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne (Switzerland); Kim, Kye Yeop; Han, Seungwu [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-744 (Korea, Republic of); Zeidler, Anita; Salmon, Philip S. [Department of Physics, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY (United Kingdom)

    2016-08-28

    The structure of glassy GeSe{sub 9} was investigated by combining neutron diffraction with density-functional-theory-based first-principles molecular dynamics. In the simulations, three different models of N = 260 atoms were prepared by sampling three independent temporal trajectories, and the glass structures were found to be substantially different from those obtained for models in which smaller numbers of atoms or more rapid quench rates were employed. In particular, the overall network structure is based on Se{sub n} chains that are cross-linked by Ge(Se{sub 4}){sub 1/2} tetrahedra, where the latter are predominantly corner as opposed to edge sharing. The occurrence of a substantial proportion of Ge–Se–Se connections does not support a model in which the material is phase separated into Se-rich and GeSe{sub 2}-rich domains. The appearance of a first-sharp diffraction peak in the Bhatia-Thornton concentration-concentration partial structure factor does, however, indicate a non-uniform distribution of the Ge-centered structural motifs on an intermediate length scale.

  7. First-principles study of native defects in bulk Sm2CuO4 and its (001) surface structure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zheng, Fubao; Zhang, Qinfang; Meng, Qiangqiang; Wang, Baolin; Song, Fengqi; Yunoki, Seiji; Wang, Guanghou

    2018-04-01

    Using the first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory, we have studied the bulk defect formation and surface structures of Sm2CuO4. To ensure the accuracy of calculations, the spin order of Cu atoms is rechecked and it is the well-known nearest-neighbor antiferromagnetic ground state, which can be attributed to the hole-mediated superexchange through the strong pdσ hybridization interaction between Cu dx2-y2 electron and the neighboring oxygen px (or py) electron. Under each present experimental condition, the Sm vacancy has a very high formation energy and is unlikely to be stable. The Cu vacancy is a shallow acceptor, which is preferred under O-rich conditions, whereas the O vacancy is a donor and energetically favorable under O-poor conditions. To construct its (001) surface structure, CuOO, CuO, and Cu terminated surfaces are found to be most favorable under different experimental conditions. The stable surface structures are always accompanied by significant surface atomic reconstructions and electron charge redistribution, which are intimately correlated to each other.

  8. First-principles calculations of structural, electronic and optical properties of CdxZn1-xS alloys

    KAUST Repository

    Noor, Naveed Ahmed

    2010-10-01

    Structural, electronic and optical properties of ternary alloy system CdxZn1-xS have been studied using first-principles approach based on density functional theory. Electronic structure, density of states and energy band gap values for CdxZn1-xS are estimated in the range 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 using both the standard local density approximation (LDA) as well as the generalized gradient approximations (GGA) of Wu-Cohen (WC) for the exchange-correlation potential. It is observed that the direct band gap EgΓ-Γ of CdxZn1-xS decreases nonlinearly with the compositional parameter x, as observed experimentally. It is also found that Cd s and d, S p and Zn d states play a major role in determining the electronic properties of this alloy system. Furthermore, results for complex dielectric constant ε(ω), refractive index n(ω), normal-incidence reflectivity R(ω), absorption coefficient α(ω) and optical conductivity σ(ω) are also described in a wide range of the incident photon energy and compared with the existing experimental data. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Thermodynamics of the hexagonal close-packed iron-nitrogen system from first-principles

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Bakkedal, Morten Bjørn

    to hexagonal systems and a numerically tractable extended equation of state is developed to describe thermody-namic equilibrium properties at finite temperature.The model is applied to ε-Fe3N specifically. Through the versatility of the model, equi-librium lattice parameters, the bulk modulus, and the thermal......First-principles thermodynamic models are developed for the hexagonal close-packed ε-Fe-N system. The system can be considered as a hexagonal close-packed host lattice of iron atoms and with the nitrogen atoms residing on a sublattice formed by the octahedral interstices. The iron host lattice...... is assumed fixed.The models are developed entirely from first-principles calculations based on fundamen-tal quantum mechanical calculation through the density functional theory approach with the atomic numbers and crystal structures as the only input parameters. A complete thermody-namic description should...

  10. Structural stability of diffusion barriers in thermoelectric SbTe: From first-principles calculations to experimental results

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hsu, Hsiao-Hsuan; Cheng, Chun-Hu; Chiou, Shan-Haw; Huang, Chiung-Hui; Liu, Chia-Mei; Lin, Yu-Li; Chao, Wen-Hsuan; Yang, Ping-Hsing; Chang, Chun-Yen; Cheng, Chin-Pao

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • The diffusion behavior was originated from high-vapor-pressure Te atom. • Te out-diffusion is main driving force to cause inter-diffusion effect. • Mid-band Ta and TaN with favored ohmic-like contact showed small diffusion tail. • Strong Ta-N bonding and high total energy suppressed interfacial layer formation. -- Abstract: This study involved developing robust diffusion barrier for n-type antimony telluride (SbTe) thermoelectric devices. Compared to conventional Ni barrier, the mid-band metals of Ta and TaN with favored ohmic-like contact exhibited smaller diffusion tail because of structurally stable interface on SbTe, which have been supported by first-principles calculations and demonstrated by experimental results. Furthermore, the TaN barrier has strong ionic Ta–N bonding and a high total energy of −4.7 eV/atom that could effectively suppress the formation of SbTe-compounds interfacial layer

  11. Effect of Interface Structure on Thermal Boundary Conductance by using First-principles Density Functional Perturbation Theory

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    GAO Xue; ZHANG Yue; SHANG Jia-Xiang

    2011-01-01

    We choose a Si/Ge interface as a research object to investigate the infiuence of interface disorder on thermal boundary conductance. In the calculations, the diffuse mismatch model is used to study thermal boundary conductance between two non-metallic materials, while the phonon dispersion relationship is calculated by the first-principles density functional perturbation theory. The results show that interface disorder limits thermal transport. The increase of atomic spacing at the interface results in weakly coupled interfaces and a decrease in the thermal boundary conductance. This approach shows a simplistic method to investigate the relationship between microstructure and thermal conductivity.%We choose a Si/Ge interface as a research object to investigate the influence of interface disorder on thermal boundary conductance.In the calculations,the diffuse mismatch model is used to study thermal boundary conductance between two non-metallic materials,while the phonon dispersion relationship is calculated by the first-principles density functional perturbation theory.The results show that interface disorder limits thermal transport.The increase of atomic spacing at the interface results in weakly coupled interfaces and a decrease in the thermal boundary conductance.This approach shows a simplistic method to investigate the relationship between microstructure and thermal conductivity.It is well known that interfaces can play a dominant role in the overall thermal transport characteristics of structures whose length scale is less than the phonon mean free path.When heat flows across an interface between two different materials,there exists a temperature jump at the interface.Thermal boundary conductance (TBC),which describes the efficiency of heat flow at material interfaces,plays an importance role in the transport of thermal energy in nanometerscale devices,semiconductor superlattices,thin film multilayers and nanocrystalline materials.[1

  12. The effects of surface bond relaxation on electronic structure of Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} nano-films by first-principles calculation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li, C., E-mail: canli1983@gmail.com; Zhao, Y. F.; Fu, C. X.; Gong, Y. Y. [Center for Coordination Bond Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, China Jiliang University (China); Chi, B. Q. [College of Modem Science and Technology, Jiliang University, Hangzhou, 310018 (China); Sun, C. Q. [Center for Coordination Bond Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, China Jiliang University (China); School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798 (Singapore)

    2014-10-15

    The effects of vertical compressive stress on Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} nano-films have been investigated by the first principles calculation, including stability, electronic structure, crystal structure, and bond order. It is found that the band gap of nano-film is sensitive to the stress in Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} nano-film and the critical thickness increases under compressive stress. The band gap and band order of Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} film has been affected collectively by the surface and internal crystal structures, the contraction ratio between surface bond length of nano-film and the corresponding bond length of bulk decides the band order of Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3} film.

  13. U-Th/He ages of fluorite mineralizations of the Tangua alkaline intrusion; Idades U-Th/He das mineralizacoes de fluorita da intrusao alcalina de Tangua

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Geraldes, M.C.; Vargas, T., E-mail: geraldes@uerj.br, E-mail: vargas@uerj.br [Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), RJ (Brazil). Faculdade de Geologia; Evans, N., E-mail: Noreen.Evans@csiro.au [CSIRO and Curtin University for Technology, Western Australia (Australia); Nummer, A.R., E-mail: nummer@ufrrj.br [Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (DEGEOC/IA/UFRRJ), RJ (Brazil)

    2015-07-01

    The Tangua massif is part of a group of alkaline complexes that occurs in an extensive zone of faults and E-W lineaments and includes the Brazilian Southeastern Rift. This work presents U-He ages of the fluorite mineralization. The Tangua alkaline massif is emplaced in coarse-grained biotite gneiss (Oriental Domain, central portion of the Ribeira belt). Cataclastic gneiss with intense weathering are restricted to the intrusion contacts. The alkaline body is comprised of pulaskites and umptekites, nephelinesyenites, foiaites, and pseudoleucite foiaites and is cut by phonolite dykes, trachytes and alkaline lamprophyres. In the locality of Barbosao, veins of fluorite occur, accompanied by silica and pyrite within trachyte dykes. These veins are parallel to the gneiss foliation (N 50 - 70 E) with an average thickness of 30 cm and the fluorite contains limonite and manganese oxides inclusions. The U-He ages range from <2Ma to 73Ma. The older age is coherent with 80-65 ma range of K-Ar ages reported in the literature. The veins of fluorite crosscut the lithologies associated with shear zones, and are important to economic exploration in the region. The petrographic and U-Th/He sating studies indicate the fluorite formation coeval to alkaline intrusion and meteoric water fluid circulation recently. (author)

  14. First principles examination of electronic structure and optical features of 4H-GaN1-xPx polytype alloys

    Science.gov (United States)

    Laref, A.; Hussain, Z.; Laref, S.; Yang, J. T.; Xiong, Y. C.; Luo, S. J.

    2018-04-01

    By using first-principles calculations, we compute the electronic band structures and typical aspects of the optical spectra of hexagonally structured GaN1-xPx alloys. Although a type III-V semiconductor, GaP commonly possesses a zinc-blende structure with an indirect band gap; as such, it may additionally form hexagonal polytypes under specific growth conditions. The electronic structures and optical properties are calculated by combining a non-nitride III-V semiconductor and a nitride III-V semiconductor, as GaP and GaN crystallizing in a 4H polytype, with the N composition ranging between x = 0-1. For all studied materials, the energy gap is found to be direct. The optical properties of the hexagonal materials may illustrate the strong polarization dependence owing to the crystalline anisotropy. This investigation for GaN1-xPx alloys is anticipated to supply paramount information for applications in the visible/ultraviolet spectral regions. At a specific concentration, x, these alloys would be exclusively appealing candidates for solar-cell applications.

  15. First-principles study of point defects in thorium carbide

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pérez Daroca, D.; Jaroszewicz, S.; Llois, A.M.; Mosca, H.O.

    2014-01-01

    Thorium-based materials are currently being investigated in relation with their potential utilization in Generation-IV reactors as nuclear fuels. One of the most important issues to be studied is their behavior under irradiation. A first approach to this goal is the study of point defects. By means of first-principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory, we study the stability and formation energies of vacancies, interstitials and Frenkel pairs in thorium carbide. We find that C isolated vacancies are the most likely defects, while C interstitials are energetically favored as compared to Th ones. These kind of results for ThC, to the best authors’ knowledge, have not been obtained previously, neither experimentally, nor theoretically. For this reason, we compare with results on other compounds with the same NaCl-type structure

  16. First-principles study of point defects in thorium carbide

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pérez Daroca, D., E-mail: pdaroca@tandar.cnea.gov.ar [Gerencia de Investigación y Aplicaciones, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, (1650) San Martin, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, (1033) Buenos Aires (Argentina); Jaroszewicz, S. [Gerencia de Investigación y Aplicaciones, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, (1650) San Martin, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Instituto de Tecnología Jorge A. Sabato, UNSAM-CNEA, Av. General Paz 1499, (1650) San Martin, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Llois, A.M. [Gerencia de Investigación y Aplicaciones, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, (1650) San Martin, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, (1033) Buenos Aires (Argentina); Mosca, H.O. [Gerencia de Investigación y Aplicaciones, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, (1650) San Martin, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Instituto de Tecnología Jorge A. Sabato, UNSAM-CNEA, Av. General Paz 1499, (1650) San Martin, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

    2014-11-15

    Thorium-based materials are currently being investigated in relation with their potential utilization in Generation-IV reactors as nuclear fuels. One of the most important issues to be studied is their behavior under irradiation. A first approach to this goal is the study of point defects. By means of first-principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory, we study the stability and formation energies of vacancies, interstitials and Frenkel pairs in thorium carbide. We find that C isolated vacancies are the most likely defects, while C interstitials are energetically favored as compared to Th ones. These kind of results for ThC, to the best authors’ knowledge, have not been obtained previously, neither experimentally, nor theoretically. For this reason, we compare with results on other compounds with the same NaCl-type structure.

  17. First Principle simulations of electrochemical interfaces - a DFT study

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Ahmed, Rizwan

    for the whole system to qualify as a proper electrochemical interface. I have also contributed to the model, which accounts for pH in the first principle electrode-electrolyte interface simulations. This is an important step forward, since electrochemical reaction rate and barrier for charge transfer can......In this thesis, I have looked beyond the computational hydrogen electrode (CHE) model, and focused on the first principle simulations which treats the electrode-electrolyte interfaces explicitly. Since obtaining a realistic electrode-electrolyte interface was difficult, I aimed to address various...... challenges regarding first principle electrochemical interface modeling in order to bridge the gap between the model interface used in simulations and real catalyst at operating conditions. Atomic scale insight for the processes and reactions that occur at the electrochemical interface presents a challenge...

  18. First-principles study on the phase transition, elastic properties and electronic structure of Pt3Al alloys under high pressure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu, Yanjun; Huang, Huawei; Pan, Yong; Zhao, Guanghui; Liang, Zheng

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • The phase transition of Pt 3 Al alloys occurs at 60 GPa. • The elastic modulus of Pt 3 Al alloys increase with increasing pressure. • The cubic structure has good resistance to volume deformation under high pressure. • The pressure enhances the hybridization between Pt atom and Al atom. - Abstract: The phase transition, formation enthalpies, elastic properties and electronic structure of Pt 3 Al alloys are studied using first-principle approach. The calculated results show that the pressure leads to phase transition from tetragonal structure to cubic structure at 60 GPa. With increasing pressure, the elastic constants, bulk modulus and shear modulus of these Pt 3 Al alloys increase linearly and the bond lengths of Pt–Al metallic bonds and the peak at E F decrease. The cubic Pt 3 Al alloy has excellent resistance to volume deformation under high pressure. We suggest that the phase transition is derived from the hybridization between Pt and Al atoms for cubic structure is stronger than that of tetragonal structure and forms the strong Pt–Al metallic bonds under high pressure

  19. Origin of structural analogies and differences between the atomic structures of GeSe{sub 4} and GeS{sub 4} glasses: A first principles study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bouzid, Assil; Le Roux, Sébastien; Ori, Guido; Boero, Mauro; Massobrio, Carlo [Institut de Physique et de Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg and CNRS UMR 7504, 23 rue du Loess, BP43, F-67034 Strasbourg Cedex 2 (France)

    2015-07-21

    First-principles molecular dynamics simulations based on density functional theory are employed for a comparative study of structural and bonding properties of two stoichiometrically identical chalcogenide glasses, GeSe{sub 4} and GeS{sub 4}. Two periodic cells of 120 and 480 atoms are adopted. Both glasses feature a coexistence of Ge-centered tetrahedra and Se(S) homopolar connections. Results obtained for N = 480 indicate substantial differences at the level of the Se(S) environment, since Ge–Se–Se connections are more frequent than the corresponding Ge–S–S ones. The presence of a more prominent first sharp diffraction peak in the total neutron structure factor of glassy GeS{sub 4} is rationalized in terms of a higher number of large size rings, accounting for extended Ge–Se correlations. Both the electronic density of states and appropriate electronic localization tools provide evidence of a higher ionic character of Ge–S bonds when compared to Ge–Se bonds. An interesting byproduct of these investigations is the occurrence of discernible size effects that affect structural motifs involving next nearest neighbor distances, when 120 or 480 atoms are used.

  20. Effect of single vacancy on the structural, electronic structure and magnetic properties of monolayer graphyne by first-principles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yun, Jiangni, E-mail: niniyun@nwu.edu.cn; Zhang, Yanni; Xu, Manzhang; Wang, Keyun; Zhang, Zhiyong

    2016-10-01

    The effect of single vacancy on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer graphyne is investigated by the first-principles calculations. The calculated results reveal that single vacancy can result in the spin polarization in monolayer graphyne and the spin polarization is sensitive to local geometric structure of the vacancy. In the case of monolayer graphyne with one single vacancy at the sp{sup 2} hybridized C site, the vacancy introduces rather weakly spin-polarized, flat bands in the band gap. Due to the localization nature of the defect-induced bands, the magnetic moment is mainly localized at the vacancy site. As for the monolayer graphyne with one single vacancy at the sp hybridized C site, one defect-induced state which is highly split appears in the band gap. The spin-up band of the defect-induced state is highly dispersive and shows considerable delocalization, suggesting that the magnetic moment is dispersed around the vacancy site. The above magnetization in monolayer graphyne with one single vacancy is possibly explained in terms of the valence-bond theory. - Graphical abstract: Calculated band structure of the monolayer graphyne without (a) and with one single vacancy at Vb site (b) and at Vr site(c), respectively. Blue and red lines represent the spin-up and spin-down bands, respectively. For the sake of clarity, the band structure near the Fermi energy is also presented on the right panel. The Fermi level is set to zero on the energy scale. - Highlights: • A Jahn-Teller distortion occurs in monolayer graphyne with single vacancy. • The spin polarization is sensitive to local geometric structure of the vacancy. • Vacancy lying at sp{sup 2} hybridized C site introduces weakly spin-polarized defect bands. • A strong spin splitting occurs when the vacancy lies at sp hybridized C site. • The magnetization is explained in terms of the valence-bond theory.

  1. Electronic Structure and Transport in Solids from First Principles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mustafa, Jamal Ibrahim

    The focus of this dissertation is the determination of the electronic structure and trans- port properties of solids. We first review some of the theory and computational methodology used in the calculation of electronic structure and materials properties. Throughout the dissertation, we make extensive use of state-of-the-art software packages that implement density functional theory, density functional perturbation theory, and the GW approximation, in addition to specialized methods for interpolating matrix elements for extremely accurate results. The first application of the computational framework introduced is the determination of band offsets in semiconductor heterojunctions using a theory of quantum dipoles at the interface. This method is applied to the case of heterojunction formed between a new metastable phase of silicon, with a rhombohedral structure, and cubic silicon. Next, we introduce a novel method for the construction of localized Wannier functions, which we have named the optimized projection functions method (OPFM). We illustrate the method on a variety of systems and find that it can reliably construct localized Wannier functions with minimal user intervention. We further develop the OPFM to investigate a class of materials called topological insulators, which are insulating in the bulk but have conductive surface states. These properties are a result of a nontrivial topology in their band structure, which has interesting effects on the character of the Wannier functions. In the last sections of the main text, the noble metals are studied in great detail, including their electronic properties and carrier dynamics. In particular, we investigate, the Fermi surface properties of the noble metals, specifically electron-phonon scattering lifetimes, and subsequently the transport properties determined by carriers on the Fermi surface. To achieve this, a novel sampling technique is developed, with wide applicability to transport calculations

  2. PubChemQC Project: A Large-Scale First-Principles Electronic Structure Database for Data-Driven Chemistry.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nakata, Maho; Shimazaki, Tomomi

    2017-06-26

    Large-scale molecular databases play an essential role in the investigation of various subjects such as the development of organic materials, in silico drug design, and data-driven studies with machine learning. We have developed a large-scale quantum chemistry database based on first-principles methods. Our database currently contains the ground-state electronic structures of 3 million molecules based on density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G* level, and we successively calculated 10 low-lying excited states of over 2 million molecules via time-dependent DFT with the B3LYP functional and the 6-31+G* basis set. To select the molecules calculated in our project, we referred to the PubChem Project, which was used as the source of the molecular structures in short strings using the InChI and SMILES representations. Accordingly, we have named our quantum chemistry database project "PubChemQC" ( http://pubchemqc.riken.jp/ ) and placed it in the public domain. In this paper, we show the fundamental features of the PubChemQC database and discuss the techniques used to construct the data set for large-scale quantum chemistry calculations. We also present a machine learning approach to predict the electronic structure of molecules as an example to demonstrate the suitability of the large-scale quantum chemistry database.

  3. First-principles calculation of the structural, electronic, elastic, and optical properties of sulfur-doping ε -GaSe crystal

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Huang Chang-Bao; Wu Hai-Xin; Ni You-Bao; Wang Zhen-You; Qi Ming; Zhang Chun-Li

    2016-01-01

    The structural, electronic, mechanical properties, and frequency-dependent refractive indexes of GaSe 1–x S x (x = 0, 0.25, and 1) are studied by using the first-principles pseudopotential method within density functional theory. The calculated results demonstrate the relationships between intralayer structure and elastic modulus in GaSe 1–x S x (x = 0, 0.25, and 1). Doping of ε -GaSe with S strengthens the Ga– X bonds and increases its elastic moduli of C 11 and C 66 . Born effective charge analysis provides an explanation for the modification of cleavage properties about the doping of ε -GaSe with S. The calculated results of band gaps suggest that the distance between intralayer atom and substitution of S Se , rather than interlayer force, is a key factor influencing the electronic exciton energy of the layer semiconductor. The calculated refractive indexes indicate that the doping of ε -GaSe with S reduces its refractive index and increases its birefringence. (paper)

  4. Fraction of boroxol rings in vitreous boron oxide from a first-principles analysis of Raman and NMR spectra.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Umari, P; Pasquarello, Alfredo

    2005-09-23

    We determine the fraction f of B atoms belonging to boroxol rings in vitreous boron oxide through a first-principles analysis. After generating a model structure of vitreous B2O3 by first-principles molecular dynamics, we address a large set of properties, including the neutron structure factor, the neutron density of vibrational states, the infrared spectra, the Raman spectra, and the 11B NMR spectra, and find overall good agreement with corresponding experimental data. From the analysis of Raman and 11B NMR spectra, we yield consistently for both probes a fraction f of approximately 0.75. This result indicates that the structure of vitreous boron oxide is largely dominated by boroxol rings.

  5. Mach's principle and space-time structure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Raine, D.J.

    1981-01-01

    Mach's principle, that inertial forces should be generated by the motion of a body relative to the bulk of matter in the universe, is shown to be related to the structure imposed on space-time by dynamical theories. General relativity theory and Mach's principle are both shown to be well supported by observations. Since Mach's principle is not contained in general relativity this leads to a discussion of attempts to derive Machian theories. The most promising of these appears to be a selection rule for solutions of the general relativistic field equations, in which the space-time metric structure is generated by the matter content of the universe only in a well-defined way. (author)

  6. First-principle investigations on the structural dynamics of Ti2GaN

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang, Z.J.; Li, J.; Linghu, R.F.; Cheng, X.L.; Yang, X.D.

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: •Our calculated lattice parameter of Ti 2 GaN shows that c axis is always stiffer than a axis. •The elastic constants investigations demonstrated that the Ti 2 GaN is meta-stable between 350 and 600 GPa. •We observed an abnormal c-axis expansion behavior within 350–600 GPa resulting from the expansion of the Ti–Ti bond length and the increase of the Ti–Ti bond populations. •Study on the density of states we found that the Ti s and p electrons shift towards higher energies with pressure. -- Abstract: We report a first-principle study on the elastic and electronic properties of the nanolaminate Ti 2 GaN. Our calculated lattice parameter shows that c axis is always stiffer than a axis. The elastic constants investigations demonstrated that Ti 2 GaN is stable over a wide pressure range of 0–1000 GPa with the only exception of 350–600 GPa owing to the elastic softening. The softening behaviors of the Young’s and shear moduli are also found in the same pressure range of 350–600 GPa, indicating a structural metastability. Investigation on the axial compressibility we observed an abnormal c-axis expansion behavior within a pressure range of 350–600 GPa, resulting from the expansion of the Ti–Ti bond length and the increase of the Ti–Ti bond population. Study on the density of states (DOSs) we found that the Ti s and Ti p electrons shift towards higher energies with pressure

  7. Effect of metal doping on structural characteristics of amorphous carbon system: A first-principles study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li, Xiaowei; Zhang, Dong [Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Protective Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201 (China); Lee, Kwang-Ryeol, E-mail: krlee@kist.re.kr [Computational Science Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 136-791 (Korea, Republic of); Wang, Aiying, E-mail: aywang@nimte.ac.cn [Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Related Technologies, Key Laboratory of Marine Materials and Protective Technologies of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201 (China)

    2016-05-31

    First-principles calculation was performed to investigate the effect of metal doping on the structural characteristics of amorphous carbon system, and the 3d transition metals (TM) were particularly selected as representative case. Results showed that the total energy in TM–C systems caused by distorting the bond angles was reduced distinctly for comparison with that in C–C system. Further electronic structure revealed that as the 3d electrons of doped TM increased, the bond characteristic of highest occupied molecular orbital changed from bonding (Sc, Ti) to nonbonding (V, Cr, Mn, Fe) and finally to antibonding (Co, Ni, Cu) between the TM and C atoms. Meanwhile, the TM–C bond presented a mixture of the covalent and ionic characters. The decrease of strength and directionality of TM–C bonds resulted in the total energy change upon bond angle distortion, which demonstrated that the bond characteristics played an important role in reducing residual stress of TM-doped amorphous carbon systems. - Highlights: • The bond characteristics as 3d electrons changed from bonding, nonbonding to antibonding. • The TM–C bond was a mixture of covalent and ionic characters. • Reduced strength and directionality of TM–C bond led to small distortion energy change. • The weak TM–C bond accounted for the reduced compressive stress caused by TM.

  8. First principles investigation of structural, electronic, elastic and thermal properties of rare-earth-doped titanate Ln2TiO5

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hui Niu

    2012-09-01

    Full Text Available Systematic first-principles calculations based on density functional theory were performed on a wide range of Ln2TiO5 compositions (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy and Y in order to investigate their structural, elastic, electronic, and thermal properties. At low temperature, these compounds crystallize in orthorhombic structures with a Pnma symmetry, and the calculated equilibrium structural parameters agree well with experimental results. A complete set of elastic parameters including elastic constants, Hill's bulk moduli, Young's moduli, shear moduli and Poisson's ratio were calculated. All Ln2TiO5 are ductile in nature. Analysis of densities of states and charge densities and electron localization functions suggests that the oxide bonds are highly ionic with some degree of covalency in the Ti-O bonds. Thermal properties including the mean sound velocity, Debye temperature, and minimum thermal conductivity were obtained from the elastic constants.

  9. Coagulation of fines in fluorite froth flotation; Coagulacion de finos en la flotacion de la fluorita

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sarquis, P. E.; Gonzalez, M.; Moyano, A.; Bazan, V.

    2011-07-01

    Fluorite, a valuable mineral in the metallurgical industry, can be found together with silicates, carbonates and oxides in ore deposits. Commercial concentrates with more than 95 % of CaF{sub 2} are obtained processing the mineral in flotation plants and using oleic acid as fluorite collector. Depressor reagents such as sodium silicate, tannin and sodium carbonate are commonly employed to allow the oleic acid selective performance. These reagents cause a dispersant effect separating the solid-liquid solution on tailing plants. Fine particles in the recovered water enter the circuit and affect the flotation efficiency. The effect of coagulant ions was studied as a method to clarify the returned water. The problem of the presence of these ions is related to its reactions with the collector by the formation of compounds and possibly on the selectivity. Variable quantities of Al{sup 3}+, Fe{sup 3}+ and Ca{sup 2}+ ions were added to the flotation to evaluate its effect on the fluorite recovery, in the selectivity and in solids content in recirculation water. Results show that some ions fail to improve water quality and are detrimental to flotation. On the contrary, some ions contribute to reduce fine content in suspension. Therefore, although there is a recovery reduction, such effect can be counteracted increasing the collector consumption a little. (Author) 21 refs.

  10. Constructing first-principles phase diagrams of amorphous LixSi using machine-learning-assisted sampling with an evolutionary algorithm

    Science.gov (United States)

    Artrith, Nongnuch; Urban, Alexander; Ceder, Gerbrand

    2018-06-01

    The atomistic modeling of amorphous materials requires structure sizes and sampling statistics that are challenging to achieve with first-principles methods. Here, we propose a methodology to speed up the sampling of amorphous and disordered materials using a combination of a genetic algorithm and a specialized machine-learning potential based on artificial neural networks (ANNs). We show for the example of the amorphous LiSi alloy that around 1000 first-principles calculations are sufficient for the ANN-potential assisted sampling of low-energy atomic configurations in the entire amorphous LixSi phase space. The obtained phase diagram is validated by comparison with the results from an extensive sampling of LixSi configurations using molecular dynamics simulations and a general ANN potential trained to ˜45 000 first-principles calculations. This demonstrates the utility of the approach for the first-principles modeling of amorphous materials.

  11. Insights into the ammonia synthesis from first-principles

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hellmann, A.; Honkala, Johanna Karoliina; Remediakis, Ioannis

    2006-01-01

    -properties, such as apparent activation energies and reaction orders, are calculated from the first-principles model. Our analysis shows that the reaction order of N-2 is unity under all considered conditions, whereas the reaction orders of H-2 and NH3 depend on reaction conditions. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.......A new set of measurements is used to further test a recently published first-principles model for the ammonia (NH3) synthesis on an unpromoted Ru-based catalyst. A direct comparison shows an overall good agreement in NH3 productivity between the model and the experiment. In addition, macro...

  12. First-Principles Vibrational Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy of β -Guanine

    Science.gov (United States)

    Radtke, G.; Taverna, D.; Lazzeri, M.; Balan, E.

    2017-07-01

    A general approach to model vibrational electron energy loss spectra obtained using an electron beam positioned away from the specimen is presented. The energy-loss probability of the fast electron is evaluated using first-principles quantum mechanical calculations (density functional theory) of the dielectric response of the specimen. The validity of the method is assessed using recently measured anhydrous β -guanine, an important molecular solid used by animals to produce structural colors. The good agreement between theory and experiments lays the basis for a quantitative interpretation of this spectroscopy in complex systems.

  13. First-principle study of Mg adsorption on Si(111) surfaces

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Min-Ju, Ying; Ping, Zhang; Xiao-Long, Du

    2009-01-01

    We have carried out first-principle calculations of Mg adsorption on Si(111) surfaces. Different adsorption sites and coverage effects have been considered. We found that the threefold hollow adsorption is energy-favoured in each coverage considered, while for the clean Si(111) surface of metallic feature, we found that 0.25 and 0.5 ML Mg adsorption leads to a semiconducting surface. The results for the electronic behaviour suggest a polarized covalent bonding between the Mg adatom and Si(111) surface. (condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties)

  14. First-principles study of the structure properties of Al(111)/6H-SiC(0001) interfaces

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wu, Qingjie; Xie, Jingpei; Wang, Changqing; Li, Liben; Wang, Aiqin; Mao, Aixia

    2018-04-01

    This paper presents a systematic study on the energetic and electronic structure of the Al(111)/6H-SiC(0001) interfaces by using first-principles calculation with density functional theory (DFT). There are all three situations for no-vacuum layer of Al/SiC superlattics, and two cases of C-terminated and Si-terminated interfaces are compared and analyzed. Through the density of states analysis, the initial information of interface combination is obtained. Then the supercells are stretched vertically along the z-axis, and the fracture of the interface is obtained, and it is pointed out that C-terminated SiC and Al interfaces have a better binding property. And, the fracture positions of C-terminated and Si-terminated interfaces are different in the process of stretching. Then, the distance variation in the process of stretching, the charge density differences, and the distribution of the electrons near the interface are analyzed. Al these work makes the specific reasons for the interface fracture are obtained at last.

  15. Study of genesis in Qahr-Abad fluorite deposit using fluid inclusion, southeast of Saqqez, the Kurdistan province

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mehrdad Barati

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available Introduction The Qahr-abad fluorite deposit is located in the area of 36°10′ 3′′ N and 46°34′ 21′′E within the Sanandaj-Sirjan district east of the Kurdistan province , Iran and it is located ~57 km southeast of the city of Saqqez (Kholghi Khasraghi, 1999. This deposit is developed as scatter lenses, veins, and veinlets (stockwork structure within carbonate rocks of Elika formation and controlled by the regional NW–SE trending Zagross thrust nappe system. Fault trends in this area are perpendicular to fault trends in the Zagros zone. The fault dips are nearly vertical and mineralization has occurred in the brecciation fault zone (Talaii, 2010. The rough geological instruction of the deposit has indicated that it is similar to worldwide Epithermal deposits. The mineralization occurs as replacement (type I/ open-space (type II vein fillings and bodies within Mesozoic lime stones (mostly Upper Triassic and Lower Jurassic members of the Elika Formation, where they crop out to form horst structures. The mineralization is typically associated with post Pliocene disjunctive faults, which in part appear to have served as channel ways for the fluorite forming fluids that are representative of the geological setting of the mineralized area. Fluorite occurs in several color variations such as green, violet, blue, white or colorless, and is accompanied by quartz, barite and calcite (Moslehi, 2013. Materials and methods The minerals sampled for the fluid inclusion study include fluorite from mineralization stages. Samples covered all ore types. Micro thermometry analyses for 23 samples were performed after careful microscopic observation of 35 sections and 30 doubly polished sections. Micro thermometry was undertaken using a Linkam THS600 heating-freezing stage, with a measurable temperature range of between −196 and +600 °C (precision of freezing data and homogenization temperature of ±0.2 °C. Micro thermometry was undertaken in the

  16. AELAS: Automatic ELAStic property derivations via high-throughput first-principles computation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, S. H.; Zhang, R. F.

    2017-11-01

    The elastic properties are fundamental and important for crystalline materials as they relate to other mechanical properties, various thermodynamic qualities as well as some critical physical properties. However, a complete set of experimentally determined elastic properties is only available for a small subset of known materials, and an automatic scheme for the derivations of elastic properties that is adapted to high-throughput computation is much demanding. In this paper, we present the AELAS code, an automated program for calculating second-order elastic constants of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional single crystal materials with any symmetry, which is designed mainly for high-throughput first-principles computation. Other derivations of general elastic properties such as Young's, bulk and shear moduli as well as Poisson's ratio of polycrystal materials, Pugh ratio, Cauchy pressure, elastic anisotropy and elastic stability criterion, are also implemented in this code. The implementation of the code has been critically validated by a lot of evaluations and tests on a broad class of materials including two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials, providing its efficiency and capability for high-throughput screening of specific materials with targeted mechanical properties. Program Files doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/f8fwg4j9tw.1 Licensing provisions: BSD 3-Clause Programming language: Fortran Nature of problem: To automate the calculations of second-order elastic constants and the derivations of other elastic properties for two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials with any symmetry via high-throughput first-principles computation. Solution method: The space-group number is firstly determined by the SPGLIB code [1] and the structure is then redefined to unit cell with IEEE-format [2]. Secondly, based on the determined space group number, a set of distortion modes is automatically specified and the distorted structure files are generated

  17. The Effect of Indium Concentration on the Structure and Properties of Zirconium Based Intermetallics: First-Principles Calculations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fuda Guo

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available The phase stability, mechanical, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of In-Zr compounds have been explored using the first-principles calculation based on density functional theory (DFT. The calculated formation enthalpies show that these compounds are all thermodynamically stable. Information on electronic structure indicates that they possess metallic characteristics and there is a common hybridization between In-p and Zr-d states near the Fermi level. Elastic properties have been taken into consideration. The calculated results on the ratio of the bulk to shear modulus (B/G validate that InZr3 has the strongest deformation resistance. The increase of indium content results in the breakout of a linear decrease of the bulk modulus and Young’s modulus. The calculated theoretical hardness of α-In3Zr is higher than the other In-Zr compounds.

  18. Analytic representation for first-principles pseudopotentials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lam, P.K.; Cohen, M.L.; Zunger, A.

    1980-01-01

    The first-principles pseudopotentials developed by Zunger and Cohen are fit with a simple analytic form chosen to model the main physical properties of the potentials. The fitting parameters for the first three rows of the Periodic Table are presented, and the quality of the fit is discussed. The parameters reflect chemical trends of the elements. We find that a minimum of three parameters is required to reproduce the regularities of the Periodic Table. Application of these analytic potentials is also discussed

  19. The ionic structure of liquid sodium obtained by numerical simulation from 'first principles' and ab initio 'norm-conserving' pseudopotentials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Harchaoui, N; Hellal, S; Grosdidier, B; Gasser, J G

    2008-01-01

    The physical properties of disordered matter depend on the 'atomic structure' i.e. the arrangement of the atoms. This arrangement is described by the structure factor S (q) in reciprocal space and by the pair correlation function g(r) in real space. The structure factor is obtained experimentally while the numerical simulation enables us to obtain the pair correlation function. Liquid sodium is one of the elements the most studied and one can wonder about new scientific contribution appropriateness. The majority of theoretical calculations are compared with the experiment of Waseda. However two other posterior measurements have been published and give different results, in particular with regard to the height of the first peak of the structure factor. Three models of pseudopotential are considered to describe the electron-ion interaction. The first is a local pseudopotential with the alternative known as 'individual' of the model suggested by Fiolhais et al. The second model considered is that of Bachelet et al. This one, ab-initio and 'norm conserving', is non local. The last model is that proposed by Shaw known as 'first principles' and 'energy dependent'. Various static dielectric functions characteristic of the effects of exchange and correlation have been used and developed by Hellal et al. We calculated the form factors (pseudopotential in reciprocal space) and deduce the normalized energy-wave-number characteristic F N (q), the interatomic pair potential V eff (r), then the pair correlation function g(r) by molecular dynamics. The structure factor S(q) is obtained by Fourier transform and is compared with the experiment. Our calculations with the Bachelet and Shaw pseudopotentials are close to the last experiments of Greenfield et al. and of Huijben et al. Our results are discussed

  20. First principles investigation of the structure of a bacteriochlorophyll crystal

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Marchi, M. [Max-Planck-Institut fuer Festkoerperforschung, Stuttgart (Germany)]|[Centre d`Etudes Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette (France); Hutter, J.; Parrinello, M. [Max-Planck-Institut fuer Festkoerperforschung, Stuttgart (Germany)

    1996-08-21

    In this communication we present an ab initio study of the crystal of methyl bacteriophorbide (MeBPheo) a, a bacteriochlorophyll derivative, and high-precision structure of which is available. Our main purpose has been to investigate the viability of the technique toward complex molecular systems relevant to biologically important phenomena, in this particular case photosynthesis. Here we present the following results: First, we show that DFT is capable of calculating nuclear positions in excellent agreement with the experimental X-ray structure. Second, the calculated electronic density of the HOMO orbital reveals a {pi} type bond between rings I and III, consistent with the one-dimensional chain structure of the MeBPheo a molecules in the crystal. Finally, after performing the optimization of the molecular geometry with one electron in the LUMO state, we find localized bond length changes near the ring II of the MeBPheo a. 19 refs., 3 figs.

  1. Towards Rational Design of Functional Fluoride and Oxyfluoride Materials from First Principles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Charles, Nenian

    Complex transition metal compounds (TMCs) research has produced functional materials with a range of properties, including ferroelectricity, colossal magnetoresistance, nonlinear optical activity and high-temperature superconductivity. Conventional routes to tune properties in transition metal oxides, for example, have relied primarily on cation chemical substitution and interfacial effects in thin film heterostructures. In heteroanionic TMCs, exhibiting two chemically distinct anions coordinating the same or different cations, engineering of the anion sub-lattice for property control is a promising alternative approach. The presence of multiple anions provides additional design variables, such as anion order, that are absent in homoanionic counterparts. The more complex structural and chemical phase space of heteroanionic materials provides a unique opportunity to realize enhanced or unanticipated electronic, optical, and magnetic responses. Although there is growing interest in heteroanionic materials, and synthetic and characterization advances are occurring for these materials, the crystal-chemistry principles for realizing structural and property control are only slowing emerging. This dissertation employs anion engineering to investigate phenomena in transition metal fluorides and oxyfluorides compounds using first principles density functional theory calculations. Oxyfluorides are particularly intriguing owing their tendency to stabilize highly ordered anion sublattices as well as the potential to combine the advantageous properties of transition metal oxides and fluorides. This work 1) addresses the challenges of studying fluorides and oxyfluorides using first principles calculations; 2) evaluates the feasibility of using external stimuli, such as epitaxial strain and hydrostatic pressure, to control properties of fluorides and oxyfluorides; and 3) formulates a computational workflow based on multiple levels of theory and computation to elucidate structure

  2. Conductivity and hydration trends in disordered fluorite and pyrochlore oxides: A study on lanthanum cerate–zirconate based compounds

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Besikiotis, Vasileios; Ricote, Sandrine; Jensen, Molly Hjorth

    2012-01-01

    In the present contribution we discuss the influence of order/disorder on the concentration and mobility of ionic charge carriers in undoped and acceptor (calcium) doped fluorite and pyrochlore structured lanthanum cerate–zirconate solid solutions: (La1−yCay)2(Ce1−xZrx)2O7−δ (y=0, 0.02, 0.10; x=0...... enthalpy becomes more exothermic with higher cerium content, i.e. with more disordered materials. The proton conductivity decreases upon acceptor substitution of La3+ with Ca2+ which is attributed to trapping of the charge carriers by the effectively negative acceptor....

  3. First-principles study of structural and elastic properties of monoclinic and orthorhombic BiMnO3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mei Zhigang; Shang Shunli; Wang Yi; Liu Zikui

    2010-01-01

    The structural and elastic properties of BiMnO 3 with monoclinic (C 2/c) and orthorhombic (Pnma) ferromagnetic (FM) structures have been studied by first-principles calculations within LDA + U and GGA + U approaches. The equilibrium volumes and bulk moduli of BiMnO 3 phases are evaluated by equation of state (EOS) fittings, and the bulk properties predicted by LDA + U calculations are in better agreement with experiment. The orthorhombic phase is found to be more stable than the monoclinic phase at ambient pressure. A monoclinic to monoclinic phase transition is predicted to occur at a pressure of about 10 GPa, which is ascribed to magnetism versus volume instability of monoclinic BiMnO 3 . The single-crystal elastic stiffness constants c ij s of the monoclinic and orthorhombic phases are investigated using the stress-strain method. The c 46 of the monoclinic phase is predicted to be negative. In addition, the polycrystalline elastic properties including bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, bulk modulus-shear modulus ratio, Poisson's ratio, and elastic anisotropy ratio are determined based on the calculated elastic constants. The presently predicted phase transition and elastic properties open new directions for investigation of the phase transitions in BiMnO 3 , and provide helpful guidance for the future elastic constant measurements.

  4. First-principles study on the structure, elastic properties, hardness and electronic structure of TMB{sub 4} (TM=Cr, Re, Ru and Os) compounds

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pan, Y. [Department of Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Zheng, W.T., E-mail: WTZheng@jlu.edu.cn [Department of Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Guan, W.M.; Zhang, K.H. [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies for Comprehensive Utilization of Platinum Metals, Kunming 650106 (China); Fan, X.F. [Department of Materials Science, Key Laboratory of Automobile Materials of MOE and State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China)

    2013-11-15

    The structural formation, elastic properties, hardness and electronic structure of TMB{sub 4} (TM=Cr, Re, Ru and Os) compounds are investigated using first-principles approach. The value of C{sub 22} for these compounds is almost two times bigger than the C{sub 11} and C{sub 33}. The intrinsic hardness, shear modulus and Young's modulus are calculated to be in a sequence of CrB{sub 4}>ReB{sub 4}>RuB{sub 4}>OsB{sub 4}, and the Poisson's ratio and B/G ratio of TMB{sub 4} follow the order of CrB{sub 4}first-principles calculations show that the intrinsic hardness of CrB{sub 4} and ReB{sub 4} are bigger than 40 GPa, which are the potential superhard materials due to the B–B bonds cage structure. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The intrinsic hardness of CrB{sub 4} and ReB{sub 4} is bigger than 40 GPa. • The hardness of TMB{sub 4} is calculated to be in a sequence of CrB{sub 4}>ReB{sub 4}>RuB{sub 4}>OsB{sub 4}. • The trend of hardness for TMB{sub 4} is consistent with the variation of elastic modulus. • The C{sub 22} value of TMB{sub 4} is bigger than that of C{sub 11} and C{sub 33}. • The high hardness of TMB{sub 4} is originated from the B–B bonds cage.

  5. Diffusion in thorium carbide: A first-principles study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pérez Daroca, D., E-mail: pdaroca@tandar.cnea.gov.ar [Gerencia de Investigación y Aplicaciones, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, 1650, San Martín, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 1025, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Llois, A.M. [Gerencia de Investigación y Aplicaciones, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, 1650, San Martín, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 1025, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Mosca, H.O. [Gerencia de Investigación y Aplicaciones, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. General Paz 1499, 1650, San Martín, Buenos Aires (Argentina); Instituto de Tecnología Jorge A. Sabato, UNSAM–CNEA, Av. General Paz 1499, 1650, San Martín, Buenos Aires (Argentina)

    2015-12-15

    The prediction of the behavior of Th compounds under irradiation is an important issue for the upcoming Generation-IV nuclear reactors. The study of self-diffusion and hetero-diffusion is a central key to fulfill this goal. As a first approach, we obtained, by means of first-principles methods, migration and activation energies of Th and C atoms self-diffusion and diffusion of He atoms in ThC. We also calculate diffusion coefficients as a function of temperature. - Highlights: • Diffusion in thorium carbide by means of first-principles calculations is studied. • The most favorable migration event is a C atom moving through a C-vacancy aided path. • Calculated C atoms diffusion coefficients agree very well with the experimental data. • For He, the energetically most favorable migration path is through Th-vacancies.

  6. Performance of cubic ZrO{sub 2} doped CeO{sub 2}: First-principles investigation on elastic, electronic and optical properties of Ce{sub 1−x} Zr{sub x}O{sub 2}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tian, Dong [State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China); Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China); Zeng, Chunhua, E-mail: zchh2009@126.com [State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China); Faculty of Science, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China); Wang, Hua, E-mail: wanghuaheat@hotmail.com [State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China); Luo, Hongchun [Faculty of Science, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China); Cheng, Xianming [State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China); Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China); Xiang, Chao [College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Yangtze Normal University, Fuling 408100, Chongqing (China); Wei, Yonggang; Li, Kongzhai; Zhu, Xing [State Key Laboratory of Complex Nonferrous Metal Resources Clean Utilization, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China); Faculty of Metallurgical and Energy Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, Yunnan (China)

    2016-06-25

    The structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of Ce{sub 1−x} Zr{sub x}O{sub 2} (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1) fluorite type oxides are studied by researchers using the method of density functional theory (DFT) + U method. The calculated equilibrium lattice parameter, cell volume, elastic and optical properties for CeO{sub 2} and ZrO{sub 2} are all in good agreement with the available experimental data and other theoretical results. It is found that Ce substituted by Zr leads to the formation of the pseudo-cubic fluorite-type structure. With doping concentration × increasing, the lattice parameter, cell volume and the bond length of d{sub Ce−O} and d{sub Zr−O} decrease linearly. It is interesting to find that the hardness of materials increase with Zr concentration increasing. For Ce{sub 0.75} Zr{sub 0.25} O{sub 2}, we also find that its ductility is good. Meanwhile, the range of the conduction band energy in the doped system becomes wider than that in the undoped system. The overlapping band phenomenon occur for all substitutions in Ce{sub 1−x} Zr{sub x}O{sub 2} (from x = 0.25 to x = 0.75), especially for the structure of Ce{sub 0.5} Zr{sub 0.5} O{sub 2} and Ce{sub 0.25} Zr{sub 0.75} O{sub 2}, its second band gaps almost disappear. Based on the dielectric functions obtained, it is shown that the static dielectric constant ε{sub 0} and refractive index n{sub 0} obviously decrease with Zr concentration increasing. After discussing, we know that CeO{sub 2} is suitable as a useful high-refractive index film material in single and multilayered optical coatings, whereas ZrO{sub 2} can be used as gate-dielectric materials in metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices, in metallurgy and as a thermal barrier coating in engines. - Highlights: • Structural, and optical properties of fluorite type oxides are studied; • Ce substituted by Zr leads to formation of pseudo-cubic fluorite-type structure; • Hardness of materials are increased with Zr

  7. First-principles study of rare-earth (RE) cobaltites (RE=Nd,Sm,Gd,Dy,Er,Lu)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Topsakal, M.; Wentzcovitch, R. M.

    2014-12-01

    The lanthanide series of the periodic table comprises 15 members ranging from Lanthanum (La) to Lutetium (Lu). Although they are more abundant than silver, and some of them are more abundant than lead, they are known as rare-earth (RE) elements. The "rare" in their name refers to the difficulty of obtaining the pure elements, not to their abundances in nature. They are never found as free metals in the Earth's crust and do not exist as pure minerals. Using first-principles plane-wave calculations, we investigate the structural and electronic properties of rare-earth cobaltites (RECoO3). Structurally consistent Hubbard U treatment was shown to essential for proper description of strongly correlated cobalt-d electrons. We successfully capture the experimentally observed structural trends and give first-principles insights on interesting phenomena related with the cobalt spin state change. It was demonstrated that increase of crystal-field splitting energy between eg-t2g orbitals and shrinking of unoccupied σ*-bonding eg bands are responsible for the increase of onset spin-state transition temperature along the series.

  8. The Li–Si–(O)–N system revisited: Structural characterization of Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} and Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Casas-Cabanas, M. [CIC energiGUNE, Parque Tecnológico de Álava, Albert Einstein 48, ED.CIC, 01510 Miñano (Spain); Santner, H. [Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (CSIC) Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia (Spain); Palacín, M.R., E-mail: rosa.palacin@icmab.es [Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (CSIC) Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Catalonia (Spain)

    2014-05-01

    A systematic study of the Li–Si–(O)–N system is presented. The synthetic conditions to prepare Li{sub 2}SiN{sub 2}, Li{sub 5}SiN{sub 3}, Li{sub 18}Si{sub 3}N{sub 10}, Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} and Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O are described and the structure of the last two compounds has been solved for the first time. While Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} crystallizes as a superstructure of the anti-fluorite structure with Li and Si ordering, Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O exhibits the anti-fluorite structure with both anion and cation disorder. - Graphical abstract: A systematic study of the Li–Si–(O)–N system is presented. Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} crystallizes as a superstructure of the anti-fluorite structure with Li and Si ordering, Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O exhibits the anti-fluorite structure with both anion and cation disorder. - Highlights: • Li{sub 2}SiN{sub 2}, Li{sub 5}SiN{sub 3}, Li{sub 18}Si{sub 3}N{sub 10}, Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} and Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O are prepared. • The structures of Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} and Li{sub 7}SiN{sub 3}O are presented. • Li{sub 21}Si{sub 3}N{sub 11} exhibits an anti-fluorite superstructure with Li and Si ordering.

  9. The Structuring Principle: Political Socialization and Belief Systems

    Science.gov (United States)

    Searing, Donald D.; And Others

    1973-01-01

    Assesses the significance of data on childhood political learning to political theory by testing the structuring principle,'' considered one of the central assumptions of political socialization research. This principle asserts that basic orientations acquired during childhood structure the later learning of specific issue beliefs.'' The…

  10. Reversal of the Lattice Structure in SrCoOx Epitaxial Thin Films Studied by Real-Time Optical Spectroscopy and First-Principles Calculations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Choi, Woo Seok; Jeen, Hyoungjeen; Lee, Jun Hee; Seo, S. S. Ambrose; Cooper, Valentino R.; Rabe, Karin M.; Lee, Ho Nyung

    2013-08-01

    Using real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry, we directly observed a reversible lattice and electronic structure evolution in SrCoOx (x=2.5-3) epitaxial thin films. Drastically different electronic ground states, which are extremely susceptible to the oxygen content x, are found in the two topotactic phases: i.e., the brownmillerite SrCoO2.5 and the perovskite SrCoO3. First-principles calculations confirmed substantial differences in the electronic structure, including a metal-insulator transition, which originate from the modification in the Co valence states and crystallographic structures. More interestingly, the two phases can be reversibly controlled by changing the ambient pressure at greatly reduced temperatures. Our finding provides an important pathway to understanding the novel oxygen-content-dependent phase transition uniquely found in multivalent transition metal oxides.

  11. Structural, dynamic, electronic, and vibrational properties of flexible, intermediate, and stressed rigid As-Se glasses and liquids from first principles molecular dynamics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bauchy, M.; Kachmar, A.; Micoulaut, M.

    2014-01-01

    The structural, vibrational, electronic, and dynamic properties of amorphous and liquid As x Se 1-x (0.10 First Principles Molecular Dynamics. Within the above range of compositions, thresholds, and anomalies are found in the behavior of reciprocal and real space properties that can be correlated to the experimental location of the Boolchand intermediate phase in these glassy networks, observed at 0.27 structural and dynamical atomic-scale fingerprints for the onset of rigidity within the network, while also providing a much more complex picture than the one derived from mean-field approaches of stiffness transitions

  12. Rock-salt structure lithium deuteride formation in liquid lithium with high-concentrations of deuterium: a first-principles molecular dynamics study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Mohan; Abrams, T.; Jaworski, M. A.; Carter, Emily A.

    2016-01-01

    Because of lithium’s possible use as a first wall material in a fusion reactor, a fundamental understanding of the interactions between liquid lithium (Li) and deuterium (D) is important. We predict structural and dynamical properties of liquid Li samples with high concentrations of D, as derived from first-principles molecular dynamics simulations. Liquid Li samples with four concentrations of inserted D atoms (LiDβ , β =0.25 , 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00) are studied at temperatures ranging from 470 to 1143 K. Densities, diffusivities, pair distribution functions, bond angle distribution functions, geometries, and charge transfer between Li and D atoms are calculated and analyzed. The analysis suggests liquid-solid phase transitions can occur at some concentrations and temperatures, forming rock-salt LiD within liquid Li. We also observe formation of some D2 molecules at high D concentrations.

  13. Quantum Chemistry of Solids The LCAO First Principles Treatment of Crystals

    CERN Document Server

    Evarestov, Robert A

    2007-01-01

    Quantum Chemistry of Solids delivers a comprehensive account of the main features and possibilities of LCAO methods for the first principles calculations of electronic structure of periodic systems. The first part describes the basic theory underlying the LCAO methods applied to periodic systems and the use of wave-function-based (Hartree-Fock), density-based (DFT) and hybrid hamiltonians. The translation and site symmetry consideration is included to establish connection between k-space solid-state physics and real-space quantum chemistry methods in the framework of cyclic model of an infinite crystal. The inclusion of electron correlation effects for periodic systems is considered on the basis of localized crystalline orbitals. The possibilities of LCAO methods for chemical bonding analysis in periodic systems are discussed. The second part deals with the applications of LCAO methods for calculations of bulk crystal properties, including magnetic ordering and crystal structure optimization. The discussion o...

  14. First-Principles Study of the Polar TiC/Ti Interface

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    Limin LIU; Shaoqing WANG; Hengqiang YE

    2003-01-01

    The interface structure, work of adhesion, and bonding character of the polar TiC/Ti interface have been examined by the first-principles density functional plane-wave pseudopotential calculations. Both Ti- and C-terminated interfaces including six different interface structures were calculated, which present quite different features. For the Ti-terminated interface, the interfacial Ti-Ti bond has a strong metallic and weak covalent character; while for the C-terminated interface, the interfacial bond is a strong polar covalent interaction between the Ti-3d and C-2p orbital.The work of adhesion of C-terminated interface is nearly 9 J/m2 stronger than that of the Ti-terminated. It is found that each termination has relatively large work of adhesion, which is consistent with other polar interfaces.

  15. First-principles calculation of the structural and elastic properties of ternary metal nitrides TaxMo1-xN and TaxW1-xN

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bouamama, Kh.; Djemia, P.; Benhamida, M.

    2015-09-01

    First-principles pseudo-potentials calculations of the mixing enthalpy, of the lattice constants a0 and of the single-crystal elastic constants cij for ternary metal nitrides TaxMe1-xN (Me=Mo or W) alloys considering the cubic B1-rocksalt structure is carried out. For disordered ternary alloys, we employ the virtual crystal approximation VCA in which the alloy pseudopotentials are constructed within a first-principles VCA scheme. The supercell method SC is also used for ordered structures in order to evaluate clustering effects. We find that the mixing enthalpy still remains negative for TaxMe1-xN alloys in the whole composition range which implies these cubic TaxMo1-xN and TaxW1-xN ordered solid solutions are stable. We investigate the effect of Mo and W alloying on the trend of the mechanical properties of TaN. The effective shear elastic constant c44, the Cauchy pressure (c12-c44), and the shear to bulk modulus G/B ratio are used to discuss, respectively, the mechanical stability of the ternary structure and the brittle/ductile behavior in reference to TaN, MeN alloys. We determine the onset transition from the unstable structure to the stable one B1-rocksalt from the elastic stability criteria when alloying MeN with Ta. In a second stage, in the frame of anisotropic elasticity, we estimate by one homogenization method the averaged constants of the polycrystalline TaxMe1-xN alloys considering the special case of an isotropic medium with no crystallographic texture.

  16. The influence of hydrostatic pressure on the electronic structure and optical properties of tin dioxide: A first-principle study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cai Lugang; Liu Famin; Zhang Dian; Zhong Wenwu

    2013-01-01

    The evolutions of electronic structure and optical properties of SnO 2 under hydrostatic pressure are studied theoretically using first-principle calculations. The calculation results show that the energy band gap of SnO 2 expands with increasing pressure, and the relationship between them can be fitted well by a second order polynomial expression. The complex dielectric functions are calculated and it is found that its imaginary part moves to higher photon energy levels with increasing pressure; meanwhile the static dielectric function constant decreases correspondingly. The dependences of other optical properties, such as the reflectivity spectra and loss function, on the hydrostatic pressure are also calculated and obtained, and the relationships between the optical properties and hydrostatic pressure are discussed and analyzed.

  17. First-principles molecular dynamics simulation study on electrolytes for use in redox flow battery

    Science.gov (United States)

    Choe, Yoong-Kee; Tsuchida, Eiji; Tokuda, Kazuya; Ootsuka, Jun; Saito, Yoshihiro; Masuno, Atsunobu; Inoue, Hiroyuki

    2017-11-01

    Results of first-principles molecular dynamics simulations carried out to investigate structural aspects of electrolytes for use in a redox flow battery are reported. The electrolytes studied here are aqueous sulfuric acid solutions where its property is of importance for dissolving redox couples in redox flow battery. The simulation results indicate that structural features of the acid solutions depend on the concentration of sulfuric acid. Such dependency arises from increase of proton dissociation from sulfuric acid.

  18. Interlayer Structures and Dynamics of Arsenate and Arsenite Intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides: A First Principles Study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yingchun Zhang

    2017-03-01

    Full Text Available In this study, by using first principles simulation techniques, we explored the basal spacings, interlayer structures, and dynamics of arsenite and arsenate intercalated Layered double hydroxides (LDHs. Our results confirm that the basal spacings of NO3−-LDHs increase with layer charge densities. It is found that Arsenic (As species can enter the gallery spaces of LDHs with a Mg/Al ratio of 2:1 but they cannot enter those with lower charge densities. Interlayer species show layering distributions. All anions form a single layer distribution while water molecules form a single layer distribution at low layer charge density and a double layer distribution at high layer charge densities. H2AsO4− has two orientations in the interlayer regions (i.e., one with its three folds axis normal to the layer sheets and another with its two folds axis normal to the layer sheets, and only the latter is observed for HAsO42−. H2AsO3− orientates in a tilt-lying way. The mobility of water and NO3− increases with the layer charge densities while As species have very low mobility. Our simulations provide microscopic information of As intercalated LDHs, which can be used for further understanding of the structures of oxy-anion intercalated LDHs.

  19. Naturally irradiated fluorite as a historic violet pigment: Raman spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction study

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Čermáková, Zdeňka; Bezdička, Petr; Němec, I.; Hradilová, J.; Šrein, V.; Blažek, Jan; Hradil, David

    2015-01-01

    Roč. 46, č. 2 (2015), s. 236-243 ISSN 0377-0486 R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP103/12/2211 Institutional support: RVO:61388980 ; RVO:67985556 Keywords : fluorite * pigment * fluorescence bands * diffraction lines broadening * irradiation Subject RIV: CA - Inorganic Chemistry Impact factor: 2.395, year: 2015

  20. Electronic and optical properties of new multifunctional materials via half-substituted hematite: First principles calculations

    KAUST Repository

    Yang, Hua; Mi, Wenbo; Bai, Haili; Cheng, Yingchun

    2012-01-01

    Electronic structure and optical properties of α-FeMO 3 systems (M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Cu, Cd or In) have been investigated using first principles calculations. All of the FeMO 3 systems have a large net magnetic moment. The ground state of pure α-Fe 2

  1. First-principles study of structural, electronic, linear and nonlinear optical properties of Ga{2}PSb ternary chalcopyrite

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ouahrani, T.; Reshak, A. H.; de La Roza, A. Otero; Mebrouki, M.; Luaña, V.; Khenata, R.; Amrani, B.

    2009-12-01

    We report results from first-principles density functional calculations using the full-potential linear augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. The generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the Engel-Vosko-generalized gradient approximation (EV-GGA) were used for the exchange-correlation energy of the structural, electronic, linear and nonlinear optical properties of the chalcopyrite Ga2PSb compound. The valence band maximum (VBM) is located at the Γv point, and the conduction band minimum (CBM) is located at the Γc point, resulting in a direct band gap of about 0.365 eV for GGA and 0.83 eV for EV-GGA. In comparison with the experimental one (1.2 eV) we found that EV-GGA calculation gives energy gap in reasonable agreement with the experiment. The spin orbit coupling has marginal influence on the optical properties. The ground state quantities such as lattice parameters (a, c and u), bulk modules B and its pressure derivative B^primeare evaluated.

  2. First principles studies of complex oxide surfaces and interfaces

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Noguera, Claudine; Finocchi, Fabio; Goniakowski, Jacek

    2004-01-01

    Oxides enter our everyday life and exhibit an impressive variety of physical and chemical properties. The understanding of their behaviour, which is often determined by the electronic and atomic structures of their surfaces and interfaces, is a key question in many fields, such as geology, environmental chemistry, catalysis, thermal coatings, microelectronics, and bioengineering. In the last decade, first principles methods, mainly those based on the density functional theory, have been frequently applied to study complex oxide surfaces and interfaces, complementing the experimental observations. In this work, we discuss some of these contributions, with emphasis on several issues that are especially important when dealing with oxides: the local electronic structure at interfaces, and its connection with chemical reactivity; the charge redistribution and the bonding variations, in relation to screening properties; and the possibility of bridging the gap between model and real systems by taking into account the chemical environments and the effect of finite temperatures, and by performing simulations on systems of an adequate (large) size

  3. Electric field effect of GaAs monolayer from first principles

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jiongyao Wu

    2017-03-01

    Full Text Available Using first-principle calculations, we investigate two-dimensional (2D honeycomb monolayer structures composed of group III-V binary elements. It is found that such compound like GaAs should have a buckled structure which is more stable than graphene-like flat structure. This results a polar system with out-of-plane dipoles arising from the non-planar structure. Here, we optimized GaAs monolayer structure, then calculated the electronic band structure and the change of buckling height under external electric field within density functional theory using generalized gradient approximation method. We found that the band gap would change proportionally with the electric field magnitude. When the spin-orbit coupling (SOC is considered, we revealed fine spin-splitting at different points in the reciprocal space. Furthermore, the valence and conduction bands spin-splitting energies due to SOC at the K point of buckled GaAs monolayers are found to be weakly dependent on the electric field strength. Finally electric field effects on the spin texture and second harmonic generation are discussed. The present work sheds light on the control of physical properties of GaAs monolayer by the applied electric field.

  4. Structural, dynamic, electronic, and vibrational properties of flexible, intermediate, and stressed rigid As-Se glasses and liquids from first principles molecular dynamics

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bauchy, M. [Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095-1593 (United States); Kachmar, A. [Laboratoire de Physique Théorique de la Matière Condensée, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 Place Jussieu, F-75252 Paris Cedex 05 (France); Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute, Qatar Foundation, P.O. Box 5825, Doha (Qatar); Micoulaut, M., E-mail: mmi@lptl.jussieu.fr [Laboratoire de Physique Théorique de la Matière Condensée, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 4 Place Jussieu, F-75252 Paris Cedex 05 (France)

    2014-11-21

    The structural, vibrational, electronic, and dynamic properties of amorphous and liquid As{sub x}Se{sub 1-x} (0.10 First Principles Molecular Dynamics. Within the above range of compositions, thresholds, and anomalies are found in the behavior of reciprocal and real space properties that can be correlated to the experimental location of the Boolchand intermediate phase in these glassy networks, observed at 0.27 structural and dynamical atomic-scale fingerprints for the onset of rigidity within the network, while also providing a much more complex picture than the one derived from mean-field approaches of stiffness transitions.

  5. Structural and Mechanical Properties of TiN-TiC-TiO System: First Principle Study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Farhadizadeh, Ali Reza; Amadeh, Ahmad Ali; Ghomi, Hamidreza

    2017-11-01

    Mechanical and structural properties of ternary system of TiN-TiO-TiC are investigated using first principle methods. 70 different compositions of Ti 100 (NOC) 100 with cubic structure are examined in order to illustrate the trend of properties variations. The geometry of compounds is optimized, and then, their chemical stability is assessed. Afterward, shear, bulk and young moduli, Cauchy pressure, Zener ratio, hardness and {H}3/{E}2 ratio are computed based on elastic constants. Graphical ternary diagram is used to represent the trend of such properties when the content of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon varies. The results show that incorporation of oxygen into the system decreases the hardness and {H}3/{E}2 ratio while subsequently ductility increases due to positive Cauchy pressure. It is revealed that the maximum {H}3/{E}2 ratio occurs when both nitrogen and carbon with a little amount of oxygen are incorporated. Ti 100 N 30 C 70 owns the highest hardness and {H}3/{E}2 ratio equal to 39.5 and 0.2 GPa, respectively. In addition, the G/B of this compound, which is about 0.9, shows it is brittle. It is also observed that the solid solutions have better mechanical properties with respect to titanium nitride and titanium carbide. The obtained results could be used to enhance monolayer coatings as well as to design multilayers with specific mechanical properties. The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of University of Tehran Science and Technology Park for this research under Grant No. 94061

  6. Synthesis and crystal structure of the first Sc-Nb-O-N phases

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Orthmann, Steven; Lerch, Martin [Institut fuer Chemie, Technische Universitaet Berlin (Germany)

    2017-11-17

    Synthesis of phase-pure materials in the system Sc-Nb-O-N is challenging. In this contribution we report on the preparation of the first scandium niobium oxide nitrides via reaction of water-saturated gaseous ammonia or an ammonia-oxygen mixture with amorphous scandium niobium oxides. Two new phases were obtained: rutile-type ScNb{sub 4}O{sub 7}N{sub 3}, which crystallizes in space group P4{sub 2}/mnm, and an anion-deficient fluorite-type Sc{sub 2}Nb(O,N,⬜){sub 6} phase crystallizing in space group Fm anti 3m. (copyright 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  7. First-principles study on the phase transition, elastic properties and electronic structure of Pt{sub 3}Al alloys under high pressure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu, Yanjun [Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Equipment of Ministry of Education, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China); Huang, Huawei [National Key Laboratory for Nuclear Fuel and Materials, Nuclear Power of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 (China); Pan, Yong, E-mail: yongpanyn@163.com [State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies for Comprehensive Utilization of Platinum Metals, Kunming 650106 (China); Zhao, Guanghui; Liang, Zheng [Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Equipment of Ministry of Education, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500 (China)

    2014-06-01

    Highlights: • The phase transition of Pt{sub 3}Al alloys occurs at 60 GPa. • The elastic modulus of Pt{sub 3}Al alloys increase with increasing pressure. • The cubic structure has good resistance to volume deformation under high pressure. • The pressure enhances the hybridization between Pt atom and Al atom. - Abstract: The phase transition, formation enthalpies, elastic properties and electronic structure of Pt{sub 3}Al alloys are studied using first-principle approach. The calculated results show that the pressure leads to phase transition from tetragonal structure to cubic structure at 60 GPa. With increasing pressure, the elastic constants, bulk modulus and shear modulus of these Pt{sub 3}Al alloys increase linearly and the bond lengths of Pt–Al metallic bonds and the peak at E{sub F} decrease. The cubic Pt{sub 3}Al alloy has excellent resistance to volume deformation under high pressure. We suggest that the phase transition is derived from the hybridization between Pt and Al atoms for cubic structure is stronger than that of tetragonal structure and forms the strong Pt–Al metallic bonds under high pressure.

  8. Structural, electronic, magnetic and optical properties of Ni,Ti/Al-based Heusler alloys. A first-principles approach

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Adebambo, Paul O. [Univ. of Agriculture. Abeokuta (Nigeria). Dept. of Physics; McPherson Univ., Abeokuta (Nigeria). Dept. of Physical and Computer Sciences; Adetunji, Bamidele I. [Univ. of Agriculture. Abeokuta (Nigeria). Dept. of Physics; Bells Univ. of Technology, Oto (Nigeria). Dept. of Mathematics; Olowofela, Joseph A. [Univ. of Agriculture. Abeokuta (Nigeria). Dept. of Physics; Oguntuase, James A. [Univ. of Agriculture. Abeokuta (Nigeria). Dept. of Mathematics; Adebayo, Gboyega A. [Univ. of Agriculture. Abeokuta (Nigeria). Dept. of Physics; Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste (Italy)

    2016-05-01

    In this work, detailed first-principles calculations within the generalised gradient approximation (GGA) of electronic, structural, magnetic, and optical properties of Ni,Ti, and Al-based Heusler alloys are presented. The lattice parameter of C1{sub b} with space group F anti 43m (216) NiTiAl alloys is predicted and that of Ni{sub 2}TiAl is in close agreement with available results. The band dispersion along the high symmetry points W→L→Γ→X→W→K in Ni{sub 2}TiAl and NiTiAl Heusler alloys are also reported. NiTiAl alloy has a direct band gap of 1.60 eV at Γ point as a result of strong hybridization between the d state of the lower and higher valence of both the Ti and Ni atoms. The calculated real part of the dielectric function confirmed the band gap of 1.60 eV in NiTiAl alloys. The present calculations revealed the paramagnetic state of NiTiAl. From the band structure calculations, Ni{sub 2}TiAl with higher Fermi level exhibits metallic properties as in the case of both NiAl and Ni{sub 3}Al binary systems.

  9. Reversal of the lattice structure in SrCoO(x) epitaxial thin films studied by real-time optical spectroscopy and first-principles calculations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Choi, Woo Seok; Jeen, Hyoungjeen; Lee, Jun Hee; Seo, S S Ambrose; Cooper, Valentino R; Rabe, Karin M; Lee, Ho Nyung

    2013-08-30

    Using real-time spectroscopic ellipsometry, we directly observed a reversible lattice and electronic structure evolution in SrCoO(x) (x=2.5-3) epitaxial thin films. Drastically different electronic ground states, which are extremely susceptible to the oxygen content x, are found in the two topotactic phases: i.e., the brownmillerite SrCoO2.5 and the perovskite SrCoO3. First-principles calculations confirmed substantial differences in the electronic structure, including a metal-insulator transition, which originate from the modification in the Co valence states and crystallographic structures. More interestingly, the two phases can be reversibly controlled by changing the ambient pressure at greatly reduced temperatures. Our finding provides an important pathway to understanding the novel oxygen-content-dependent phase transition uniquely found in multivalent transition metal oxides.

  10. Curriculum structure: principles and strategy

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Oliver, R.; Kersten, H.; Vinkka-Puhakka, H.; Alpaslan, G.; Bearn, D.; Cema, I.; Delap, E.; Dummer, P.; Goulet, J.P.; Gugushe, T.; Jeniati, E.; Jerolimov, V.; Kotsanos, N.; Krifka, S.; Levy, G.; Neway, M.; Ogawa, T.; Saag, M.; Sidlauskas, A.; Skaleric, U.; Vervoorn, M.; White, D.

    2008-01-01

    This report provides general guidelines for the structure of a curriculum, followed by specific advice on the principles of learning and teaching, the process of restructuring and change leadership and management. It provides examples of several educational philosophies, including vertical and

  11. TOPICAL REVIEW: First principles studies of multiferroic materials

    Science.gov (United States)

    Picozzi, Silvia; Ederer, Claude

    2009-07-01

    Multiferroics, materials where spontaneous long-range magnetic and dipolar orders coexist, represent an attractive class of compounds, which combine rich and fascinating fundamental physics with a technologically appealing potential for applications in the general area of spintronics. Ab initio calculations have significantly contributed to recent progress in this area, by elucidating different mechanisms for multiferroicity and providing essential information on various compounds where these effects are manifestly at play. In particular, here we present examples of density-functional theory investigations for two main classes of materials: (a) multiferroics where ferroelectricity is driven by hybridization or purely structural effects, with BiFeO3 as the prototype material, and (b) multiferroics where ferroelectricity is driven by correlation effects and is strongly linked to electronic degrees of freedom such as spin-, charge-, or orbital-ordering, with rare-earth manganites as prototypes. As for the first class of multiferroics, first principles calculations are shown to provide an accurate qualitative and quantitative description of the physics in BiFeO3, ranging from the prediction of large ferroelectric polarization and weak ferromagnetism, over the effect of epitaxial strain, to the identification of possible scenarios for coupling between ferroelectric and magnetic order. For the second class of multiferroics, ab initio calculations have shown that, in those cases where spin-ordering breaks inversion symmetry (e.g. in antiferromagnetic E-type HoMnO3), the magnetically induced ferroelectric polarization can be as large as a few µC cm-2. The examples presented point the way to several possible avenues for future research: on the technological side, first principles simulations can contribute to a rational materials design, aimed at identifying spintronic materials that exhibit ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity at or above room temperature. On the

  12. Stability, electronic structures, and mechanical properties of Fe–Mn–Al system from first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Ya-Hui; Chong Xiao-Yu; Jiang Ye-Hua; Feng Jing

    2017-01-01

    The stability, electronic structures, and mechanical properties of the Fe–Mn–Al system were determined by first-principles calculations. The formation enthalpy and cohesive energy of these Fe–Mn–Al alloys are negative and show that the alloys are thermodynamically stable. Fe 3 Al, with the lowest formation enthalpy, is the most stable compound in the Fe–Mn–Al system. The partial density of states, total density of states, and electron density distribution maps of the Fe– Mn–Al alloys were analyzed. The bonding characteristics of these Fe–Mn–Al alloys are mainly combinations of covalent bonding and metallic bonds. The stress-strain method and Voigt–Reuss–Hill approximation were used to calculate the elastic constants and moduli, respectively. Fe 2.5 Mn 0.5 Al has the highest bulk modulus, 234.5 GPa. Fe 1.5 Mn 1.5 Al has the highest shear modulus and Young’s modulus, with values of 98.8 GPa and 259.2 GPa, respectively. These Fe–Mn–Al alloys display disparate anisotropies due to the calculated different shape of the three-dimensional curved surface of the Young’s modulus and anisotropic index. Moreover, the anisotropic sound velocities and Debye temperatures of these Fe–Mn–Al alloys were explored. (paper)

  13. On possibility of superconductivity in SnSb: A first principle study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dabhi, Shweta D. [Department of Physics, M. K. Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar 364001 (India); Shrivastava, Deepika [Department of Physics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal 462026 (India); Jha, Prafulla K., E-mail: prafullaj@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, The M. S. University of Baroda, Vadodara 390002 (India); Sanyal, Sankar P. [Department of Physics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal 462026 (India)

    2016-09-15

    Highlights: • Superconducting property of SnSb is predicted by ab-initio calculations. • Electronic properties of SnSb in RS phase shows metallic behaviour similar to SnAs. • Phonon dispersion confirms the dynamical stability of SnSb in RS phase. • Superconducting transition temperature is 3.1 K, slightly lower than that of SnAs. • Calculated thermodynamic properties are also reported. - Abstract: The electronic, phonon structure and superconducting properties of tin antimonide (SnSb) in rock-salt (RS) structure are calculated using first-principles density functional theory. The electronic band structure and density of states show metallic behavior. The phonon frequencies are positive throughout the Brillouin zone in rock-salt structure indicating its stability in that phase. Superconductivity of SnSb in RS phase is discussed in detail by calculating phonon linewidths, Eliashberg spectral function, electron-phonon coupling constant and superconducting transition temperature. SnSb is found to have a slightly lower T{sub C} (3.1 K), as compared to SnAs.

  14. Site-different structures from dilithium hexaboride (Li2b6) to dimagnesium hexaboride (Mg2B6) by first-principles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Aydın, Sezgin

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: •All structures are thermodynamically stable. All structures are metallic. •Boron sub-lattice have negative-charged atoms and more covalent bonds. •The inter-octahedral binding is more covalent than inner-octahedral binding. •All structures are also mechanically stable. -- Abstract: The structural, mechanical, electronic and bonding properties of dilithium hexaboride (Li 2 B 6 ) and isostructural hypothetic compounds obtained by replacing Li atoms in different sites to magnesium atoms have been investigated by first-principles density functional pseudopotential plane–wave calculations. It is shown that calculated lattice parameters of Li 2 B 6 agree with the experimental results. All of designed hypothetical structures have negative formation enthalpies, thus all of them are thermodynamically stable and the most stable structure is Mg 2 B 6 . At the same time, from calculated single crystal elastic constants, it is shown that all structures are mechanically stable and related mechanical properties such as bulk, shear and Young moduli are calculated. It is shown that adding magnesium to the structure of Li 2 B 6 is decreasing values of the moduli. Further, hardnesses of the structures are determined theoretically and it is obtained that hardness exhibits same trend with the moduli. From electronic structure calculations including band structure and site-dependent density of states, all structures are metallic, and fully magnesium substituted structure (Mg 2 B 6 ) has the highest metallicity among the structures. Additionally, bonding nature of the structures are analyzed by using electron density maps, Mulliken atomic charges and bond overlap populations

  15. Magnetic materials at finite temperatures: thermodynamics and combined spin and molecular dynamics derived from first principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Eisenbach, Markus; Perera, Meewanage Dilina N.; Landau, David P; Nicholson, Don M.; Yin, Junqi; Brown, Greg

    2015-01-01

    We present a unified approach to describe the combined behavior of the atomic and magnetic degrees of freedom in magnetic materials. Using Monte Carlo simulations directly combined with first principles the Curie temperature can be obtained ab initio in good agreement with experimental values. The large scale constrained first principles calculations have been used to construct effective potentials for both the atomic and magnetic degrees of freedom that allow the unified study of influence of phonon-magnon coupling on the thermodynamics and dynamics of magnetic systems. The MC calculations predict the specific heat of iron in near perfect agreement with experimental results from 300K to above Tc and allow the identification of the importance of the magnon-phonon interaction at the phase-transition. Further Molecular Dynamics and Spin Dynamics calculations elucidate the dynamics of this coupling and open the potential for quantitative and predictive descriptions of dynamic structure factors in magnetic materials using first principles-derived simulations.

  16. First-principles investigations on structural, elastic, electronic properties and Debye temperature of orthorhombic Ni3Ta under pressure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Pan; Zhang, Jianxin; Ma, Shiyu; Jin, Huixin; Zhang, Youjian; Zhang, Wenyang

    2018-06-01

    The structural, elastic, electronic properties and Debye temperature of Ni3Ta under different pressures are investigated using the first-principles method based on density functional theory. Our calculated equilibrium lattice parameters at 0 GPa well agree with the experimental and previous theoretical results. The calculated negative formation enthalpies and elastic constants both indicate that Ni3Ta is stable under different pressures. The bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young's modulus E and Poisson's ratio ν are calculated by the Voigt-Reuss-Hill method. The bigger ratio of B/G indicates Ni3Ta is ductile and the pressure can improve the ductility of Ni3Ta. In addition, the results of density of states and the charge density difference show that the stability of Ni3Ta is improved by the increasing pressure. The Debye temperature ΘD calculated from elastic modulus increases along with the pressure.

  17. Elastic properties of cubic perovskite BaRuO{sub 3} from first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Han Deming; Liu Xiaojuan; Lv Shuhui; Li Hongping [State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022 (China); Meng Jian, E-mail: jmeng@ciac.jl.c [State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022 (China)

    2010-08-01

    We present first-principles investigations on the structural and elastic properties of the cubic perovskite BaRuO{sub 3} using density-functional theory within both local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Basic physical properties, such as lattice constant, shear modulus, elastic constants (C{sub ij}) are calculated. The calculated energy band structures show that the cubic perovskite BaRuO{sub 3} is metallic. We have also predicted the Young's modulus (Y), Poisson's ratio ({upsilon}), and Anisotropy factor (A).

  18. Electronic structures of N- and C-doped NiO from first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Long, Run; English, Niall J.; Mooney, Damian A.

    2010-01-01

    The large intrinsic band gap of NiO has hindered severely its potential application under visible-light irradiation. In this Letter, we have performed first-principles calculations on the electronic properties of N- and C-doped NiO to ascertain if its band gap may be narrowed theoretically. It was found that impurity bands driven by N 2p or C 2p states appear in the band gap of NiO and that some of these locate at the conduction band minimum, which leads to a significant band gap narrowing. Our results show that N-doped NiO may serve as a potential photocatalyst relative to C-doped NiO, due to the presence of some recombination centres in C-doped NiO.

  19. Effects of intrinsic defects on the electronic structure and magnetic properties of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}: A first-principles study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Huang, Y.L.; Fan, W.B. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063 (China); Hou, Y.H., E-mail: hyhhyl@163.com [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063 (China); Guo, K.X. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang 330063 (China); Ouyang, Y.F. [Department of Physics, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004 (China); Liu, Z.W. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640 (China)

    2017-05-01

    The cobalt ferrite (CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}) with spinel structure has achieved a great interest as a very important magnetic material which has covered a wide range of applications. The formation condition and energy of possible intrinsic point defects have been investigated by the first-principles calculations, and the effects of the intrinsic point defects on the electronic and magnetic properties of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} have been analyzed. It is found that the growth conditions have a great effect on the formation energy of intrinsic point defects, and each point defect with its fully ionized state is the most stable for the intrinsic point defects with various charge states. In an oxygen rich environment, the cation vacancies are easy to form shallow acceptors, which is conducive to the strength of the p-type conductivity. While in the metal rich environment, the oxygen vacancies tend to form donors which lead to the n-type conductivity. There exists extra levels in the band gap when point defects are present, resulting in a reduction of the band gap. The net magnetic moment depends highly on the defects. - Highlights: • The intrinsic defects in CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were investigated by first-principles calculation. • The effects of intrinsic defects on the electronic structures and magnetic properties of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} were analyzed.

  20. First-principles atomistic Wulff constructions for an equilibrium rutile TiO2 shape modeling

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jiang, Fengzhou; Yang, Lei; Zhou, Dali; He, Gang; Zhou, Jiabei; Wang, Fanhou; Chen, Zhi-Gang

    2018-04-01

    Identifying the exposed surfaces of rutile TiO2 crystal is crucial for its industry application and surface engineering. In this study, the shape of the rutile TiO2 was constructed by applying equilibrium thermodynamics of TiO2 crystals via first-principles density functional theory (DFT) and Wulff principles. From the DFT calculations, the surface energies of six low-index stoichiometric facets of TiO2 are determined after the calibrations of crystal structure. And then, combined surface energy calculations and Wulff principles, a geometric model of equilibrium rutile TiO2 is built up, which is coherent with the typical morphology of fully-developed equilibrium TiO2 crystal. This study provides fundamental theoretical guidance for the surface analysis and surface modification of the rutile TiO2-based materials from experimental research to industry manufacturing.

  1. The Principle of Structural Reciprocity

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Pugnale, Alberto; Parigi, Dario; Kirkegaard, Poul Henning

    2011-01-01

    This paper deals with the principle of structural reciprocity, considering its origins in both Occidental and Orient culture and aiming to highlight the definition, main peculiarities and interesting aspects of such concept referring to its application to the world of construction. Issues spannin...

  2. Structuring Principles for the Designer

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Miller, Thomas Dedenroth; Pedersen, Per Erik Elgård

    1998-01-01

    This paper suggests a list of structuring principles that support the designer in making alternative concepts for product architectures. Different architectures may support different points of diversification in the product life-cycle. The aim is to balance reuse of resources and reduction...

  3. First-principles study of structural, electronic, and optical properties of surface defects in GaAs(001) - β2(2x4)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bacuyag, Dhonny; Escaño, Mary Clare Sison; David, Melanie; Tani, Masahiko

    2018-06-01

    We performed first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the role of point defects in the structural, electronic, and optical properties of the GaAs(001)- β2(2x4). In terms of structural properties, AsGa is the most stable defect structure, consistent with experiments. With respect to the electronic structure, band structures revealed the existence of sub-band and midgap states for all defects. The induced sub-bands and midgap states originated from the redistributions of charges towards these defects and neighboring atoms. The presence of these point defects introduced deep energy levels characteristic of EB3 (0.97 eV), EL4 (0.52 eV), and EL2 (0.82 eV) for AsGa, GaAs, GaV, respectively. The optical properties are found to be strongly related to these induced gap states. The calculated onset values in the absorption spectra, corresponding to the energy gaps, confirmed the absorption below the known bulk band gap of 1.43 eV. These support the possible two-step photoabsorption mediated by midgap states as observed in experiments.

  4. Copper atoms embedded in hexagonal boron nitride as potential catalysts for CO oxidation: A first-principles investigation

    KAUST Repository

    Liu, Xin; Duan, Ting; Sui, Yanhui; Meng, Changgong; Han, Yu

    2014-01-01

    We addressed the electronic structure of Cu atoms embedded in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and their catalytic role in CO oxidation by first-principles-based calculations. We showed that Cu atoms prefer to bind directly with the localized defects

  5. Thermodynamic assessment of the Sn–Sr system supported by first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhao, Jingrui; Du, Yong; Zhang, Lijun; Wang, Aijun; Zhou, Liangcai; Zhao, Dongdong; Liang, Jianlie

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► All the literature data of Sn–Sr system is critically reviewed. ► First-principles calculation of enthalpy of formation is carried out for each compound. ► Thermodynamic parameters for Sn–Sr system are obtained by CALPHAD method. ► A hybrid approach of CALPHAD and first-principles calculations is recommended. - Abstract: A hybrid approach of CALPHAD and first-principles calculations was employed to perform a thermodynamic modeling of the Sn–Sr system. The experimental phase diagram and thermodynamic data available in the literature were critically reviewed. The enthalpies of formation for the 6 stoichiometric compounds (i.e. Sr 2 Sn, Sr 5 Sn 3 , SrSn, Sr 3 Sn 5 , SrSn 3 and SrSn 4 ) at 0 K were computed by means of first-principles calculations. These data were used as the experimental values in the optimization module PARROT in the subsequent CALPHAD assessment to provide thermodynamic parameters with sound physical meaning. A set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters was finally obtained by considering reliable literature data and the first-principles computed results. Comprehensive comparisons between the calculated and measured quantities indicate that all the reliable experimental information can be satisfactorily accounted for by the present thermodynamic description.

  6. High-Performance First-Principles Molecular Dynamics for Predictive Theory and Modeling

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gygi, Francois [Univ. of California, Davis, CA (United States). Dept. of Computer Science; Galli, Giulia [Univ. of Chicago, IL (United States); Schwegler, Eric [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

    2017-12-03

    This project focused on developing high-performance software tools for First-Principles Molecular Dynamics (FPMD) simulations, and applying them in investigations of materials relevant to energy conversion processes. FPMD is an atomistic simulation method that combines a quantum-mechanical description of electronic structure with the statistical description provided by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. This reliance on fundamental principles allows FPMD simulations to provide a consistent description of structural, dynamical and electronic properties of a material. This is particularly useful in systems for which reliable empirical models are lacking. FPMD simulations are increasingly used as a predictive tool for applications such as batteries, solar energy conversion, light-emitting devices, electro-chemical energy conversion devices and other materials. During the course of the project, several new features were developed and added to the open-source Qbox FPMD code. The code was further optimized for scalable operation of large-scale, Leadership-Class DOE computers. When combined with Many-Body Perturbation Theory (MBPT) calculations, this infrastructure was used to investigate structural and electronic properties of liquid water, ice, aqueous solutions, nanoparticles and solid-liquid interfaces. Computing both ionic trajectories and electronic structure in a consistent manner enabled the simulation of several spectroscopic properties, such as Raman spectra, infrared spectra, and sum-frequency generation spectra. The accuracy of the approximations used allowed for direct comparisons of results with experimental data such as optical spectra, X-ray and neutron diffraction spectra. The software infrastructure developed in this project, as applied to various investigations of solids, liquids and interfaces, demonstrates that FPMD simulations can provide a detailed, atomic-scale picture of structural, vibrational and electronic properties of complex systems

  7. Adsorption of methanol molecule on graphene: Experimental results and first-principles calculations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhao, X. W.; Tian, Y. L.; Yue, W. W.; Chen, M. N.; Hu, G. C.; Ren, J. F.; Yuan, X. B.

    2018-04-01

    Adsorption properties of methanol molecule on graphene surface are studied both theoretically and experimentally. The adsorption geometrical structures, adsorption energies, band structures, density of states and the effective masses are obtained by means of first-principles calculations. It is found that the electronic characteristics and conductivity of graphene are sensitive to the methanol molecule adsorption. After adsorption of methanol molecule, bandgap appears. With the increasing of the adsorption distance, the bandgap, adsorption energy and effective mass of the adsorption system decreased, hence the resistivity of the system decreases gradually, these results are consistent with the experimental results. All these calculations and experiments indicate that the graphene-based sensors have a wide range of applications in detecting particular molecules.

  8. Polytypism in ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe: First-principles study

    KAUST Repository

    Boutaiba, F.

    2014-06-23

    We report results of first-principles calculations based on the projector augmented wave (PAW) method to explore the structural, thermodynamic, and electronic properties of cubic (3C) and hexagonal (6H, 4H, and 2H) polytypes of II-VI compounds: ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe. We find that the different bond stacking in II-VI polytypes remarkably influences the resulting physical properties. Furthermore, the degree of hexagonality is found to be useful to understand both the ground-state properties and the electronic structure of these compounds. The resulting lattice parameters, energetic stability, and characteristic band energies are in good agreement with available experimental data. Trends with hexagonality of the polytype are investigated.

  9. Polytypism in ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe: First-principles study

    KAUST Repository

    Boutaiba, F.; Belabbes, Abderrezak; Ferhat, M.; Bechstedt, F.

    2014-01-01

    We report results of first-principles calculations based on the projector augmented wave (PAW) method to explore the structural, thermodynamic, and electronic properties of cubic (3C) and hexagonal (6H, 4H, and 2H) polytypes of II-VI compounds: ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe. We find that the different bond stacking in II-VI polytypes remarkably influences the resulting physical properties. Furthermore, the degree of hexagonality is found to be useful to understand both the ground-state properties and the electronic structure of these compounds. The resulting lattice parameters, energetic stability, and characteristic band energies are in good agreement with available experimental data. Trends with hexagonality of the polytype are investigated.

  10. First-principles-based study of transport properties of Fe thin films on Cu surfaces

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kishi, Tomoya [Department of Applied Physics, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 (Japan); Kasai, Hideaki [Department of Applied Physics, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 (Japan); Nakanishi, Hiroshi [Department of Applied Physics, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 (Japan); Dino, Wilson Agerico [Department of Applied Physics, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 (Japan); Komori, Fumio [Institute for Solid State Physics, University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8587 (Japan)

    2004-12-08

    We investigate the transport properties of Fe thin films on Cu(111) based on first principles calculation. We calculate the electron current through these Fe thin films, which can be observed by using a double-tipped scanning tunnelling microscope. We find that the conductance is majority spin polarized. On the basis of the band structures for this system, we discuss the origin of these interesting transport properties.

  11. First-principles-based study of transport properties of Fe thin films on Cu surfaces

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kishi, Tomoya; Kasai, Hideaki; Nakanishi, Hiroshi; Dino, Wilson Agerico; Komori, Fumio

    2004-01-01

    We investigate the transport properties of Fe thin films on Cu(111) based on first principles calculation. We calculate the electron current through these Fe thin films, which can be observed by using a double-tipped scanning tunnelling microscope. We find that the conductance is majority spin polarized. On the basis of the band structures for this system, we discuss the origin of these interesting transport properties

  12. First-principles study of lattice dynamics, structural phase transition, and thermodynamic properties of barium titanate

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, Huai-Yong; Zhao, Ying-Qin; Lu, Qing [Sichuan Univ., Chengdu (China). Inst. of Atomic and Molecular Physics; Zeng, Zhao-Yi [Chongqing Normal Univ. (China). College of Physics and Electronic Engineering; Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang (China). National Key Laboratory for Shock Wave and Detonation Physics Research; Cheng, Yan [Sichuan Univ., Chengdu (China). Inst. of Atomic and Molecular Physics; Sichuan Univ., Chengdu (China). Key Laboratory of High Energy Density Physics and Technology of Ministry of Education

    2016-11-01

    Lattice dynamics, structural phase transition, and the thermodynamic properties of barium titanate (BaTiO{sub 3}) are investigated by using first-principles calculations within the density functional theory (DFT). It is found that the GGA-WC exchange-correlation functional can produce better results. The imaginary frequencies that indicate structural instability are observed for the cubic, tetragonal, and orthorhombic phases of BaTiO{sub 3} and no imaginary frequencies emerge in the rhombohedral phase. By examining the partial phonon density of states (PDOSs), we find that the main contribution to the imaginary frequencies is the distortions of the perovskite cage (Ti-O). On the basis of the site-symmetry consideration and group theory, we give the comparative phonon symmetry analysis in four phases, which is useful to analyze the role of different atomic displacements in the vibrational modes of different symmetry. The calculated optical phonon frequencies at Γ point for the four phases are in good agreement with other theoretical and experimental data. The pressure-induced phase transition of BaTiO{sub 3} among four phases and the thermodynamic properties of BaTiO{sub 3} in rhombohedral phase have been investigated within the quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA). The sequence of the pressure-induced phase transition is rhombohedral → orthorhombic → tetragonal → cubic, and the corresponding transition pressure is 5.17, 5.92, 6.65 GPa, respectively. At zero pressure, the thermal expansion coefficient α{sub V}, heat capacity C{sub V}, Grueneisen parameter γ, and bulk modulus B of the rhombohedral phase BaTiO{sub 3} are estimated from 0 K to 200 K.

  13. First-principles study of point-defect production in Si and SiC

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Windl, W.; Lenosky, T.J.; Kress, J.D.; Voter, A.F.

    1998-03-01

    The authors have calculated the displacement-threshold energy E(d) for point-defect production in Si and SiC using empirical potentials, tight-binding, and first-principles methods. They show that -- depending on the knock-on direction -- 64-atom simulation cells can be sufficient to allow a nearly finite-size-effect-free calculation, thus making the use of first-principles methods possible. They use molecular dynamics (MD) techniques and propose the use of a sudden approximation which agrees reasonably well with the MD results for selected directions and which allows estimates of Ed without employing an MD simulation and the use of computationally demanding first-principles methods. Comparing the results with experiment, the authors find the full self-consistent first-principles method in conjunction with the sudden approximation to be a reliable and easy method to predict E d . Furthermore, they have examined the temperature dependence of E d for C in SiC and found it to be negligible

  14. First-principles calculations on Mg/Al2CO interfaces

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, F.; Li, K.; Zhou, N.G.

    2013-01-01

    The electronic structure, work of adhesion, and interfacial energy of the Mg(0 0 0 2)/Al 2 CO(0 0 0 1) interface were studied with the first-principles calculations to clarify the heterogeneous nucleation potential of Al 2 CO particles in Mg melt. AlO-terminated Al 2 CO(0 0 0 1) slabs with seven atomic layers were adopted for interfacial model geometries. Results show that the “Over O” stacking interface is more stable than the “Over Al” stacking interface due to the larger interfacial adhesion and stronger mixed ionic/metallic bond formed across the interface. The calculated interfacial energies of Mg/Al 2 CO depend on the value of Δμ Al + Δμ C , proving Al 2 CO particles can exist stably in Mg–Al alloys melt and become effective nucleation substrate for α-Mg grain under certain conditions. The above calculation and corresponding analysis provide strong theoretical support to the Al 2 CO nucleus hypothesis from interfacial atomic structure and atomic bonding energy considerations.

  15. Structural and electronic properties of free standing one-sided and two-sided hydrogenated silicene: A first principle study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mohan, Brij; Kumar, Ashok; Ahluwalia, P. K.

    2014-01-01

    We performed first-principle study of the structural and electronic properties of two-dimensional hydrogenated silicene for two configurations; one is hydrogenation along one side of silicene sheet and second is hydrogenation in both sides of silicene sheet. The one-side hydrogenated silicene is found stable at planar geometry while increased buckling of 0.725 Å is found for both-side hydrogenated silicene. The result shows that the hydrogenation occupy the extended π-bonding network of silicene, and thus it exhibits semi-conducting behaviour with a band gap of 1.77 eV and 2.19 eV for one-side hydrogenated silicene and both-side hydrogenated silicene respectively. However, both-side hydrogenated silicene of binding energy 4.56 eV is more stable than one-side hydrogenated silicene of binding energy 4.30 eV, but experimentally silicene is synthesized on substrates which interacts one side of silicene layer and only other side is available for H-atoms. Therefore, practically one-side hydrogenation is also important

  16. First-principles study of structure, electronic properties and stability of tungsten adsorption on TiC(111) surface with disordered vacancies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ilyasov, Victor V.; Pham, Khang D.; Zhdanova, Tatiana P.; Phuc, Huynh V.; Hieu, Nguyen N.; Nguyen, Chuong V.

    2017-12-01

    In this paper, we systematically investigate the atomic structure, electronic and thermodynamic properties of adsorbed W atoms on the polar Ti-terminated TixCy (111) surface with different configurations of adsorptions using first principle calculations. The bond length, adsorption energy, and formation energy for different reconstructions of the atomic structure of the W/TixCy (111) systems were established. The effect of the tungsten coverage on the electronic structure and the adsorption mechanism of tungsten atom on the TixCy (111) are also investigated. We also suggest the possible mechanisms of W nucleation on the TixCy (111) surface. The effective charges on W atoms and nearest-neighbor atoms in the examined reconstructions were identified. Additionally, we have established the charge transfer from titanium atom to tungsten and carbon atoms which determine by the reconstruction of the local atomic and electronic structures. Our calculations showed that the charge transfer correlates with the electronegativity of tungsten and nearest-neighbor atoms. We also determined the effective charge per atom of titanium, carbon atoms, and neighboring adsorbed tungsten atom in different binding configurations. We found that, with reduction of the lattice symmetry associated with titanium and carbon vacancies, the adsorption energy increases by 1.2 times in the binding site A of W/TixCy systems.

  17. Thermopower switching by magnetic field: first-principles calculations

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Maslyuk, Volodymyr V.; Achilles, Steven; Sandratskii, Leonid

    2013-01-01

    We present first-principles studies of the thermopower of the organometallic V4Bz5 molecule attached between Co electrodes with noncollinear magnetization directions. Different regimes in the formation of the noncollinear magnetic state of the molecule lead to a remarkable nonmonotonous dependence...

  18. Mechanical properties of layered oxysulfide CaZnOS from first principle calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, Zhi-Jun [Department of Physics, Dongguk University, Pildong-ro, Choong-gu, Seoul, 100-715 (Korea, Republic of); Feng, Ang [Key Laboratory of Transparent Opto-Functional Inorganic Materials of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Shanghai, 200050 (China); Zhang, Shao-Lin; Zhang, Wei-Bin [Department of Physics, Dongguk University, Pildong-ro, Choong-gu, Seoul, 100-715 (Korea, Republic of); Yang, Woochul, E-mail: wyang@dongguk.edu [Department of Physics, Dongguk University, Pildong-ro, Choong-gu, Seoul, 100-715 (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-06-15

    Elastic and tensile properties of mixed-anion oxysulfide CaZnOS have been theoretically investigated by first principle method of density functional theory (DFT). Elastic constants were obtained by stress–strain relationships, and bulk structure parameters including bulk modulus, shear modulus, as well as Poisson's ratio were then calculated using Voigt-Reuses-Hill (VRH) approximation. The results of shear anisotropic factors, compressibility anisotropic factor and directional Young's modulus showed that CaZnOS is almost elastically isotropic in {001} planes and maintains elastic anisotropy in {100} or {010} planes. Chemical bond anisotropy shown by Mulliken atomic charges and bond overlap populations is responsible for the elastic anisotropy behavior aforementioned. Moreover, theoretical uniaxial and biaxial tensile results showed the crystal collapsed at strain more than 12%, except in the biaxial extension where CaZnOS collapsed at strain of 7%. - Highlights: • Elastic and theoretical tensile properties of CaZnOS have been investigated by first principle method. • CaZnOS is elastically isotropic in {001} planes and maintains elastic anisotropy in {100} or {010} planes. • Mulliken atomic charges and bond overlap populations are responsible for the elastic anisotropy behavior.

  19. Structures, energetics, vibrational spectra of NH4+ (H2O)(n=4,6) clusters: Ab initio calculations and first principles molecular dynamics simulations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Karthikeyan, S; Singh, Jiten N; Park, Mina; Kumar, Rajesh; Kim, Kwang S

    2008-06-28

    Important structural isomers of NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(n=4,6) have been studied by using density functional theory, Moller-Plesset second order perturbation theory, and coupled-cluster theory with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)]. The zero-point energy (ZPE) correction to the complete basis set limit of the CCSD(T) binding energies and free energies is necessary to identify the low energy structures for NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(n=4,6) because otherwise wrong structures could be assigned for the most probable structures. For NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(6), the cage-type structure, which is more stable than the previously reported open structure before the ZPE correction, turns out to be less stable after the ZPE correction. In first principles Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations around 100 K, the combined power spectrum of three lowest energy isomers of NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(4) and two lowest energy isomers of NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(6) explains each experimental IR spectrum.

  20. First principles calculations for interaction of tyrosine with (ZnO)3 cluster

    Science.gov (United States)

    Singh, Satvinder; Singh, Gurinder; Kaura, Aman; Tripathi, S. K.

    2018-04-01

    First Principles Calculations have been performed to study interactions of Phenol ring of Tyrosine (C6H5OH) with (ZnO)3 atomic cluster. All the calculations have been performed under the Density Functional Theory (DFT) framework. Structural and electronic properties of (ZnO)3/C6H5OH have been studied. Gaussian basis set approach has been adopted for the calculations. A ring type most stable (ZnO)3 atomic cluster has been modeled, analyzed and used for the calculations. The compatibility of the results with previous studies has been presented here.

  1. First-principles calculations of the electronic structure and optical properties of K1−xNaxTaO3 (x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhao, Na; Wang, Yue-Hua; Wang, Qing-Xi; Hu, Wen-Jing

    2012-01-01

    The first-principles calculations are performed to investigate the cubic phase composite K 1−x Na x TaO 3 (x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1), by using density functional theory (DFT) with the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. The energy band structures, density of states (DOS), electron density and optical properties are obtained. The results show that Na ion plays an important role in K 1−x Na x TaO 3 . With the content of Na ion increasing, the changes of lattice parameters, energy gaps, bond lengths and optical properties of K 1−x Na x TaO 3 are regular. Moreover, the dependence of ferroelectric photocatalysis on both optical properties and internal electronic structure are analyzed in detail. It is proposed that the doped materials are promising photocatalytic materials. - Graphical abstract: The density of states (DOS) of K 1−x Na x TaO 3 (x=0.5). Highlights: ► The first-principles calculations are performed, by using DFT with FP-LAPW method. ► The changes of internal electronic structure and optical property of doped materials are regular. ► The dependence of ferroelectric photocatalysis on optical properties is analyzed. ► The dependence of ferroelectric photocatalysis on internal electronic structure is analyzed. ► The doped materials are promising photocatalytic materials.

  2. Investigation of structural, surface morphological, optical properties and first-principles study on electronic and magnetic properties of (Ce, Fe)-co doped ZnO

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Arul Mary, J.; Judith Vijaya, J.; Bououdina, M.; John Kennedy, L.; Daie, J.H.; Song, Y.

    2015-01-01

    We report on the synthesis of ((Zn 1−2x Ce x Fe x ) O (x=0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05)) nanoparticles via microwave combustion by using urea as a fuel. To understand how the dopant influenced the structural, magnetic and optical properties of nanoparticles, it was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The stability and magnetic properties of Ce and Fe co-doped ZnO were probed by first principle calculations. From the analysis of X-ray diffraction, the samples are identified with the wurtzite crystal structure. The change in lattice parameters, micro-strain, and a small shift in XRD peaks confirms the substitution of co dopants into the ZnO lattice. Morphological investigation of the products revealed the existence of irregular shapes, such as spherical, spherodial and hexagonal. DRS measurements showed a decrease in the energy gap with increasing dopants contents, probably due to an increase in the lattice parameters. PL spectra consist of visible emission, due to the electronic defects, which are related to deep level emissions, such as oxide antisite (O Zn ), interstitial zinc (Zn i ), interstitial oxygen (O i ) and zinc vacancy (V Zn ). Magnetic measurements showed a ferromagnetic behavior for all the doped samples at room temperature. The first principle calculation results showed that the Ce governs the stability, while the Fe adjusts the magnetic characteristics in the Ce and Fe co-doped ZnO

  3. First-principles prediction of liquid/liquid interfacial tension

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Andersson, Martin Peter; Bennetzen, M.V.; Klamt, A.

    2014-01-01

    of groundwater aquifers contaminated by chlorinated solvents to drug delivery and a host of industrial processes. Here, we present a model for predicting interfacial tension from first principles using density functional theory calculations. Our model requires no experimental input and is applicable to liquid...

  4. Molecular Electronics: Insight from First-Principles Transport Simulations

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Paulsson, Magnus; Frederiksen, Thomas; Brandbyge, Mads

    2010-01-01

    Conduction properties of nanoscale contacts can be studied using first-principles simulations. Such calculations give insight into details behind the conductance that is not readily available in experiments. For example, we may learn how the bonding conditions of a molecule to the electrodes affect...

  5. Implementing first-year assessment principles: An analysis of selected scholarly literature

    OpenAIRE

    Theda Thomas

    2018-01-01

    Assessment plays an important role in students’ learning as students often frame their learning around their assessment tasks. Well-designed assessment can be used to facilitate first-year students making their social and academic transition to university. In 2009, Professor David Nicol prepared a framework for first-year assessment practices that included 12 principles. In this study, these principles were revisited and used to analyse papers from 2013 to 2016 in the journals: ‘Assessment & ...

  6. First-principles prediction of phononic thermal conductivity of silicene: A comparison with graphene

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gu, Xiaokun; Yang, Ronggui

    2015-01-01

    There has been great interest in two-dimensional materials, beyond graphene, for both fundamental sciences and technological applications. Silicene, a silicon counterpart of graphene, has been shown to possess some better electronic properties than graphene. However, its thermal transport properties have not been fully studied. In this paper, we apply the first-principles-based phonon Boltzmann transport equation to investigate the thermal conductivity of silicene as well as the phonon scattering mechanisms. Although both graphene and silicene are two-dimensional crystals with similar crystal structure, we find that phonon transport in silicene is quite different from that in graphene. The thermal conductivity of silicene shows a logarithmic increase with respect to the sample size due to the small scattering rates of acoustic in-plane phonon modes, while that of graphene is finite. Detailed analysis of phonon scattering channels shows that the linear dispersion of the acoustic out-of-plane (ZA) phonon modes, which is induced by the buckled structure, makes the long-wavelength longitudinal acoustic phonon modes in silicene not as efficiently scattered as that in graphene. Compared with graphene, where most of the heat is carried by the acoustic out-of-plane (ZA) phonon modes, the ZA phonon modes in silicene only have ∼10% contribution to the total thermal conductivity, which can also be attributed to the buckled structure. This systematic comparison of phonon transport and thermal conductivity of silicene and graphene using the first-principle-based calculations shed some light on other two-dimensional materials, such as two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides

  7. Can the Tafel equation be derived from first principles?

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gutman, E.M.

    2005-01-01

    A century ago, Tafel disapproved the attempts to derive the empirical equation named after him by thermodynamic methods. He noted that his observations referred to irreversible electrochemical reactions, where thermodynamics is inapplicable. This statement seems to remain valid until today. Indeed, it is impossible as yet to predict the kinetic parameters for chemical processes by determining rate constants and reaction orders from 'first principles', unless strictly specialized and, to a great extent, artificial models are developed. Nevertheless, in this paper an attempt to derive the kinetic law of mass action from 'first principles' is made in macroscopic formulation. It has turned out to be possible owing to the methods of thermodynamics of irreversible processes that were unknown in Tafel's time

  8. The pressure-induced structural response of rare earth hafnate and stannate pyrochlore from 0.1-50 GPa

    Science.gov (United States)

    Turner, K. M.; Rittman, D.; Heymach, R.; Turner, M.; Tracy, C.; Mao, W. L.; Ewing, R. C.

    2017-12-01

    Complex oxides with the pyrochlore (A2B2O7) and defect-fluorite ((A,B)4O7) structure-types undergo structural transformations under high-pressure. These compounds are under consideration for applications including as a proposed waste-form for actinides generated in the nuclear fuel cycle. High-pressure transformations in rare earth hafnates (A2Hf2O7, A=Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Y, Yb) and stannates (A2Sn2O7, A=Nd, Gd, Er) were investigated to 50 GPa by in situ Raman spectroscopy and synchrotron x-ray diffraction (XRD). Rare-earth hafnates form the pyrochlore structure for A=La-Tb and the defect-fluorite structure for A=Dy-Lu. Lanthanide stannates form the pyrochlore structure. Raman spectra revealed that at ambient pressure all compositions have pyrochlore-type short-range order. Stannate compositions show a larger degree of pyrochlore-type short-range ordering relative to hafnates. In situ high-pressure synchrotron XRD showed that rare earth hafnates and stannates underwent a pressure-induced phase transition to a cotunnite-like (Pnma) structure that begins between 18-25 GPa in hafnates and between 30-33 GPa in stannates. The phase transition is not complete at 50 GPa, and upon decompression, XRD indicates that all compositions transform to defect-fluorite with an amorphous component. In situ Raman spectroscopy showed that disordering in stannates and hafnates occurs gradually upon compression. Pyrochlore-structured hafnates retain short-range order to a higher pressure (30 GPa vs. <10 GPa) than defect-fluorite-structured hafnates. Hafnates and stannates decompressed from 50 GPa show Raman spectra consistent with weberite-type structures, also reported in irradiated stannates. The second-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state fit gives a bulk modulus of 250 GPa for hafnate compositions with the pyrochlore structure, and 400 GPa for hafnate compositions with the defect-fluorite structure. Stannates have a lower bulk modulus relative to hafnates (between 80-150 GPa

  9. First-principles study of the diffusion mechanisms of the self-interstitial in germanium

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Carvalho, A; Jones, R; Janke, C; Goss, J P; Briddon, P R; Oeberg, S

    2008-01-01

    The self-interstitial in germanium can assume multiple configurations depending on the temperature and charge state. Here, we employ a first-principles density functional method to investigate the diffusion mechanisms of this defect. The energy barriers associated with the transformation between different structures are determined by the climbing nudged elastic band method, as a function of the charge state. The relation between the thermodynamic properties of the self-interstitial and the temperature evolution of electron radiation damage in germanium are discussed

  10. Structural principles in network glasses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Boolchand, P.

    1986-01-01

    Substantial progress in decoding the structure of network glasses has taken place in the past few years. Crucial insights into the molecular structure of glasses have emerged by application of Raman bond and Moessbauer site spectroscopy. In this context, the complimentary role of each spectroscopy as a check on the interpretation of the other, is perhaps one of the more significant developments in the field. New advances in the theory of the subject have also taken place. It is thus appropriate to inquire what general principles if any, have emerged on the structure of real glasses. The author reviews some of the principal ideas on the structure of inorganic network glasses with the aid of specific examples. (Auth.)

  11. Disordered crystals from first principles I: Quantifying the configuration space

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kühne, Thomas D.; Prodan, Emil

    2018-04-01

    This work represents the first chapter of a project on the foundations of first-principle calculations of the electron transport in crystals at finite temperatures. We are interested in the range of temperatures, where most electronic components operate, that is, room temperature and above. The aim is a predictive first-principle formalism that combines ab-initio molecular dynamics and a finite-temperature Kubo-formula for homogeneous thermodynamic phases. The input for this formula is the ergodic dynamical system (Ω , G , dP) defining the thermodynamic crystalline phase, where Ω is the configuration space for the atomic degrees of freedom, G is the space group acting on Ω and dP is the ergodic Gibbs measure relative to the G-action. The present work develops an algorithmic method for quantifying (Ω , G , dP) from first principles. Using the silicon crystal as a working example, we find the Gibbs measure to be extremely well characterized by a multivariate normal distribution, which can be quantified using a small number of parameters. The latter are computed at various temperatures and communicated in the form of a table. Using this table, one can generate large and accurate thermally-disordered atomic configurations to serve, for example, as input for subsequent simulations of the electronic degrees of freedom.

  12. First-principles molecular dynamics study of Al/Alq3 interfaces

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kousuke Takeuchi et al

    2007-01-01

    Full Text Available We have carried out first-principles molecular dynamics simulations of Al deposition on tris (8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3 layers to investigate atomic geometries and electronic properties of Al/Alq3 interfaces. Al atoms were ejected to Alq3 one by one with the kinetic energy of 37.4 kJ/mol, which approximately corresponds to the average kinetic energy of Al at the boiling temperature of metal Al. The first Al atom interacts with two of the three O atoms of meridional Alq3. Following Al atoms interact with Alq3 rather weakly and they tend to aggregate each other to form Al clusters. During the deposition process, Alq3 was not broken and its molecular structure remained essentially intact. At the interface, weak bonds between deposited Al atoms and N and C atoms were formed. The projected density of states (PDOS onto the Alq3 molecular orbitals shows gap states in between the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs, which were experimentally observed by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS and metastable atom electron spectroscopy (MAES. Our results show that even though the Alq3 molecular structure is retained, weak N–Al and C–Al bonds induce gap states.

  13. Prediction of solid oxide fuel cell cathode activity with first-principles descriptors

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Lee, Yueh-Lin; Kleis, Jesper; Rossmeisl, Jan

    2011-01-01

    In this work we demonstrate that the experimentally measured area specific resistance and oxygen surface exchange of solid oxide fuel cell cathode perovskites are strongly correlated with the first-principles calculated oxygen p-band center and vacancy formation energy. These quantities...... are therefore descriptors of catalytic activity that can be used in the first-principles design of new SOFC cathodes....

  14. First-principles data-driven discovery of transition metal oxides for artificial photosynthesis

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yan, Qimin

    We develop a first-principles data-driven approach for rapid identification of transition metal oxide (TMO) light absorbers and photocatalysts for artificial photosynthesis using the Materials Project. Initially focusing on Cr, V, and Mn-based ternary TMOs in the database, we design a broadly-applicable multiple-layer screening workflow automating density functional theory (DFT) and hybrid functional calculations of bulk and surface electronic and magnetic structures. We further assess the electrochemical stability of TMOs in aqueous environments from computed Pourbaix diagrams. Several promising earth-abundant low band-gap TMO compounds with desirable band edge energies and electrochemical stability are identified by our computational efforts and then synergistically evaluated using high-throughput synthesis and photoelectrochemical screening techniques by our experimental collaborators at Caltech. Our joint theory-experiment effort has successfully identified new earth-abundant copper and manganese vanadate complex oxides that meet highly demanding requirements for photoanodes, substantially expanding the known space of such materials. By integrating theory and experiment, we validate our approach and develop important new insights into structure-property relationships for TMOs for oxygen evolution photocatalysts, paving the way for use of first-principles data-driven techniques in future applications. This work is supported by the Materials Project Predictive Modeling Center and the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis through the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division, under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. Computational resources also provided by the Department of Energy through the National Energy Supercomputing Center.

  15. Roy's safety-first portfolio principle in financial risk management of disastrous events.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chiu, Mei Choi; Wong, Hoi Ying; Li, Duan

    2012-11-01

    Roy pioneers the concept and practice of risk management of disastrous events via his safety-first principle for portfolio selection. More specifically, his safety-first principle advocates an optimal portfolio strategy generated from minimizing the disaster probability, while subject to the budget constraint and the mean constraint that the expected final wealth is not less than a preselected disaster level. This article studies the dynamic safety-first principle in continuous time and its application in asset and liability management. We reveal that the distortion resulting from dropping the mean constraint, as a common practice to approximate the original Roy's setting, either leads to a trivial case or changes the problem nature completely to a target-reaching problem, which produces a highly leveraged trading strategy. Recognizing the ill-posed nature of the corresponding Lagrangian method when retaining the mean constraint, we invoke a wisdom observed from a limited funding-level regulation of pension funds and modify the original safety-first formulation accordingly by imposing an upper bound on the funding level. This model revision enables us to solve completely the safety-first asset-liability problem by a martingale approach and to derive an optimal policy that follows faithfully the spirit of the safety-first principle and demonstrates a prominent nature of fighting for the best and preventing disaster from happening. © 2012 Society for Risk Analysis.

  16. Surface structure and properties of functionalized nanodiamonds: a first-principles study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Datta, Aditi; Kirca, Mesut; Fu Yao; To, Albert C

    2011-01-01

    The goal of this work is to gain fundamental understanding of the surface and internal structure of functionalized detonation nanodiamonds (NDs) using quantum mechanics based density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The unique structure of ND assists in the binding of different functional groups to its surface which in turn facilitates binding with drug molecules. The ability to comprehensively model the surface properties, as well as drug-ND interactions during functionalization, is a challenge and is the problem of our interest. First, the structure of NDs of technologically relevant size (∼5 nm) was optimized using classical mechanics based molecular mechanics simulations. Quantum mechanics based density functional theory (DFT) was then employed to analyse the properties of smaller relevant parts of the optimized cluster further to address the effect of functionalization on the stability of the cluster and reactivity at its surface. It is found that functionalization is preferred over reconstruction at the (100) surface and promotes graphitization in the (111) surface for NDs functionalized with the carbonyl oxygen (C = O) group. It is also seen that the edges of ND are the preferred sites for functionalization with the carboxyl group (-COOH) vis-a-vis the corners of ND.

  17. Surface structure and properties of functionalized nanodiamonds: a first-principles study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Datta, Aditi; Kirca, Mesut; Fu Yao; To, Albert C, E-mail: albertto@pitt.edu [Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 (United States)

    2011-02-11

    The goal of this work is to gain fundamental understanding of the surface and internal structure of functionalized detonation nanodiamonds (NDs) using quantum mechanics based density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The unique structure of ND assists in the binding of different functional groups to its surface which in turn facilitates binding with drug molecules. The ability to comprehensively model the surface properties, as well as drug-ND interactions during functionalization, is a challenge and is the problem of our interest. First, the structure of NDs of technologically relevant size ({approx}5 nm) was optimized using classical mechanics based molecular mechanics simulations. Quantum mechanics based density functional theory (DFT) was then employed to analyse the properties of smaller relevant parts of the optimized cluster further to address the effect of functionalization on the stability of the cluster and reactivity at its surface. It is found that functionalization is preferred over reconstruction at the (100) surface and promotes graphitization in the (111) surface for NDs functionalized with the carbonyl oxygen (C = O) group. It is also seen that the edges of ND are the preferred sites for functionalization with the carboxyl group (-COOH) vis-a-vis the corners of ND.

  18. First-principles study of L10 Ti-Al and V-Al alloys

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chubb, S.R.; Papaconstantopoulos, D.A.; Klein, B.M.

    1988-01-01

    As a first step towards understanding the reduced embrittlement of L1 0 Ti-Al alloys which accompanies the introduction of small concentrations of V, we have determined from first principles, using full-potential linearized--augmented-plane-wave calculations, the equilibrium values of the structural parameters and the associated electronic structure for the stoichiometric (L1 0 ) Ti-Al (tetragonal) compound. Our calculated values of c/a and a are in good agreement with experiment. Using the same method of calculation, we have also studied the electronic structure associated with the (hypothetical) L1 0 V-Al alloy that would form when V is substituted for Ti. We find that (1) the electronic structures of these V-Al alloys are relatively insensitive to variations of c/a and a; (2) near the Ti-Al equilibrium geometry, the electronic structures of the V-Al and Ti-Al alloys are very similar; and (3) that a rigid-band model involving substitution of V for Ti can be used to gain a qualitative understanding of the reduction in c/a which accompanies the introduction of small concentrations of V. We relate the reduction in c/a to important changes in the bonding that accompany the occupation of bands immediately above the Fermi level of the stoichiometric Ti-Al compound

  19. Charge transfer of edge states in zigzag silicene nanoribbons with Stone–Wales defects from first-principles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ting, Xie [College of Mathematics and Statistics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331 (China); School of Mathematics and Statistic, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054 (China); Rui, Wang, E-mail: rcwang@cqu.edu.cn [Institute for Structure and Function and Department of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China); State Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100190 (China); Shaofeng, Wang [Institute for Structure and Function and Department of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China); Xiaozhi, Wu, E-mail: xiaozhiwu@cqu.edu.cn [Institute for Structure and Function and Department of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044 (China)

    2016-10-15

    Highlights: • The properties of SW defects in silicene and ZSNRs are obtained. • The SW defects at the edge of ZSNRs induce a sizable gap. • The charge transfer of edge states is resulted from SW defects in ZSNRS. - Abstract: Stone–Wales (SW) defects are favorably existed in graphene-like materials with honeycomb lattice structure and potentially employed to change the electronic properties in band engineering. In this paper, we investigate structural and electronic properties of SW defects in silicene sheet and its nanoribbons as a function of their concentration using the methods of periodic boundary conditions with first-principles calculations. We first calculate the formation energy, structural properties, and electronic band structures of SW defects in silicene sheet, with dependence on the concentration of SW defects. Our results show a good agreement with available values from the previous first-principles calculations. The energetics, structural aspects, and electronic properties of SW defects with dependence on defect concentration and location in edge-hydrogenated zigzag silicene nanoribbons are obtained. For all calculated concentrations, the SW defects prefer to locate at the edge due to the lower formation energy. The SW defects at the center of silicene nanoribbons slightly influence on the electronic properties, whereas the SW defects at the edge of silicene nanoribbons split the degenerate edge states and induce a sizable gap, which depends on the concentration of defects. It is worth to find that the SW defects produce a perturbation repulsive potential, which leads the decomposed charge of edge states at the side with defect to transfer to the other side without defect.

  20. Near-infrared radiation absorption properties of covellite (CuS using first-principles calculations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lihua Xiao

    2016-08-01

    Full Text Available First-principles density functional theory was used to investigate the electronic structure, optical properties and the origin of the near-infrared (NIR absorption of covellite (CuS. The calculated lattice constant and optical properties are found to be in reasonable agreement with experimental and theoretical findings. The electronic structure reveals that the valence and conduction bands of covellite are determined by the Cu 3d and S 3p states. By analyzing its optical properties, we can fully understand the potential of covellite (CuS as a NIR absorbing material. Our results show that covellite (CuS exhibits NIR absorption due to its metal-like plasma oscillation in the NIR range.

  1. First principles and phonon calculations of ZrCo and ZrCo-H systems

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chattaraj, D.; Parida, S.C.; Dash, Smruti; Majumder, C.

    2012-01-01

    The intermetallic ZrCo is a potential material for the storage and release of hydrogen isotopes because of its high gravimetric capacity and its low hydrogen equilibrium pressure. This intermetallic is a proposed material for the safe storage, supply and delivery of hydrogen isotope in the ITER project. To investigate the suitability of ZrCo as a getter material for the storage of hydrogen isotope it is essential to know in detail the structure-property relationships in both ZrCo and its hydride. Hence, in this study, we have investigated the structural, electronic, vibrational and thermodynamic properties of ZrCo and ZrCoH 3 using the first principles and phonon calculations

  2. The effects of the impurity distribution on the electrical and optical properties of Cr2+:ZnSe nanowires: First-principles study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shenyu Dai

    2018-03-01

    Full Text Available The structural, electrical and mid-infrared optical properties of wurtzite structured ZnSe nanowires with different Chromium impurity distribution are investigated using first-principles calculation based on density-functional theory (DFT. The formation energies have been calculated to study the relative stabilities of different Cr doping positions. It is shown that when the Cr doping position shifted from the center to the edge, the splitting energy between 5T2 and 5E levels of Cr d-orbitals is decreased and a redshift is observed in the calculated infrared absorption spectra. A probable reason for these effects of the impurity distribution is discussed. Keywords: First-principles, Nanowires, Impurity distribution, Cr-doped ZnSe

  3. Protein structure similarity from principle component correlation analysis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chou James

    2006-01-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Owing to rapid expansion of protein structure databases in recent years, methods of structure comparison are becoming increasingly effective and important in revealing novel information on functional properties of proteins and their roles in the grand scheme of evolutionary biology. Currently, the structural similarity between two proteins is measured by the root-mean-square-deviation (RMSD in their best-superimposed atomic coordinates. RMSD is the golden rule of measuring structural similarity when the structures are nearly identical; it, however, fails to detect the higher order topological similarities in proteins evolved into different shapes. We propose new algorithms for extracting geometrical invariants of proteins that can be effectively used to identify homologous protein structures or topologies in order to quantify both close and remote structural similarities. Results We measure structural similarity between proteins by correlating the principle components of their secondary structure interaction matrix. In our approach, the Principle Component Correlation (PCC analysis, a symmetric interaction matrix for a protein structure is constructed with relationship parameters between secondary elements that can take the form of distance, orientation, or other relevant structural invariants. When using a distance-based construction in the presence or absence of encoded N to C terminal sense, there are strong correlations between the principle components of interaction matrices of structurally or topologically similar proteins. Conclusion The PCC method is extensively tested for protein structures that belong to the same topological class but are significantly different by RMSD measure. The PCC analysis can also differentiate proteins having similar shapes but different topological arrangements. Additionally, we demonstrate that when using two independently defined interaction matrices, comparison of their maximum

  4. Chemical ordering in substituted fluorite oxides: a computational investigation of Ho2Zr2O7 and RE2Th2O7 (RE=Ho, Y, Gd, Nd, La)

    OpenAIRE

    Jonathan M. Solomon; Jacob Shamblin; Maik Lang; Alexandra Navrotsky; Mark Asta

    2016-01-01

    Fluorite-structured oxides find widespread use for applications spanning nuclear energy and waste containment, energy conversion, and sensing. In such applications the host tetravalent cation is often partially substituted by trivalent cations, with an associated formation of charge-compensating oxygen vacancies. The stability and properties of such materials are known to be influenced strongly by chemical ordering of the cations and vacancies, and the nature of such ordering and associated e...

  5. Investigation of structural, surface morphological, optical properties and first-principles study on electronic and magnetic properties of (Ce, Fe)-co doped ZnO

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Arul Mary, J. [Catalysis and Nanomaterials Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry Loyola College, Chennai 600 034 (India); Judith Vijaya, J., E-mail: jjvijayaloyola@yahoo.co.in [Catalysis and Nanomaterials Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry Loyola College, Chennai 600 034 (India); Bououdina, M. [Departments of Physics, College of Science, University of Bahrain, PO Box 32038 Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain); John Kennedy, L. [Materials Division, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University, Chennai Campus, Chennai 600 127 (India); Daie, J.H.; Song, Y. [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, 2 West Wenhua Road, Weiahi 264209 (China)

    2015-01-01

    We report on the synthesis of ((Zn{sub 1−2x}Ce{sub x}Fe{sub x}) O (x=0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05)) nanoparticles via microwave combustion by using urea as a fuel. To understand how the dopant influenced the structural, magnetic and optical properties of nanoparticles, it was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectra and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The stability and magnetic properties of Ce and Fe co-doped ZnO were probed by first principle calculations. From the analysis of X-ray diffraction, the samples are identified with the wurtzite crystal structure. The change in lattice parameters, micro-strain, and a small shift in XRD peaks confirms the substitution of co dopants into the ZnO lattice. Morphological investigation of the products revealed the existence of irregular shapes, such as spherical, spherodial and hexagonal. DRS measurements showed a decrease in the energy gap with increasing dopants contents, probably due to an increase in the lattice parameters. PL spectra consist of visible emission, due to the electronic defects, which are related to deep level emissions, such as oxide antisite (O{sub Zn}), interstitial zinc (Zn{sub i}), interstitial oxygen (O{sub i}) and zinc vacancy (V{sub Zn}). Magnetic measurements showed a ferromagnetic behavior for all the doped samples at room temperature. The first principle calculation results showed that the Ce governs the stability, while the Fe adjusts the magnetic characteristics in the Ce and Fe co-doped ZnO.

  6. Lithium doping and vacancy effects on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of hexagonal boron nitride sheet: A first-principles calculation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fartab, Dorsa S.; Kordbacheh, Amirhossein Ahmadkhan

    2018-06-01

    The first-principles calculations based on spin-polarized density functional theory is carried out to investigate the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of a hexagonal boron nitride sheet (h-BNS) doped by one or two lithium atom(s). Moreover, a vacancy in the neighborhood of one Li-substituted atom is introduced into the system. All optimized structures indicate significant local deformations with Li atom(s) protruded to the exterior of the sheet. The defects considered at N site are energetically more favorable than their counterpart structures at B site. The spin-polarized impurity states appear within the bandgap region of the pristine h-BNS, which lead to a spontaneous magnetization with the largest magnetic moments of about 2 μB in where a single or two B atom(s) are replaced by Li atom(s). Furthermore, the Li substitution for a single B atom increases the density of holes compared to that of electrons forming a p-type semiconductor. More interestingly, the structure in which two Li are substituted two neighboring B atoms appears to show desired half-metallic behavior that may be applicable in spintronic. The results provide a way to enhance the conductivity and magnetism of the pristine h-BNS for potential applications in BN-based nanoscale devices.

  7. First-principles investigations of solid solution strengthening in Al alloys

    OpenAIRE

    Ma, Duancheng

    2012-01-01

    Any material properties, in principle, can be reproduced or predicted by performing firstprinciples calculations. Nowadays, however, we are dealing with complex alloy compositions and processes. The complexities cannot be fully described by first-principles, because of the limited computational power. The primary objective of this study is to investigate an important engineering problem, solid solution strengthening, in a simplified manner. The simplified scheme should allow fast and reliable...

  8. First-principles calculation of the structure and electronic properties of Fe-substituted Bi2Ti2O7

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huang, Jin-Dou; Zhang, Zhenyi; Lin, Feng; Dong, Bin

    2017-12-01

    We performed first-principles calculations to investigate the formation energy, geometry structure, and electronic property of Fe-doped Bi2Ti2O7 systems with different Fe doping content. The calculated formation energies indicate that the substitutional configurations of Fe-doping Bi2Ti2O7 are easy to obtain under O-rich growth condition, but their thermodynamic stability decreases with the increase of Fe content. The calculated spin-resolved density of states and band structures indicate that the introduction of Fe into Bi2Ti2O7 brings high spin polarization. The spin-down impurity levels in Fe x Bi2-x Ti2O7 and spin-up impurity levels in Fe x Bi2Ti2-x O7 systems locate in the bottom of conduction band and narrow the band gap significantly, thus leading to the absorption of visible light. Interestingly, the impurity states in Fe x Bi2-x Ti2O7 are the efficient separation center of photogenerated electron and hole, and less affected by Fe doping content, in comparison, the levels of impurity band in Fe x Bi2Ti2-x O7 systems are largely effected by the Fe doping content, and high Fe doping content is the key factor to improve the separating rate of photogenerated electron and hole.

  9. Pt atoms stabilized on hexagonal boron nitride as efficient single-atom catalysts for CO oxidation: A first-principles investigation

    KAUST Repository

    Liu, Xin; Duan, Ting; Meng, Changgong; Han, Yu

    2015-01-01

    Taking CO oxidation as a probe, we investigated the electronic structure and reactivity of Pt atoms stabilized by vacancy defects on hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) by first-principles-based calculations. As a joint effect of the high reactivity

  10. First-principles method for electron-phonon coupling and electron mobility

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Gunst, Tue; Markussen, Troels; Stokbro, Kurt

    2016-01-01

    We present density functional theory calculations of the phonon-limited mobility in n-type monolayer graphene, silicene, and MoS2. The material properties, including the electron-phonon interaction, are calculated from first principles. We provide a detailed description of the normalized full......-band relaxation time approximation for the linearized Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) that includes inelastic scattering processes. The bulk electron-phonon coupling is evaluated by a supercell method. The method employed is fully numerical and does therefore not require a semianalytic treatment of part...... of the problem and, importantly, it keeps the anisotropy information stored in the coupling as well as the band structure. In addition, we perform calculations of the low-field mobility and its dependence on carrier density and temperature to obtain a better understanding of transport in graphene, silicene...

  11. First-Principles Prediction of Spin-Polarized Multiple Dirac Rings in Manganese Fluoride

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jiao, Yalong; Ma, Fengxian; Zhang, Chunmei; Bell, John; Sanvito, Stefano; Du, Aijun

    2017-07-01

    Spin-polarized materials with Dirac features have sparked great scientific interest due to their potential applications in spintronics. But such a type of structure is very rare and none has been fabricated. Here, we investigate the already experimentally synthesized manganese fluoride (MnF3 ) as a novel spin-polarized Dirac material by using first-principles calculations. MnF3 exhibits multiple Dirac cones in one spin orientation, while it behaves like a large gap semiconductor in the other spin channel. The estimated Fermi velocity for each cone is of the same order of magnitude as that in graphene. The 3D band structure further reveals that MnF3 possesses rings of Dirac nodes in the Brillouin zone. Such a spin-polarized multiple Dirac ring feature is reported for the first time in an experimentally realized material. Moreover, similar band dispersions can be also found in other transition metal fluorides (e.g., CoF3 , CrF3 , and FeF3 ). Our results highlight a new interesting single-spin Dirac material with promising applications in spintronics and information technologies.

  12. First-Principles Prediction of Spin-Polarized Multiple Dirac Rings in Manganese Fluoride.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jiao, Yalong; Ma, Fengxian; Zhang, Chunmei; Bell, John; Sanvito, Stefano; Du, Aijun

    2017-07-07

    Spin-polarized materials with Dirac features have sparked great scientific interest due to their potential applications in spintronics. But such a type of structure is very rare and none has been fabricated. Here, we investigate the already experimentally synthesized manganese fluoride (MnF_{3}) as a novel spin-polarized Dirac material by using first-principles calculations. MnF_{3} exhibits multiple Dirac cones in one spin orientation, while it behaves like a large gap semiconductor in the other spin channel. The estimated Fermi velocity for each cone is of the same order of magnitude as that in graphene. The 3D band structure further reveals that MnF_{3} possesses rings of Dirac nodes in the Brillouin zone. Such a spin-polarized multiple Dirac ring feature is reported for the first time in an experimentally realized material. Moreover, similar band dispersions can be also found in other transition metal fluorides (e.g., CoF_{3}, CrF_{3}, and FeF_{3}). Our results highlight a new interesting single-spin Dirac material with promising applications in spintronics and information technologies.

  13. Structural, mechanical, and electronic properties of TaB2, TaB, IrB2, and IrB: First-principle calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhao Wenjie; Wang Yuanxu

    2009-01-01

    First-principle calculations were performed to investigate the structural, elastic, and electronic properties of TaB 2 , TaB, IrB 2 , and IrB. The calculated equilibrium structural parameters, shear modulus, and Young's modulus of TaB 2 are well consistent with the available experimental data, and TaB 2 with P6/mmm space group has stronger directional bonding between ions than WB 2 , OsB 2 , IrN 2 , and PtN 2 . For TaB 2 , the hexagonal P6/mmm structure is more stable than the orthorhombic Pmmn one, while for IrB 2 the orthorhombic Pmmn structure is the most stable one. The high shear modulus of P6/mmm phase TaB 2 is mainly due to the strong covalent π-bonding of B-hexagon in the (0001) plane. Such a B-hexagon network can strongly resist against an applied [112-bar0] (0001) shear deformation. Correlation between the hardness and the elastic constants of TaB 2 was discussed. The band structure shows that P6/mmm phase TaB 2 and Pmmn phase IrB 2 are both metallic. The calculations show that both TaB and IrB are elastically stable with the hexagonal P6 3 /mmc structure. - Elastic constant c 44 of TaB 2 is calculated to be 235 GPa. This value is exceptionally high, exceeding those of WB 2 , OsB 2 , WB 4 , OsN 2 , IrN 2 , and PtN 2 .

  14. Analysis of electron-positron momentum spectra of metallic alloys as supported by first-principles calculations

    OpenAIRE

    Folegati, P.; Makkonen, I.; Ferragut, R.; Puska, Martti J.

    2007-01-01

    Electron-positron momentum distributions measured by the coincidence Doppler broadening method can be used in the chemical analysis of the annihilation environment, typically a vacancy-impurity complex in a solid. In the present work, we study possibilities for a quantitative analysis, i.e., for distinguishing the average numbers of different atomic species around the defect. First-principles electronic structure calculations self-consistently determining electron and positron densities and i...

  15. First-principles calculations of the II-VI semiconductor β-HgS: Metal or semiconductor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Delin, A.

    2002-06-01

    Relativistic all-electron full-potential first-principles calculations have been performed in order to study the symmetry of the energy levels around the valence band maximum in the zinc blende II-VI semiconductors β-HgS, HgSe, and HgTe. It is demonstrated that in general, an inverted band-structure does not necessarily lead to a zero fundamental energy gap for systems with zinc blende symmetry. Specifically, β-HgS is found to have at the same time an inverted band structure, and a small, slightly indirect, fundamental energy gap. Possibly, the energy levels around the valence band maximum order differently in each of these systems. (author)

  16. Piezoelectric, Mechanical and Acoustic Properties of KNaNbOF5 from First-Principles Calculations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Han Han

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available Recently, a noncentrosymmetric crystal, KNaNbOF5, has attracted attention due to its potential to present piezoelectric properties. Although α- and β-KNaNbOF5 are similar in their stoichiometries, their structural frameworks, and their synthetic routes, the two phases exhibit very different properties. This paper presents, from first-principles calculations, comparative studies of the structural, electronic, piezoelectric, and elastic properties of the α and the β phase of the material. Based on the Christoffel equation, the slowness surface of the acoustic waves is obtained to describe its acoustic prosperities. These results may benefit further applications of KNaNbOF5.

  17. First Principles Study of Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Co-Doped Armchair Graphene Nanoribbons

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Biao Li

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Using the first principles calculations, we have studied the atomic and electronic structures of single Co atom incorporated with divacancy in armchair graphene nanoribbon (AGNR. Our calculated results show that the Co atom embedded in AGNR gives rise to significant impacts on the band structures and the FM spin configuration is the ground state. The presence of the Co doping could introduce magnetic properties. The calculated results revealed the arising of spin gapless semiconductor characteristics with doping near the edge in both ferromagnetic (FM and antiferromagnetic (AFM magnetic configurations, suggesting the robustness for potential application of spintronics. Moreover, the electronic structures of the Co-doped AGNRs are strongly dependent on the doping sites and the edge configurations.

  18. Defects in boron carbide: First-principles calculations and CALPHAD modeling

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Saengdeejing, Arkapol; Saal, James E.; Manga, Venkateswara Rao; Liu Zikui

    2012-01-01

    The energetics of defects in B 4+x C boron carbide and β-boron are studied through first-principles calculations, the supercell phonon approach and the Debye–Grüneisen model. It is found that suitable sublattice models for β-boron and B 4+x C are B 101 (B,C) 4 and B 11 (B,C) (B,C,Va) (B,Va) (B,C,Va), respectively. The thermodynamic properties of B 4+x C, β-boron, liquid and graphite are modeled using the CALPHAD approach based on the thermochemical data from first-principles calculations and experimental phase equilibrium data in the literature. The concentrations of various defects are then predicted as a function of carbon composition and temperature.

  19. First-Principles View on Photoelectrochemistry: Water-Splitting as Case Study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Anders Hellman

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available Photoelectrochemistry is truly an interdisciplinary field; a natural nexus between chemistry and physics. In short, photoelectrochemistry can be divided into three sub-processes, namely (i the creation of electron-hole pairs by light absorption; (ii separation/transport on the charge carriers and finally (iii the water splitting reaction. The challenge is to understand all three processes on a microscopic scale and, perhaps even more importantly, how to combine the processes in an optimal way. This review will highlight some first-principles insights to the above sub-processes, in~particular as they occur using metal oxides. Based on these insights, challenges and future directions of first-principles methods in the field of photoelectrochemistry will be discussed.

  20. Synthesis of Fluorite (CaF2 Crystal from Gypsum Waste of Phosphoric Acid Factory in Silica Gel

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mohammad Misbah Khunur

    2012-06-01

    Full Text Available This paper report the synthesis and characterization of fluorite single crystal prepared from gypsum waste of phosphoric acid production in silica gel. Instead of its high calcium, gypsum was used to recycle the waste which was massively produces in the phosphoric acid production. The gypsum waste, the raw material of CaCl2 supernatant, was dissolved in concentrated HCl and then precipitated as calcium oxalate (CaC2O4 by addition of ammonium oxalate. The CaCl2 was obtained by dissolving the CaC2O4 with HCl 3M. The crystals were grown at room temperature in silica gel and characterized by AAS, FTIR and powder XRD. The optimum crystal growth condition, which is pH of gel, CaCl2 concentration and growth time, were investigated. The result shows that at optimum condition of pH 5.80, CaCl2 concentrations of 1.2 M, and growth time of 144 hours, colorless crystals with the longest size of 3 mm, were obtained (72.57%. Characterization of the synthesized crystal by AAS indicates that the obtained crystal has high purity. Meanwhile, analysis by FTIR spectra shows a Ca–F peak at 775 cm-1, and powder-XRD analysis confirms that the obtained crystal was fluorite (CaF2. © 2012 BCREC UNDIP. All rights reservedReceived: 11st April 2012; Revised: 4th June 2012; Accepted: 13rd June 2012[How to Cite: M.M. Khunur, A. Risdianto, S. Mutrofin, Y.P. Prananto. (2012. Synthesis of Fluorite (CaF2 Crystal from Gypsum Waste of Phosphoric Acid Factory in Silica Gel. Bulletin of Chemical Reaction Engineering & Catalysis, 7 (1: 71-77.  doi:10.9767/bcrec.7.1.3171.71-77 ][How to Link / DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.7.1.3171.71-77 ] | View in 

  1. Core structure of screw dislocations in Fe from first-principles; Simulation ab initio des coeurs de dislocation vis dans le fer

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ventelon, L

    2008-11-15

    The various methods appropriate for the simulation of dislocations within first-principles calculations have been set up, improved and compared between them. They have been applied to study screw dislocations in body-centered cubic iron using the SIESTA code. A non-degenerate core structure is obtained; its detailed analysis reveals a dilatation effect. Taking it into account in an anisotropic elasticity model, allows explaining the cell-size dependence of the energetics, obtained within the dipole approach. The Peierls potential obtained in ab initio suggests that the metastable core configuration at halfway position in the Peierls barrier, predicted by empirical potential, does not exist. We show how to construct tri-periodic cells optimized to study kinked dislocations. Using empirical potential, we demonstrate the feasibility of ab initio calculations of Peierls stress and kink formation. (author)

  2. Alcohol molecules adsorption on graphane nanosheets - A first-principles investigation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nagarajan, V.; Chandiramouli, R.

    2018-05-01

    The geometric structure, electronic and adsorption properties of methanol, ethanol and 1-propanol molecules on hydrogenated graphene (graphane) were investigated using first-principles calculations. The stability of graphane base material is confirmed using formation energy and phonon band structures. The adsorption of alcohol molecules on bare graphane and hydrogen vacant graphane nanosheet is found to be prominent and the selectivity of alcohol molecules can be achieved using bare or hydrogen vacant graphane nanosheet. Moreover, the interaction of alcohol molecules on bare and hydrogen vacant graphane nanosheets is studied using the adsorption energy, energy band gap variation, Bader charge transfer and average energy band gap variation. The adsorption energy ranges from -0.149 to -0.383 eV upon alcohol adsorption. The energy gap varies from 4.71 to 2.62 eV for bare graphane and from 4.02 to 3.60 eV for hydrogen vacant graphane nanosheets upon adsorption of alcohol molecules. The adsorption properties of alcohol molecules provide useful information for the possible application of graphane nanosheet as a base material for the detection of alcohol molecules.

  3. Band Structure Engineering of Cs2AgBiBr6 Perovskite through Order-Disordered Transition: A First-Principle Study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Jingxiu; Zhang, Peng; Wei, Su-Huai

    2018-01-04

    Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 was proposed as one of the inorganic, stable, and nontoxic replacements of the methylammonium lead halides (CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3 , which is currently considered as one of the most promising light-harvesting material for solar cells). However, the wide indirect band gap of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 suggests that its application in photovoltaics is limited. Using the first-principle calculation, we show that by controlling the ordering parameter at the mixed sublattice, the band gap of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 can vary continuously from a wide indirect band gap of 1.93 eV for the fully ordered double-perovskite structure to a small pseudodirect band gap of 0.44 eV for the fully random alloy. Therefore, one can achieve better light absorption simply by controlling the growth temperature and thus the ordering parameters and band gaps. We also show that controlled doping in Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 can change the energy difference between ordered and disordered Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 , thus providing further control of the ordering parameters and the band gaps. Our study, therefore, provides a novel approach to carry out band structure engineering in the mixed perovskites for optoelectronic applications.

  4. Crystal structures, stability, electronic and elastic properties of 4d and 5d transition metal monoborides: First-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wang, Y.; Chen, W. [International Center for New-Structured Materials (ICNSM), Zhejiang University, and Laboratory of New-Structured Materials, State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China); Chen, X.; Liu, H.Y. [State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Ding, Z.H.; Ma, Y.M. [State Key Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Preparative Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Wang, X.D.; Cao, Q.P. [International Center for New-Structured Materials (ICNSM), Zhejiang University, and Laboratory of New-Structured Materials, State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China); Jiang, J.Z., E-mail: jiangjz@zju.edu.cn [International Center for New-Structured Materials (ICNSM), Zhejiang University, and Laboratory of New-Structured Materials, State Key Laboratory of Silicon Materials, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027 (China)

    2012-10-15

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Changes from NaCl-, WC- to anti-NiAs-type structures are for 4d and 5d metal monoborides. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Vickers hardnesses of monoborides are relatively low. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer B-vacancies cause the difference in lattice parameters for IrB and PtB. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nonstoichiometric IrB and PtB phases synthesized. - Abstract: The crystal structures, stability, electronic and elastic properties of 4d and 5d transition metal monoborides have been studied by first principles calculations. It is found that NaCl-type ZrB, NbB, MoB, HfB, TaB and WB, WC-type TcB, RuB, ReB, OsB and IrB, and anti-NiAs-type RhB and PdB are thermodynamically stable at zero pressure. They all are metallic. The Vickers hardnesses of these monoborides are relatively low as compared with monocarbides and mononitrides. It is clarified that the presence of B-vacancies is the origin for the difference of lattice parameters between theoretical and experimental results for WC-type IrB and anti-NiAs-type PtB while IrB and PtB with stoichiometry from calculations are revealed to be mechanically unstable and dynamically unstable, respectively.

  5. Crystal structures, stability, electronic and elastic properties of 4d and 5d transition metal monoborides: First-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Y.; Chen, W.; Chen, X.; Liu, H.Y.; Ding, Z.H.; Ma, Y.M.; Wang, X.D.; Cao, Q.P.; Jiang, J.Z.

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► Changes from NaCl-, WC- to anti-NiAs-type structures are for 4d and 5d metal monoborides. ► Vickers hardnesses of monoborides are relatively low. ► B-vacancies cause the difference in lattice parameters for IrB and PtB. ► Nonstoichiometric IrB and PtB phases synthesized. - Abstract: The crystal structures, stability, electronic and elastic properties of 4d and 5d transition metal monoborides have been studied by first principles calculations. It is found that NaCl-type ZrB, NbB, MoB, HfB, TaB and WB, WC-type TcB, RuB, ReB, OsB and IrB, and anti-NiAs-type RhB and PdB are thermodynamically stable at zero pressure. They all are metallic. The Vickers hardnesses of these monoborides are relatively low as compared with monocarbides and mononitrides. It is clarified that the presence of B-vacancies is the origin for the difference of lattice parameters between theoretical and experimental results for WC-type IrB and anti-NiAs-type PtB while IrB and PtB with stoichiometry from calculations are revealed to be mechanically unstable and dynamically unstable, respectively.

  6. First-principles determination of the K-conductivity pathways in KAlO2

    KAUST Repository

    Peskov, Maxim; Schwingenschlö gl, Udo

    2015-01-01

    Investigation of novel fast ion-conducting materials requires an accurate description of the ionic diffusion. The tiling method proposed by Blatov and coworkers, based on geometric characteristics, is a viable alternative to molecular dynamics simulations, allowing us to build models of the pathway system in crystal structures; however, the reliability is limited. Using first-principles simulations, we calculate the potential barriers of the ionic migration between voids in the structure of KAlO2 with local framework distortions and compare the results with those of the tiling method. We estimate the potential barriers for complex ion-conducting channels including several hopping distances. The effect of Coulomb interaction between charge carriers located in adjacent pathways on the potential barriers is discussed, and the effects of the framework flexibility are analyzed. Quantitative results on the potential barriers of ionic diffusion in a crystal structure and its dependence on the shape of the channels are important for assessing the potential of a specific compound. © 2015 American Chemical Society.

  7. First-principles determination of the K-conductivity pathways in KAlO2

    KAUST Repository

    Peskov, Maxim

    2015-04-30

    Investigation of novel fast ion-conducting materials requires an accurate description of the ionic diffusion. The tiling method proposed by Blatov and coworkers, based on geometric characteristics, is a viable alternative to molecular dynamics simulations, allowing us to build models of the pathway system in crystal structures; however, the reliability is limited. Using first-principles simulations, we calculate the potential barriers of the ionic migration between voids in the structure of KAlO2 with local framework distortions and compare the results with those of the tiling method. We estimate the potential barriers for complex ion-conducting channels including several hopping distances. The effect of Coulomb interaction between charge carriers located in adjacent pathways on the potential barriers is discussed, and the effects of the framework flexibility are analyzed. Quantitative results on the potential barriers of ionic diffusion in a crystal structure and its dependence on the shape of the channels are important for assessing the potential of a specific compound. © 2015 American Chemical Society.

  8. Elastic properties and electronic structure of WS{sub 2} under pressure from first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li, Li [Sichuan Univ., Chengdu (China). Inst. of Atomic and Molecular Physics; Civil Aviation Flight Univ. of China, Guanghan (China). Dept. of Physics; Zeng, Zhao-Yi [Chongqing Normal Univ., Chongqing (China). College of Physics and Electronic Engineering; Liang, Ting; Tang, Mei; Cheng, Yan [Sichuan Univ., Chengdu (China). Inst. of Atomic and Molecular Physics

    2017-07-01

    The influence of pressure on the elastic and mechanical properties of the hexagonal transition-metal dichalcogenide WS{sub 2} is investigated using the first-principles calculations. With the increase in pressure, the lattice parameters and the volume of WS{sub 2} decrease, which is exactly in agreement with the available experimental data and other calculated results. The elastic constants C{sub ij}, bulk modulus B, shear modulus G, Young's modulus E, and Poisson's ratio σ of WS{sub 2} also increase with pressure. At last, for the first time, the band gaps of energy, the partial density of states, and the total density of states under three different pressures are obtained and analysed. It is found that the band gap of WS{sub 2} decreases from 0.843 to 0 eV when the external pressure varies from 0 to 20 GPa, which implies that WS{sub 2} may transform from semiconductors to semimetal phase at a pressure about 20 GPa.

  9. First-principles and classical molecular dynamics study of threshold displacement energy in beryllium

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Vladimirov, P.V. [Institute for Applied Materials – Applied Materials Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe (Germany); Borodin, V.A., E-mail: Borodin_VA@nrcki.ru [National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow (Russian Federation); NRNU MEPhI, 115409 Moscow (Russian Federation)

    2017-02-15

    Highlights: • Beryllium is a functional material of future fusion reactors. • The threshold displacement energy by fast particles is studied. • Classical and first principles simulations are used. - Abstract: Beryllium selected as a neutron multiplier material for the tritium breeding blanket of fusion reactor should withstand high doses of fast neutron irradiation. The damage produced by irradiation is usually evaluated assuming that the number of atomic displacements to the threshold displacement energy, E{sub d}, which is considered as an intrinsic material parameter. In this work the value of E{sub d} for hcp beryllium is estimated simultaneously from classical and first-principles molecular dynamics simulations. Quite similar quantitative pictures of defect production are observed in both simulation types, though the predicted displacement threshold values seem to be approximately two times higher in the first-principles approach. We expect that, after more detailed first-principles investigations, this approach can be used for scaling the damage prediction predictions by classical molecular dynamics, opening a way for more consistent calculations of displacement damage in materials.

  10. Ising-type anisotropy and spin state transitions in GdBaCo2O5.5 from first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pardo, V.; Baldomir, D.; Castro, J.; Iglesias, M.; Arias, J.E.

    2007-01-01

    Ising-type behaviour of GdBaCo 2 O 5.5 is analyzed from first principles calculations of the electronic structure of the material. The variations in its magnetic anisotropy properties in the different possible magnetic configurations is analyzed. A possible metallic phase is studied and an analysis of the electronic structure of the Co 3+ ions in that phase is presented

  11. Strain-induced enhancement of thermoelectric performance of TiS2 monolayer based on first-principles phonon and electron band structures

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Guanpeng; Yao, Kailun; Gao, Guoying

    2018-01-01

    Using first-principle calculations combined with Boltzmann transport theory, we investigate the biaxial strain effect on the electronic and phonon thermal transport properties of a 1 T (CdI2-type) structural TiS2 monolayer, a recent experimental two-dimensional (2D) material. It is found that the electronic band structure can be effectively modulated and that the band gap experiences an indirect-direct-indirect transition with increasing tensile strain. The band convergence induced by the tensile strain increases the Seebeck coefficient and the power factor, while the lattice thermal conductivity is decreased under the tensile strain due to the decreasing group velocity and the increasing scattering chances between the acoustic phonon modes and the optical phonon modes, which together greatly increase the thermoelectric performance. The figure of merit can reach 0.95 (0.82) at an 8 percent tensile strain for the p-type (n-type) doping, which is much larger than that without strain. The present work suggests that the TiS2 monolayer is a good candidate for 2D thermoelectric materials, and that biaxial strain is a powerful tool with which to enhance thermoelectric performance.

  12. Sb2Te3 crystal a potential absorber material for broadband photodetector: A first-principles study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Abdullahi Lawal

    Full Text Available Antimony telluride (Sb2Te3, a layered semiconductor material, is considered a promising absorbing material for a high-performance optoelectronic device within broadband wavelengths because of remarkable features like strong optical absorbance and the narrow direct band gap. In this work, based on the first-principles approach, we investigate in detail the structural, electronic and optical properties of the hexagonal Sb2Te3 compound. The structural and electronic properties were computed using the first-principles approach, treating exchange–correlation potential with generalized gradient approximation (GGA within density functional theory (DFT. Furthermore, for accurate prediction of the band gap, we go beyond DFT and calculated band structure using GW correction. The optical properties, namely, imaginary and real parts of complex dielectric function, absorption coefficient, refractive index, reflectivity, extinction coefficient, electron energy loss function and optical conductivity are performed by quasi-particle many-body perturbation theory (MBPT via Bethe-Salpeter equation (BSE. The computed structural parameters are in good agreement with available experimental data. The obtained quasi-particle (GW correction band structure show the semiconducting character of Sb2Te3 material with a direct band gap Eg of 0.221 eV, in agreement with previously reported value (Eg = 0.210 eV while the projected density of states indicates (PDOS that the p-orbital of Sb and Te atoms are responsible for material properties near the Fermi level. To our knowledge, our first reported calculations of optical properties, with the inclusion of electron-hole effects are consistent with available experimental measurements. Consistencies of our findings with experimental data validate the effectiveness of electron-hole interaction for theoretical investigation of optical properties. Keywords: DFT, Quasi-particle many-body perturbation theory, Bethe

  13. First principles study of lithium insertion in bulk silicon

    KAUST Repository

    Wan, Wenhui; Zhang, Qianfan; Cui, Yi; Wang, Enge

    2010-01-01

    Si is an important anode material for the next generation of Li ion batteries. Here the energetics and dynamics of Li atoms in bulk Si have been studied at different Li concentrations on the basis of first principles calculations. It is found

  14. New halides of neodymium and their crystal structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Loechner, U.

    1980-01-01

    The crystal structures of the peritectic phases NdClsub(2.27) (t-phase) and NdClsub(2.37) (rh-phase) were determined. The structure of the rh-phase was solved, from the t-phase only the elementary cell could be determined because no single crystals of sufficient quality were obtained. Jutting out feature of the rh-phase which has to be formulated as Nd 14 Cl 32 O is a polyeder cluster of 6 quadratic antiprisms the inner cubo octahedric cavity of which is occupied by an oxygen atom. The linkage of these polyeder cluster ensues only under each other along the triple axis of the rhomboedric system over 3 upper and 3 lower common borders each. Therewith for the first time a superlattice of the fluorite-type was found in which this unit exclusively occurs. The type of linkage of polyeder clusters causes the occurrence of an exceptional polyeder around the twovalent Nd ions which can be looked at as a zwitter polyeder of icosahedron and cube and therefore coordinates tenfold the twovalent neodymium. The strict order of chemically and crystallografically clearly differentiated cations is expressed by a hexagonal-rhomboedric superstructure of the fluorite-aristotyp with a doubled c-axis. The phase diagram of the system Nd-NdBr 3 was determined and a structure proposition was worked out for the first Vernier phase in there with n=4 of the series Lnsub(n)Xsub(2n+1). (SPI)

  15. A method of orbital analysis for large-scale first-principles simulations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ohwaki, Tsukuru [Advanced Materials Laboratory, Nissan Research Center, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., 1 Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 237-8523 (Japan); Otani, Minoru [Nanosystem Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8568 (Japan); Ozaki, Taisuke [Research Center for Simulation Science (RCSS), Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292 (Japan)

    2014-06-28

    An efficient method of calculating the natural bond orbitals (NBOs) based on a truncation of the entire density matrix of a whole system is presented for large-scale density functional theory calculations. The method recovers an orbital picture for O(N) electronic structure methods which directly evaluate the density matrix without using Kohn-Sham orbitals, thus enabling quantitative analysis of chemical reactions in large-scale systems in the language of localized Lewis-type chemical bonds. With the density matrix calculated by either an exact diagonalization or O(N) method, the computational cost is O(1) for the calculation of NBOs associated with a local region where a chemical reaction takes place. As an illustration of the method, we demonstrate how an electronic structure in a local region of interest can be analyzed by NBOs in a large-scale first-principles molecular dynamics simulation for a liquid electrolyte bulk model (propylene carbonate + LiBF{sub 4})

  16. A method of orbital analysis for large-scale first-principles simulations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ohwaki, Tsukuru; Otani, Minoru; Ozaki, Taisuke

    2014-01-01

    An efficient method of calculating the natural bond orbitals (NBOs) based on a truncation of the entire density matrix of a whole system is presented for large-scale density functional theory calculations. The method recovers an orbital picture for O(N) electronic structure methods which directly evaluate the density matrix without using Kohn-Sham orbitals, thus enabling quantitative analysis of chemical reactions in large-scale systems in the language of localized Lewis-type chemical bonds. With the density matrix calculated by either an exact diagonalization or O(N) method, the computational cost is O(1) for the calculation of NBOs associated with a local region where a chemical reaction takes place. As an illustration of the method, we demonstrate how an electronic structure in a local region of interest can be analyzed by NBOs in a large-scale first-principles molecular dynamics simulation for a liquid electrolyte bulk model (propylene carbonate + LiBF 4 )

  17. First principle study of sodium decorated graphyne

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sarkar, Utpal, E-mail: utpalchemiitkgp@yahoo.com [Assam University, Silchar (India); Bhattacharya, Barnali [Assam University, Silchar (India); Seriani, Nicola [The Abdus Salam ICTP, Trieste (Italy)

    2015-11-05

    Highlights: • Presence of Na decreases the stability of the system. • Na-decorated graphyne compounds are metallic and might be used in electronics. • The sodium-adsorbed graphyne can be used as electrodes in Na-ion battery. - Abstract: We present first-principles calculations of the electronic properties of Na-decorated graphyne. This structure of the graphyne family is a direct band gap semiconductor with a band gap of 0.44 eV in absence of sodium, but Na-decorated graphyne compounds are metallic, and can then be employed as carbon-based conductors. Metallization is due to charge donation from sodium to carbon. Pristine graphyne is more stable than Na-decorated graphyne, therefore is seems probable that, if this material should be employed as electrode in Na-ion batteries, it would lead to the formation of metallic sodium rather than well dispersed sodium ions. On the other side, this property might be useful if graphyne is employed in water desalination. Finally, the abrupt change from a semiconducting to a metallic state in presence of a small amount of sodium might be exploited in electronics, e.g. for the production of smooth metal–semiconductor interfaces through spatially selective deposition of sodium.

  18. Design and exploration of semiconductors from first principles: A review of recent advances

    Science.gov (United States)

    Oba, Fumiyasu; Kumagai, Yu

    2018-06-01

    GaO2; perovskite oxides such as SrTiO3 and BaSnO3; and organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites, represented by CH3NH3PbI3. Moreover, the deployment of first-principles calculations allows us to predict the crystal structure, stability, and properties of as-yet-unreported materials. Promising materials have been explored via high-throughput screening within either publicly available computational databases or unexplored composition and structure space. Reported examples include the identification of nitride semiconductors, TCOs, solar cell photoabsorber materials, and photocatalysts, some of which have been experimentally verified. Machine learning in combination with first-principles calculations has emerged recently as a technique to accelerate and enhance in silico screening. A blend of computation and experimentation with data science toward the development of materials is often referred to as materials informatics and is currently attracting growing interest.

  19. Tailoring spin injection and magnetoresistance in ferromagnet/graphene junctions from first principles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lazic, Predrag; Sipahi, Guilherme; Kawakami, Roland; Zutic, Igor

    2013-03-01

    Recent experimental advances in graphene suggest intriguing opportunities for novel spintronic applications which could significantly exceed the state-of-the art performance of their conventional charge-based counterparts. However, for reliable operation of such spintronic devices it is important to achieve an efficient spin injection and large magnetoresistive effects. We use the first principles calculations to guide the choice of a ferromagnetic region and its relative orientation to optimize the desired effects. We propose structures which could enable uniform spin injection, one of the key factors in implementing scalable spintronic circuits. Supported by NSF-NRI, SRC, ONR, Croatian Ministry of Science, Education, and Sports, and CCR at SUNY UB.

  20. Oxidation of InP nanowires: a first principles molecular dynamics study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Berwanger, Mailing; Schoenhalz, Aline L; Dos Santos, Cláudia L; Piquini, Paulo

    2016-11-16

    InP nanowires are candidates for optoelectronic applications, and as protective capping layers of III-V core-shell nanowires. Their surfaces are oxidized under ambient conditions which affects the nanowire physical properties. The majority of theoretical studies of InP nanowires, however, do not take into account the oxide layer at their surfaces. In this work we use first principles molecular dynamics electronic structure calculations to study the first steps in the oxidation process of a non-saturated InP nanowire surface as well as the properties of an already oxidized surface of an InP nanowire. Our calculations show that the O 2 molecules dissociate through several mechanisms, resulting in incorporation of O atoms into the surface layers. The results confirm the experimental observation that the oxidized layers become amorphous but the non-oxidized core layers remain crystalline. Oxygen related bonds at the oxidized layers introduce defective levels at the band gap region, with greater contributions from defects involving In-O and P-O bonds.

  1. REDUPP. Second annual report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zetterstroem Evins, L.; Vaehaenen, M.

    2013-05-01

    Understanding the interactions between solid surface and fluid during the dissolution process is essential for developing a model for spent fuel dissolution. This project aims to enhance the understanding of the dissolution process of fluorite-type materials; these have the same crystal structure as nuclear fuel. CaF 2 , CeO 2 , ThO 2 and UO 2 are here used in dissolution studies during which the evolution of the solution and surface is monitored as the dissolution proceeds. For the UO 2 -experiments, the effect of natural groundwater on the dissolution of a surface emitting alpha radiation is investigated. The goal is to use the experimental results in combination with first-principles modelling to formulate a model describing the surfaces of dissolving fluorite-type materials. The project is on-going and this report presents the progress after two years. The experimental results reported here point towards effects of surface area and surface area to volume ratios, exposed grain boundaries, and bulk vs. 'local' solubility. The importance of well-controlled analytical conditions and high-resolution measurements are emphasized, in order to distinguish differences between effects of remnant fines, amorphous precipitates, grain boundaries, surface defects and crystallographic orientation of the exposed surfaces. The progress with regards to modelling shows that a surface model is formulated which can predict the surface formation energies of all crystal planes of the fluorite structure. It has been shown that this quantity can be related with the experimental surface stability during dissolution, and that for any material with the fluorite structure the same relation between computed surface stability and experimental stability (dissolution rate) will hold. The work on setting up a model of the dissolution process is ongoing; this kind of modelling is computationally very demanding as it requires a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and ab initio electronic

  2. First-principles calculation on electronic properties of zinc oxide by zinc–air system

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ahmad Azmin Mohamad

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available First-principles calculations are performed to study the electronic properties of zinc oxide (ZnO formed on an anode after discharging a Zn–air system. Prior to calculation, the ZnO is characterised by X-ray diffraction using Rietveld refinement. Diffracted patterns proved the formation of single phase ZnO, while Rietveld analysis shows that the ZnO has a hexagonal wurtzite structure with lattice parameters, a = 3.244 and c = 5.199 Å. Geometry optimisation of the hexagonal wurtzite structure of the ZnO is performed using various exchange–correlation energy functionals. The local density approximation functional method is used to explain the structure, electronic band structure and density of state properties of hexagonal ZnO. The calculated energy band gap was 0.75 eV while the density of states reveals that the O 2p (the top valence band and Zn 4s (the bottom conduction band states domination.

  3. Electronic and optical properties of bilayer PbI2: a first-principles study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shen, Chenhai; Wang, Guangtao

    2018-01-01

    By employing first-principles methods, we investigate the effects of stacking patterns and interlayer coupling on the electronic structures and optical properties of bilayer (BL) PbI2. For optical properties, excitonic effects are considered. The results show that crystal-type BL PbI2 stacking pattern is the most stable bilayer structures with the equilibrium interlayer distance of 3.27 Å and a direct band structure. Moreover, for all considered patterns, the interlayer coupling can induce the band structures to transform from indirect to direct and also the band gap values to vary from 2.56 eV to 2.62 eV. In addition, our calculations show that the exciton binding energy of the most stable pattern is 0.81 eV, and excitonic effects have obvious influences on optical responses of BL PbI2. These results may be useful to future experimental studies on optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional BL PbI2 nanosheets.

  4. Development of a first-principles code based on the screened KKR method for large super-cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Doi, S; Ogura, M; Akai, H

    2013-01-01

    The procedures of performing first-principles electronic structure calculation using the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker (KKR) and the screened KKR methods are reviewed with an emphasis put on their numerical efficiency. It is shown that an iterative matrix inversion combined with a suitable preconditioning greatly improves the computational time of screened KKR method. The method is well parallelized and also has an O(N) scaling property

  5. First Principles Calculations for X-ray Resonant Spectra and Elastic Properties

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yongbin Lee

    2006-01-01

    In this thesis, we discuss applications of first principles methods to x-ray resonant spectra and elastic properties calculation. We start with brief reviews about theoretical background of first principles methods, such as density functional theory, local density approximation (LDA), LDA+U, and the linear augmented plane wave (LAPW) method to solve Kohn-Sham equations. After that we discuss x-ray resonant scattering (XRMS), x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and the branching problem in the heavy rare earths Ledges. In the last chapter we discuss the elastic properties of the second hardest material AlMgB 14

  6. Accelerator-based analytical technique in the evaluation of some Nigeria's natural minerals: Fluorite, tourmaline and topaz

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Olabanji, S.O. [Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (LNL), viale dell' Universita 2, 35020 Legnaro, Padova (Italy)]. E-mail: skayode2002@yahoo.co.uk; Ige, O.A. [Natural History Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (Nigeria); Mazzoli, C. [Dipartimento di Mineralogia e Petrologia, Universita di Padova, 35100 Padova (Italy); Ceccato, D. [Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (LNL), viale dell' Universita 2, 35020 Legnaro, Padova (Italy); Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita di Padova, via Marzolo 8, 35100 Padova (Italy); Akintunde, J.A. [CERD, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (Nigeria); De Poli, M. [Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (LNL), viale dell' Universita 2, 35020 Legnaro, Padova (Italy); Moschini, G. [Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro (LNL), viale dell' Universita 2, 35020 Legnaro, Padova (Italy); Dipartimento di Fisica, Universita di Padova, via Marzolo 8, 35100 Padova (Italy)

    2005-10-15

    For the first time, the complementary accelerator-based analytical technique of PIXE and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) were employed for the characterization of some Nigeria's natural minerals namely fluorite, tourmaline and topaz. These minerals occur in different areas in Nigeria. The minerals are mainly used as gemstones and for other scientific and technological applications and therefore are very important. There is need to characterize them to know the quality of these gemstones and update the geochemical data on them geared towards useful applications. PIXE analysis was carried out using the 1.8 MeV collimated proton beam from the 2.5 MV AN 2000 Van de Graaff accelerator at INFN, LNL, Legnaro, Padova, Italy. The novel results which show many elements at different concentrations in these minerals are presented and discussed.

  7. First-principles study of stability, electronic structure and magnetic properties of Be{sub 2}C nanoribbons

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, Jianmin; Xu, Chunyan; Zheng, Huiling; Du, Xiaobo; Yan, Yu, E-mail: yanyu@jlu.edu.cn

    2017-02-01

    Highlights: • H passivation at the edge greatly enhances the stability of Be{sub 2}C nanoribbons. • Stable bare Be{sub 2}C nanoribbons are all nonmagnetic semiconductors. • H passivated b-Be{sub 2}C-NR with C site terminated edge is half-metallic. • Ground state of H passivated b-Be{sub 2}C-NR with C site terminated edge is ferromagnetic. - Abstract: First-principles calculations are carried out to investigate the stability, electronic structure and magnetic properties of Be{sub 2}C nanoribbons (Be{sub 2}C-NRs) with their ribbon axis along the a and b axes. It is found that except for b-Be{sub 2}C-NR with the C site terminated edge, a-Be{sub 2}C-NRs and other b-Be{sub 2}C-NRs possess good structural stabilities at room temperature. In addition, H passivation enables b-Be{sub 2}C-NR with C site terminated edge to stabilize at room temperature by saturating the dangling bonds at edges. Furthermore, stable a-Be{sub 2}C-NRs and b-Be{sub 2}C-NRs are all nonmagnetic semiconductors and their band gaps are significantly dependent on the edge configuration and the ribbon width. In contrast, H passivated b-Be{sub 2}C-NR with C site terminated edge is half-metallic with a magnetic ground state, irrespective of the ribbon width. In particular, H passivated b-Be{sub 2}C-NR with C site terminated edge has a strong intra-edge ferromagnetic coupling interaction in the ground state, and an inter-edge ferromagnetic interaction is found in small-width H passivated nanoribbon. The calculated density of states and the spin density distribution show that the p–p hybridization interaction involving polarized electrons is responsible for intra-edge and inter-edge ferromagnetic coupling.

  8. First Principles Modelling of Shape Memory Alloys Molecular Dynamics Simulations

    CERN Document Server

    Kastner, Oliver

    2012-01-01

    Materials sciences relate the macroscopic properties of materials to their microscopic structure and postulate the need for holistic multiscale research. The investigation of shape memory alloys is a prime example in this regard. This particular class of materials exhibits strong coupling of temperature, strain and stress, determined by solid state phase transformations of their metallic lattices. The present book presents a collection of simulation studies of this behaviour. Employing conceptually simple but comprehensive models, the fundamental material properties of shape memory alloys are qualitatively explained from first principles. Using contemporary methods of molecular dynamics simulation experiments, it is shown how microscale dynamics may produce characteristic macroscopic material properties. The work is rooted in the materials sciences of shape memory alloys and  covers  thermodynamical, micro-mechanical  and crystallographical aspects. It addresses scientists in these research fields and thei...

  9. Failure of the Hume-Rothery stabilization mechanism in the Ag5Li8 gamma-brass studied by first-principles FLAPW electronic structure calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mizutani, U; Asahi, R; Noritake, T; Sato, H; Takeuchi, T

    2008-01-01

    The first-principles FLAPW (full potential linearized augmented plane wave) electronic structure calculations were performed for the Ag 5 Li 8 gamma-brass, which contains 52 atoms in a unit cell and has been known for many years as one of the most structurally complex alloy phases. The calculations were also made for its neighboring phase AgLi B2 compound. The main objective in the present work is to examine if the Ag 5 Li 8 gamma-brass is stabilized at the particular electrons per atom ratio e/a = 21/13 in the same way as some other gamma-brasses like Cu 5 Zn 8 and Cu 9 Al 4 , obeying the Hume-Rothery electron concentration rule. For this purpose, the e/a value for the Ag 5 Li 8 gamma-brass as well as the AgLi B2 compound was first determined by means of the FLAPW-Fourier method we have developed. It proved that both the gamma-brass and the B2 compound possess an e/a value equal to unity instead of 21/13. Moreover, we could demonstrate why the Hume-Rothery stabilization mechanism fails for the Ag 5 Li 8 gamma-brass and proposed a new stability mechanism, in which the unique gamma-brass structure can effectively lower the band-structure energy by forming heavily populated bonding states near the bottom of the Ag-4d band

  10. Direct reading spectrochemical determination of aluminium, iron and silicon in fluorite; Determinacion espectroquimica de lectura directa de aluminio, hierro y silicio en fluorita

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Roca, M

    1966-07-01

    A quantitative spectrochemical method for the determination of Al, Fe and Si in fluorite has been worked out. The sample was supported in a graphite electrode with crater of 5 mm. in diameter, 2,5 mm deep, and burned by a d.c. are in a direct reading spectrometer. The excitation of samples has been studied without dilution as well as using graphite powder as diluent in the ratios 1:1, 1:4, and 1:9; the latter factor was chosen. Ag, Ca, Co, Cr, Mo and Sn were tested as internal standards. It has not been found any significant inter element effect. It is necessary to use natural fluorite as base material for the standards. (Author) 5 refs.

  11. Time-dependent first-principles study of angle-resolved secondary electron emission from atomic sheets

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ueda, Yoshihiro; Suzuki, Yasumitsu; Watanabe, Kazuyuki

    2018-02-01

    Angle-resolved secondary electron emission (ARSEE) spectra were analyzed for two-dimensional atomic sheets using a time-dependent first-principles simulation of electron scattering. We demonstrate that the calculated ARSEE spectra capture the unoccupied band structure of the atomic sheets. The excitation dynamics that lead to SEE have also been revealed by the time-dependent Kohn-Sham decomposition scheme. In the present study, the mechanism for the experimentally observed ARSEE from atomic sheets is elucidated with respect to both energetics and the dynamical aspects of SEE.

  12. First-principles prediction of shape memory behavior and ferrimagnetism in Mn2NiSn

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Paul, Souvik; Ghosh, Subhradip

    2011-01-01

    Using first-principles density functional theory, we show that, in Mn 2 NiSn, an energy lowering phase transition from the cubic to tetragonal phase occurs which indicates a martensitic phase transition. This structural phase transition is nearly volume-conserving, implying that this alloy can exhibit shape memory behavior. The magnetic ground state is a ferrimagnetic one with antiparallel Mn spin moments. The calculated moments with different electronic structure methods in the cubic phase compare well with each other but differ from the experimental values by more than 1 μ B . The reason behind this discrepancy is explored by considering antisite disorder in our calculations, which indicates that the site ordering in this alloy can be quite complex.

  13. First-principles study of spin-polarized electronic band structures in ferromagnetic Zn1-xTMxS (TM = Fe, Co and Ni)

    KAUST Repository

    Saeed, Yasir

    2010-10-01

    We report a first-principles study of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of crystalline alloys Zn1-xTMxS (TM = Fe, Co and Ni) at x = 0.25. Structural properties are computed from the total ground state energy convergence and it is found that the cohesive energies of Zn 1-xTMxS are greater than that of zincblende ZnS. We also study the spin-polarized electronic band structures, total and partial density of states and the effect of TM 3d states. Our results exhibit that Zn 0.75Fe0.25S, Zn0.75Co0.25S and Zn0.75Ni0.25S are half-metallic ferromagnetic with a magnetic moment of 4μB, 3μB and 2μB, respectively. Furthermore, we calculate the TM 3d spin-exchange-splitting energies Δx (d), Δx (x-d), exchange constants N0α and N0β, crystal field splitting (ΔEcrystEt2g-Eeg), and find that p-d hybridization reduces the local magnetic moment of TM from its free space charge value. Moreover, robustness of Zn1-xTMxS with respect to the variation of lattice constants is also discussed. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. First principles study of structural, electronic and magnetic properties of SnGe n (0, ±1) ( n = 1–17) clusters

    Science.gov (United States)

    Djaadi, Soumaia; Eddine Aiadi, Kamal; Mahtout, Sofiane

    2018-04-01

    The structures, relative stability and magnetic properties of pure Ge n +1, neutral cationic and anionic SnGe n (n = 1–17) clusters have been investigated by using the first principles density functional theory implemented in SIESTA packages. We find that with the increasing of cluster size, the Ge n +1 and SnGe n (0, ±1) clusters tend to adopt compact structures. It has been also found that the Sn atom occupied a peripheral position for SnGe n clusters when n 12. The structural and electronic properties such as optimized geometries, fragmentation energy, binding energy per atom, HOMO–LUMO gaps and second-order differences in energy of the pure Ge n +1 and SnGe n clusters in their ground state are calculated and analyzed. All isomers of neutral SnGe n clusters are generally nonmagnetic except for n = 1 and 4, where the total spin magnetic moments is 2μ b. The total (DOS) and partial density of states of these clusters have been calculated to understand the origin of peculiar magnetic properties. The cluster size dependence of vertical ionization potentials, vertical electronic affinities, chemical hardness, adiabatic electron affinities and adiabatic ionization potentials have been calculated and discussed.

  15. Structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of curium dioxide: Density functional theory calculations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hou, Ling; Li, Wei-Dong; Wang, Fangwei; Eriksson, Olle; Wang, Bao-Tian

    2017-12-01

    We present a systematic investigation of the structural, magnetic, electronic, mechanical, and thermodynamic properties of CmO2 with the local density approximation (LDA)+U and the generalized gradient approximation (GGA)+U approaches. The strong Coulomb repulsion and the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effects on the lattice structures, electronic density of states, and band gaps are carefully studied, and compared with other A O2 (A =U , Np, Pu, and Am). The ferromagnetic configuration with half-metallic character is predicted to be energetically stable while a charge-transfer semiconductor is predicted for the antiferromagnetic configuration. The elastic constants and phonon spectra show that the fluorite structure is mechanically and dynamically stable. Based on the first-principles phonon density of states, the lattice vibrational energy is calculated using the quasiharmonic approximation. Then, the Gibbs free energy, thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat, and entropy are obtained and compared with experimental data. The mode Grüneisen parameters are presented to analyze the anharmonic properties. The Slack relation is applied to obtain the lattice thermal conductivity in temperature range of 300-1600 K. The phonon group velocities are also calculated to investigate the heat transfer. For all these properties, if available, we compare the results of CmO2 with other A O2 .

  16. First principles calculation on the adsorption of water on lithium-montmorillonite (Li-MMT)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wungu, Triati Dewi Kencana; Agusta, Mohammad Kemal; Saputro, Adhitya Gandaryus; Kasai, Hideaki; Dipojono, Hermawan Kresno

    2012-01-01

    The interaction of water molecules and lithium-montmorillonite (Li-MMT) is theoretically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) based first principles calculation. The mechanism of water adsorption at two different water concentrations on Li-MMT as well as their structural and electronic properties are investigated. It is found that the adsorption stability in Li-MMT is higher in higher water concentration. It is also found that an adsorbed water molecule on Li-MMT causes the Li to protrude from the MMT surface, so it is expected that Li may be mobile on H 2 O/Li-MMT.

  17. First principles calculation on the adsorption of water on lithium-montmorillonite (Li-MMT).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wungu, Triati Dewi Kencana; Agusta, Mohammad Kemal; Saputro, Adhitya Gandaryus; Dipojono, Hermawan Kresno; Kasai, Hideaki

    2012-11-28

    The interaction of water molecules and lithium-montmorillonite (Li-MMT) is theoretically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) based first principles calculation. The mechanism of water adsorption at two different water concentrations on Li-MMT as well as their structural and electronic properties are investigated. It is found that the adsorption stability in Li-MMT is higher in higher water concentration. It is also found that an adsorbed water molecule on Li-MMT causes the Li to protrude from the MMT surface, so it is expected that Li may be mobile on H(2)O/Li-MMT.

  18. Development of a Knowledge Base of Ti-Alloys From First-Principles and Thermodynamic Modeling

    Science.gov (United States)

    Marker, Cassie

    ensuring that the sublattice models are compatible with each other. For subsystems, such as the Sn-Ta system, where no thermodynamic description had been evaluated and minimal experimental data was available, first-principles calculations based on DFT were used. The Sn-Ta system has two intermetallic phases, TaSn2 and Ta3Sn, with three solution phases: bcc, body centered tetragonal (bct) and diamond. First-principles calculations were completed on the intermetallic and solution phases. Special quasirandom structures (SQS) were used to obtain information about the solution phases across the entire composition range. The Debye-Gruneisen approach, as well as the quasiharmonic phonon method, were used to obtain the finite-temperature data. Results from the first-principles calculations and experiments were used to complete the thermodynamic description. The resulting phase diagram reproduced the first-principles calculations and experimental data accurately. In order to determine the effect of alloying on the elastic properties, first-principles calculations based on DFT were systematically done on the pure elements, five Ti-X binary systems and Ti-X-Y ternary systems (X ≠ Y = Mo, Nb, Sn, Ta Zr) in the bcc phase. The first-principles calculations predicted the single crystal elastic stiffness constants cij 's. Correspondingly, the polycrystalline aggregate properties were also estimated from the cij's, including bulk modulus B, shear modulus G and Young's modulus E. The calculated results showed good agreement with experimental results. The CALPHAD method was then adapted to assist in the database development of the elastic properties as a function of composition. On average, the database predicted the elastic properties of higher order Ti-alloys within 5 GPa of the experimental results. Finally, the formation of the metastable phases, o and alpha" was studied in the Ti-Ta and Ti-Nb systems. The formation energy of these phases, calculated from first-principles at 0 K

  19. Point defect thermodynamics and diffusion in Fe3C: A first-principles study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chao Jiang; Uberuaga, B.P.; Srinivasan, S.G.

    2008-01-01

    The point defect structure of cementite (Fe 3 C) is investigated using a combination of the statistical mechanical Wagner-Schottky model and first-principles calculations within the generalized gradient approximation. Large 128-atom supercells are employed to obtain fully converged point defect formation energies. The present study unambiguously shows that carbon vacancies and octahedral carbon interstitials are the structural defects in C-depleted and C-rich cementite, respectively. The dominant thermal defects in C-depleted and stoichiometric cementite are found to be carbon Frenkel pairs. In C-rich cementite, however, the primary thermal excitations are strongly temperature-dependent: interbranch, Schottky and Frenkel defects dominate successively with increasing temperature. Using the nudged elastic band technique, the migration barriers of major point defects in cementite are also determined and compared with available experiments in the literature

  20. First-principle calculations of optical properties of monolayer arsenene and antimonene allotropes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Xu, Yuanfeng; Peng, Bo; Zhang, Hao; Zhang, Rongjun; Zhu, Heyuan [Shanghai Ultra-precision Optical Manufacturing Engineering Research Center and Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China); Shao, Hezhu [Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo 315201 (China)

    2017-04-15

    Recently a stable monolayer of antimony in buckled honeycomb structure called antimonene was successfully grown on 3D topological insulator Bi{sub 2}Te{sub 3} and Sb{sub 2}Te{sub 3}, which displays novel semiconducting properties. By first-principle calculations, we systematically investigate the electronic and optical properties of α- and β-allotropes of monolayer arsenene/antimonene. The obtained electronic structures reveal that the direct band gap of α-arsenene/antimonene is much smaller than the indirect band gap of their β-counterpart, respectively. Significant absorption is observed in α-antimonene, which can be used as a broad saturable absorber. For β-arsenene/antimonene, the reflectivity is low and the absorption is negligible in the visible region when the polarization along the out-plane direction, indicating that β-arsenene/antimonene are polarizationally transparent materials. (copyright 2017 by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  1. First-principles calculations, experimental study, and thermodynamic modeling of the Al-Co-Cr system.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xuan L Liu

    Full Text Available The phase relations and thermodynamic properties of the condensed Al-Co-Cr ternary alloy system are investigated using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT and phase-equilibria experiments that led to X-ray diffraction (XRD and electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA measurements. A thermodynamic description is developed by means of the calculations of phase diagrams (CALPHAD method using experimental and computational data from the present work and the literature. Emphasis is placed on modeling the bcc-A2, B2, fcc-γ, and tetragonal-σ phases in the temperature range of 1173 to 1623 K. Liquid, bcc-A2 and fcc-γ phases are modeled using substitutional solution descriptions. First-principles special quasirandom structures (SQS calculations predict a large bcc-A2 (disordered/B2 (ordered miscibility gap, in agreement with experiments. A partitioning model is then used for the A2/B2 phase to effectively describe the order-disorder transitions. The critically assessed thermodynamic description describes all phase equilibria data well. A2/B2 transitions are also shown to agree well with previous experimental findings.

  2. Temperature-dependent stability of stacking faults in Al, Cu and Ni: first-principles analysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bhogra, Meha; Ramamurty, U; Waghmare, Umesh V

    2014-09-24

    We present comparative analysis of microscopic mechanisms relevant to plastic deformation of the face-centered cubic (FCC) metals Al, Cu, and Ni, through determination of the temperature-dependent free energies of intrinsic and unstable stacking faults along [1 1̄ 0] and [1 2̄ 1] on the (1 1 1) plane using first-principles density-functional-theory-based calculations. We show that vibrational contribution results in significant decrease in the free energy of barriers and intrinsic stacking faults (ISFs) of Al, Cu, and Ni with temperature, confirming an important role of thermal fluctuations in the stability of stacking faults (SFs) and deformation at elevated temperatures. In contrast to Al and Ni, the vibrational spectrum of the unstable stacking fault (USF[1 2̄ 1]) in Cu reveals structural instabilities, indicating that the energy barrier (γusf) along the (1 1 1)[1 2̄ 1] slip system in Cu, determined by typical first-principles calculations, is an overestimate, and its commonly used interpretation as the energy release rate needed for dislocation nucleation, as proposed by Rice (1992 J. Mech. Phys. Solids 40 239), should be taken with caution.

  3. First-Principles Study of Lithium and Sodium Atoms Intercalation in Fluorinated Graphite

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fengya Rao

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available The structure evolution of fluorinated graphite (CFx upon the Li/Na intercalation has been studied by first-principles calculations. The Li/Na adsorption on single CF layer and intercalated into bulk CF have been calculated. The better cycling performance of Na intercalation into the CF cathode, comparing to that of Li intercalation, is attributed to the different strength and characteristics of the Li-F and Na-F interactions. The interactions between Li and F are stronger and more localized than those between Na and F. The strong and localized Coulomb attraction between Li and F atoms breaks the C−F bonds and pulls the F atoms away, and graphene sheets are formed upon Li intercalation.

  4. General description of new equipment 'Fluorite-III' for Bor-Oendoer fluorate factory

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bayar, V.; Basankhueue, O.; Ganzorig, J.; Dushan, P.; Lodoisamba, S.; Otgooloi, B.; Tsehlmehg, A.; Shagjjamba, D.

    1992-01-01

    A new equipment 'Fluorite-III' is described which is used to register and analyze three kinds of following informations: 1. Pulse count for determination of ore's concentration which is transferring by the factory conveyor. 2. Pulse count for determination of ore's thickness which is transferring also by the factory conveyor. 3. Information about that: Is the conveyor moving or not during our measurements. First and second kinds of information are registered by two detectors which is established on the different places from the factory conveyor. Constraction of these detectors are the same. Every one of them consists of a ''photo multiplier tube'' and a scintillator of ''sodium-iodine''. The third information is corresponding to the ''transistor and transistical logic'' level. Every counters data and the information about the conveyor should be transferred every time to the computer which is compatible with the IBM/PC for further treatment through the following devices: 1. Three State Buffer which is made from ''Generic Array Logic'' device. 2. Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter (UART) which is of type (AY 3-1015). 3. 20 milli-ampere current interface with optical isolators. Also in this way but in reverse order by these devices we can control all processes of the measurements from the computer. 1 fig

  5. Anomalous doping effect in black phosphorene using first-principles calculations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yu, Weiyang; Zhu, Zhili; Niu, Chun-Yao; Li, Chong; Cho, Jun-Hyung; Jia, Yu

    2015-07-07

    Using first-principles density functional theory calculations, we investigate the geometries, electronic structures, and thermodynamic stabilities of substitutionally doped phosphorene sheets with group III, IV, V, and VI elements. We find that the electronic properties of phosphorene are drastically modified by the number of valence electrons in dopant atoms. The dopants with an even number of valence electrons enable the doped phosphorenes to have a metallic feature, while the dopants with an odd number of valence electrons retain a semiconducting feature. This even-odd oscillating behavior is attributed to the peculiar bonding characteristics of phosphorene and the strong hybridization of sp orbitals between dopants and phosphorene. Furthermore, the calculated formation energies of various substitutional dopants in phosphorene show that such doped systems can be thermodynamically stable. These results propose an intriguing route to tune the transport properties of electronic and photoelectronic devices based on phosphorene.

  6. Insight into the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction through first-principles study of chiral magnetic structures

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sandratskii, L. M.

    2017-07-01

    The purpose of the paper is to gain deeper insight into microscopic formation of the Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI). The paper aims at the development of the physical picture able to address apparently contradicting conclusions of recent studies concerning the location of the DMI energy in the real and reciprocal spaces as well as the relation between values of the atomic moments and the DMI strength. The main tools of our study are the first-principles calculations of the energies of the spiral magnetic states with opposite chiralities. We suggest a method of the calculation of the spiral structures with account for the spin-orbit coupling (SOC). It is based on the application of the generalized Bloch theorem and generalized Bloch functions and allows to reduce the consideration of arbitrary incommensurate spiral to small chemical unit cell. The method neglects the anisotropy in the plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of the spirals that does not influence importantly the DMI energy. For comparison, the supercell calculation with full account for the SOC is performed. The concrete calculations are performed for the Co/Pt bilayer. We consider the distribution of the DMI energy in both real and reciprocal spaces and the dependence of the DMI on the number of electrons. The results of the calculations reveal a number of energy compensations in the formation of the DMI. Thus, the partial atomic contributions as functions of the spiral wave vector q are nonmonotonic and have strongly varying slopes. However, in the total DMI energy these atom-related features compensate each other, resulting in a smooth q dependence. The reason for the peculiar form of the partial DMI contributions is a q -dependent difference in the charge distribution between q and -q spirals. The strongly q -dependent relation between atomic contributions shows that the real-space distribution of the DMI energy obtained for a selected q value cannot be considered as a general

  7. First principle calculations of alkali hydride electronic structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Novakovic, N; Radisavljevic, I; Colognesi, D; Ostojic, S; Ivanovic, N

    2007-01-01

    Electronic structure, volume optimization, bulk moduli, elastic constants, and frequencies of the transversal optical vibrations in LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, and CsH are calculated using the full potential augmented plane wave method, extended with local orbitals, and the full potential linearized augmented plane wave method. The obtained results show some common features in the electronic structure of these compounds, but also clear differences, which cannot be explained using simple empirical trends. The differences are particularly prominent in the electronic distributions and interactions in various crystallographic planes. In the light of these findings we have elaborated some selected experimental results and discussed several theoretical approaches frequently used for the description of various alkali hydride properties

  8. Elastic Properties of Tricalcium Aluminate from High-Pressure Experiments and First-Principles Calculations

    KAUST Repository

    Moon, Juhyuk

    2012-06-04

    The structure and elasticity of tricalcium aluminate (C 3A) have been experimentally and theoretically studied. From high-pressure X-ray diffraction experiments, the bulk modulus of 102(6) and 110(3) GPa were obtained by fitting second- and third-order finite strain equation of state, respectively. First-principles calculations with a generalized gradient approximation gave an isotropic bulk modulus of 102.1 GPa and an isothermal bulk modulus of 106.0 GPa. The static calculations using the exchange-correlation functional show an excellent agreement with the experimental measurements. Based on the agreement, accurate elastic constants and other elastic moduli were computed. The slight difference of behavior at high pressure can be explained by the infiltration of pressure-transmitting silicone oil into structural holes in C 3A. The computed elastic and mechanical properties will be useful in understanding structural and mechanical properties of cementitious materials, particularly with the increasing interest in the advanced applications at the nanoscale. © 2012 The American Ceramic Society.

  9. Boron/nitrogen pairs Co-doping in metallic carbon nanotubes: a first-principle study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ouyang Fang-Ping; Peng Sheng-Lin; Chen Ling-Na; Sun Shu-Yuan; Xu Hui

    2011-01-01

    By using the first-principles calculations, the electronic structure and quantum transport properties of metallic carbon nanotubes with B/N pairs co-doping have been investigated. It is shown that the total energies of metallic carbon nanotubes are sensitive to the doping sites of the B/N pairs. The energy gaps of the doped metallic carbon nanotubes decrease with decreasing the concentration of the B/N pair not only along the tube axis but also around the tube. Moreover, the I—V characteristics and transmissions of the doped tubes are studied. Our results reveal that the conducting ability of the doped tube decreases with increasing the concentrations of the B/N pairs due to symmetry breaking of the system. This fact opens a new way to modulate band structures of metallic carbon nanotubes by doping B/N pair with suitable concentration and the novel characteristics are potentially useful in future applications. (condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties)

  10. Elastic Properties of Tricalcium Aluminate from High-Pressure Experiments and First-Principles Calculations

    KAUST Repository

    Moon, Juhyuk; Yoon, Seyoon; Wentzcovitch, Renata M.; Clark, Simon M.; Monteiro, Paulo J.M.

    2012-01-01

    The structure and elasticity of tricalcium aluminate (C 3A) have been experimentally and theoretically studied. From high-pressure X-ray diffraction experiments, the bulk modulus of 102(6) and 110(3) GPa were obtained by fitting second- and third-order finite strain equation of state, respectively. First-principles calculations with a generalized gradient approximation gave an isotropic bulk modulus of 102.1 GPa and an isothermal bulk modulus of 106.0 GPa. The static calculations using the exchange-correlation functional show an excellent agreement with the experimental measurements. Based on the agreement, accurate elastic constants and other elastic moduli were computed. The slight difference of behavior at high pressure can be explained by the infiltration of pressure-transmitting silicone oil into structural holes in C 3A. The computed elastic and mechanical properties will be useful in understanding structural and mechanical properties of cementitious materials, particularly with the increasing interest in the advanced applications at the nanoscale. © 2012 The American Ceramic Society.

  11. Unique reactivity of Fe nanoparticles-defective graphene composites toward NH x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3) adsorption: A first-principles study

    KAUST Repository

    Liu, Xin; Meng, Changgong; Han, Yu

    2012-01-01

    We investigated the electronic structure of Fe nanoparticle-graphene composites and the impact of the interfacial interaction on NH x (x = 0, 1, 2, 3) adsorption by first-principles based calculations. We found that Fe 13 nanoparticles can

  12. Pressure effect on the structural, elastic, electronic and optical properties of the Zintl phase KAsSn, first principles study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Guechi, A., E-mail: ab_guechi@yahoo.fr [Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Setif-1 University, 19000 Setif (Algeria); Laboratory of Optoelectronics and Components, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Setif-1 University, 19000 Setif (Algeria); Merabet, A. [Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Setif-1 University, 19000 Setif (Algeria); Laboratory of Physics and Mechanics of Metallic Materials, Setif-1 University, 19000 Setif (Algeria); Chegaar, M. [Laboratory of Optoelectronics and Components, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Setif-1 University, 19000 Setif (Algeria); Bouhemadou, A. [Laboratory for Developing New Materials and their Characterization, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Setif-1 University, 19000 Setif (Algeria); Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451 (Saudi Arabia); Guechi, N. [Laboratory for Developing New Materials and their Characterization, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Setif-1 University, 19000 Setif (Algeria)

    2015-02-25

    Highlights: • KAsSn is interesting in the materials community due to its complex structure and narrow gap. • Physical properties of KAsSn have not taken much attention in previous studies. • The KAsSn structure is shown to be mechanically stable. • KAsSn is predicted to be brittleness and characterized by a weak elastic anisotropy. • Its high absorption in the U.V. energy range shows its use in the optoelectronic devices. - Abstract: In this work, a first-principles study of ternary Zintl phase KAsSn compound using density-functional theory (DFT) method within the generalized gradient approximation developed by Wu–Cohen (GGA-Wc) has been performed. Based on the optimized structural parameter, the electronic structure, elastic and optical properties have been investigated. The calculated lattice constants agree reasonably with the previous results. The effect of high pressure on the structural parameters has been shown. The elastic constants were calculated and satisfy the stability conditions for hexagonal crystal. These indicate that this compound is stable in the studied pressure regime. The single crystal elastic constants (C{sub ij}) and related properties are calculated using the static finite strain technique, moreover the polycrystalline elastic moduli such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, micro-hardness parameter H{sub ν}, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio were estimated using Voigt, Reuss and Hill’s (VRH) approximations. The elastic anisotropy of the KAsSn was also analyzed. On another hand the Debye temperature was obtained from the average sound velocity. Electronic properties have been studied throughout the calculation of band structure, density of states and charge densities. It is shown that this crystal belongs to the semiconductors with a pseudo gap of about 0.34 eV. Furthermore, in order to clarify the optical transitions of this compound, linear optical functions including the complex dielectric function, refractive index

  13. Review of high pressure phases of calcium by first-principles calculations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ishikawa, T.; Nagara, H.; Suzuki, N.; Tsuchiya, J.; Tsuchiya, T.

    2010-03-01

    We review high pressure phases of calcium which have obtained by recent experimental and first-principles studies. In this study, we investigated the face-centered cubic (fcc) structure, the body-centered cubic (bcc) structure, the simple cubic (sc) structure, a tetragonal P43212 [Ishikawa T et al. 2008 Phys. Rev. B 77 020101(R)], an orthorhombic Cmca [Ishikawa T et al. 2008 Phys. Rev. B 77 020101(R)], an orthorhombic Cmcm [Teweldeberhan A M and Bonev S A 2008 Phys. Rev. B 78 140101(R)], an orthorhombic Pnma [Yao Y et al. 2008 Phys. Rev. B 78 054506] and a tetragonal I4/mcm(00) [Arapan S et al. 2008 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 105 20627]. We compared the enthalpies among the structures up to 200 GPa and theoretically determined the phase diagram of calcium. The sequence of the structural transitions is fcc (0- 3.5 GPa) → bcc (3.5 - 35.7 GPa) → Cmcm (35.7- 52GPa) → P43212 (52-109 GPa) → Cmca (109-117.4GPa) → Pnma (117.4-134.6GPa) → I4/mcm(00) (134.6 GPa -). The sc phase is experimentally observed in the pressure range from 32 to 113 GPa but, in our calculation, there is no pressure region where the sc phase is the most stable. In addition, we found that the enthalpy of the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure is lower than that of I4/mcm(00) above 495 GPa.

  14. Rectification of graphene self-switching diodes: First-principles study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ghaziasadi, Hassan; Jamasb, Shahriar; Nayebi, Payman; Fouladian, Majid

    2018-05-01

    The first principles calculations based on self-consistent charge density functional tight-binding have performed to investigate the electrical properties and rectification behavior of the graphene self-switching diodes (GSSD). The devices contained two structures called CG-GSSD and DG-GSSD which have metallic or semiconductor gates depending on their side gates have a single or double hydrogen edge functionalized. We have relaxed the devices and calculated I-V curves, transmission spectrums and maximum rectification ratios. We found that the DG-MSM devices are more favorable and more stable. Also, the DG-MSM devices have better maximum rectification ratios and current. Moreover, by changing the side gates widths and behaviors from semiconductor to metal, the threshold voltages under forward bias changed from +1.2 V to +0.3 V. Also, the maximum currents are obtained from 1.12 μA to 10.50 μA. Finally, the MSM and SSS type of all devices have minimum and maximum values of voltage threshold and maximum rectification ratios, but the 769-DG devices don't obey this rule.

  15. Quantum theory from first principles an informational approach

    CERN Document Server

    D'Ariano, Giacomo Mauro; Perinotti, Paolo

    2017-01-01

    Quantum theory is the soul of theoretical physics. It is not just a theory of specific physical systems, but rather a new framework with universal applicability. This book shows how we can reconstruct the theory from six information-theoretical principles, by rebuilding the quantum rules from the bottom up. Step by step, the reader will learn how to master the counterintuitive aspects of the quantum world, and how to efficiently reconstruct quantum information protocols from first principles. Using intuitive graphical notation to represent equations, and with shorter and more efficient derivations, the theory can be understood and assimilated with exceptional ease. Offering a radically new perspective on the field, the book contains an efficient course of quantum theory and quantum information for undergraduates. The book is aimed at researchers, professionals, and students in physics, computer science and philosophy, as well as the curious outsider seeking a deeper understanding of the theory.

  16. THERMODYNAMIC MODELING AND FIRST-PRINCIPLES CALCULATIONS

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Turchi, P; Abrikosov, I; Burton, B; Fries, S; Grimvall, G; Kaufman, L; Korzhavyi, P; Manga, R; Ohno, M; Pisch, A; Scott, A; Zhang, W

    2005-12-15

    The increased application of quantum mechanical-based methodologies to the study of alloy stability has required a re-assessment of the field. The focus is mainly on inorganic materials in the solid state. In a first part, after a brief overview of the so-called ab initio methods with their approximations, constraints, and limitations, recommendations are made for a good usage of first-principles codes with a set of qualifiers. Examples are given to illustrate the power and the limitations of ab initio codes. However, despite the ''success'' of these methodologies, thermodynamics of complex multi-component alloys, as used in engineering applications, requires a more versatile approach presently afforded within CALPHAD. Hence, in a second part, the links that presently exist between ab initio methodologies, experiments, and CALPHAD approach are examined with illustrations. Finally, the issues of dynamical instability and of the role of lattice vibrations that still constitute the subject of ample discussions within the CALPHAD community are revisited in the light of the current knowledge with a set of recommendations.

  17. The Interface between Gd and Monolayer MoS2: A First-Principles Study

    KAUST Repository

    Zhang, Xuejing

    2014-12-08

    We analyze the electronic structure of interfaces between two-, four- and six-layer Gd(0001) and monolayer MoS2 by first-principles calculations. Strong chemical bonds shift the Fermi energy of MoS2 upwards into the conduction band. At the surface and interface the Gd f states shift to lower energy and new surface/interface Gd d states appear at the Fermi energy, which are strongly hybridized with the Mo 4d states and thus lead to a high spin-polarization (ferromagnetically ordered Mo magnetic moments of 0.15 μB). Gd therefore is an interesting candidate for spin injection into monolayer MoS2.

  18. A first-principles study of group IV and VI atoms doped blue phosphorene

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bai, Ruimin; Chen, Zheng; Gou, Manman; Zhang, Yixin

    2018-02-01

    Using first-principles calculations, we have systematically investigated the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of blue phosphorene doped by group IV and VI atoms, including C, Si, Ge, Sn, O, S, Se and Te. All the doped systems are energetically stable. Only C, Si, Ge and O-substituted systems show the characteristics of spin polarization and the magnetic moments are all 1.0 μB. Moreover, we found that C, Si, Ge and O doped systems are indirect bandgap semiconductors, while Sn, S, Se and Te doped systems present metallic property. These results show that blue phosphorene can be used prospectively in optoelectronic and spintronic devices.

  19. Machine Learning methods in fitting first-principles total energies for substitutionally disordered solid

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gao, Qin; Yao, Sanxi; Widom, Michael

    2015-03-01

    Density functional theory (DFT) provides an accurate and first-principles description of solid structures and total energies. However, it is highly time-consuming to calculate structures with hundreds of atoms in the unit cell and almost not possible to calculate thousands of atoms. We apply and adapt machine learning algorithms, including compressive sensing, support vector regression and artificial neural networks to fit the DFT total energies of substitutionally disordered boron carbide. The nonparametric kernel method is also included in our models. Our fitted total energy model reproduces the DFT energies with prediction error of around 1 meV/atom. The assumptions of these machine learning models and applications of the fitted total energies will also be discussed. Financial support from McWilliams Fellowship and the ONR-MURI under the Grant No. N00014-11-1-0678 is gratefully acknowledged.

  20. Properties of half-Heusler compounds TaIrGe by using first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wei, JunHong [Henan Normal University, College of Physics and Information Engineering, Xinxiang, Henan (China); Henan Institute of Science and Technology, School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xinxiang, Henan (China); Wang, Guangtao [Henan Normal University, College of Physics and Information Engineering, Xinxiang, Henan (China)

    2017-05-15

    The electronic structures, optical and thermoelectric properties of ternary half-Heusler compound TaIrGe were investigated by using the first-principles and Boltzmann transport theory. Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) removed the degeneracy of VBM, and then decreased the Seebeck coefficients and power factor. From the compressive to tensile strain, the band gap gradually increases from 0.96 to 1.11 eV, accompanied by the absorption coefficient peak red-shift. The effective mass (m{sup *}{sub DOS}) of VBM and CBM gradually increases from the compressive to tensile strain, which enhances the Seebeck coefficient and power factor. Our results indicate that the electronic structures, optical and thermoelectric properties of TaIrGe can be effectively tuned by the strain and TaIrGe can be used as an important photoelectric and thermoelectric material in the future. (orig.)

  1. First-principles calculations of a half-metallic ferromagnet zinc blende Zn1−xVxTe

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    El Amine Monir, M.; Baltache, H.; Khenata, R.; Murtaza, G.; Azam, Sikander; Bouhemadou, A.; Al-Douri, Y.; Bin Omran, S.; Ali, Roshan

    2015-01-01

    First-principles calculations have been used to study the structural, elastic, electronic, magnetic and thermal properties of zinc blende Zn 1−x V x Te for x=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1 using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method (FP-LAPW) based on spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT). The electronic exchange-correlation potential is approached using the spin generalized gradient approximation (spin-GGA). The structural properties of the Zn 1−x V x Te alloys (x=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1) are given for the lattice constants and the bulk moduli and their pressure derivatives. The elastic constants C 11 , C 12 and C 44 are calculated using numerical first-principles calculations implemented in the WIEN2k package. An analysis of the band structures and the densities of states reveals that Zn 0.50 V 0.50 Te and Zn 0.75 V 0.25 Te exhibit a half-metallic character, while Zn 0.25 V 0.75 Te is nearly half-metallic. The band structure calculations are used to estimate the spin-polarized splitting energies Δ x (d) and Δ x (pd) produced by the V(3d)-doped and s(p)–d exchange constants N 0α (conduction band) and N 0β (valence band). The p–d hybridization reduces the magnetic moment of V from its atomic charge value of 3µ B and creates small local magnetic moments on the nonmagnetic Zn and Te sites. Finally, we present the thermal effect on the macroscopic properties of these alloys, such as the thermal expansion coefficient, heat capacity and Debye temperature, based on the quasi-harmonic Debye model. - Highlights: • Some physical properties of Vanadium doped ZnTe have been investigated. • Structural parameters for the parent compounds compare well with the available data. • The elastic and thermal properties are studied for the first time

  2. Study of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of ScFeCrT (T=Si, Ge) Heusler alloys by first principles approach

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rasool, Muhammad Nasir [Department of Physics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur (Pakistan); Hussain, Altaf, E-mail: altafiub@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur (Pakistan); Javed, Athar, E-mail: athar.physics@pu.edu.pk [Department of Physics, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590 (Pakistan); Khan, Muhammad Azhar [Department of Physics, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur (Pakistan)

    2017-03-15

    Spin polarized structural, electronic, magnetic and bonding properties of ScFeCrT (T=Si, Ge) Heusler alloys are studied by employing density functional theory. The total energy calculation (for a static lattice) shows that both alloys are structurally stable in ferromagnetic phase with compressibility C{sub ScFeCrSi}>C{sub ScFeCrGe}. The electronic and band structure analysis show that the ScFeCrT alloys exhibit half-metallic ferromagnetic (HMF) behaviour for spin ↑ channel while semiconducting behaviour in spin ↓ channel. Both alloys exhibit total magnetic moment, M{sub Total}=3.0 µ{sub B}/cell obeying the Slater Pauling rule, M{sub SPR}=(N{sub v} –18)μ{sub B}. For ScFeCrSi and ScFeCrGe alloys, the charge density and interatomic bonding character show highly covalent and polar covalent character, respectively. For both alloys, 100% spin polarization (for spin ↑ state) is expected which is an indication of their suitability for applications in spintronic devices. - Highlights: • Heusler alloys ScFeCrT (T= Si, Ge) are studied by first principles approach. • Structural, electronic, magnetic and bonding properties are reported. • Both alloys show half-metallicity and ferromagnetic behaviour. • Combination of properties shows the suitability of alloys in spintronic devices.

  3. Structural Phase Transition and Compressibility of CaF2 Nanocrystals under High Pressure

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jingshu Wang

    2018-05-01

    Full Text Available The structural phase transition and compressibility of CaF2 nanocrystals with size of 23 nm under high pressure were investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurement. A pressure-induced fluorite to α-PbCl2-type phase transition starts at 9.5 GPa and completes at 20.2 GPa. The phase-transition pressure is lower than that of 8 nm CaF2 nanocrystals and closer to bulk CaF2. Upon decompression, the fluorite and α-PbCl2-type structure co-exist at the ambient pressure. The bulk modulus B0 of the 23 nm CaF2 nanocrystals for the fluorite and α-PbCl2-type phase are 103(2 and 78(2 GPa, which are both larger than those of the bulk CaF2. The CaF2 nanocrystals exhibit obviously higher incompressibility compare to bulk CaF2. Further analysis demonstrates that the defect effect in our CaF2 nanocrystals plays a dominant role in the structural stability.

  4. First principles, thermal stability and thermodynamic assessment of the binary Ni-W system

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Isomaeki, Iikka; Haemaelaeinen, Marko; Gasik, Michael [Aalto Univ., Espoo (Finland). School of Chemical Engineering; Braga, Maria H. [Porto Univ. (Portugal). CEMUC, Physics Engineering Dept.

    2017-12-15

    The Ni-W binary system was assessed using critically evaluated experimental data with assistance from first principles analysis and the CALPHAD method. The solution phases (liquid, fcc-A1 and bcc-A2) were modeled using the substitutional regular solution model. The recently discovered Ni{sub 8}W metastable phase was evaluated as Fe{sub 16}C{sub 2}- like martensite with three sublattices, and shown to be possibly stable according to first principles calculations. Ni{sub 8}W was also modeled as an interstitial compound, but the model is not good because the solubility of tungsten in nickel is very low, especially at low temperatures. There is no experimental evidence for such low solubility. The other binary compounds Ni{sub 4}W and Ni{sub 3}W were assessed as stoichiometric ones. Compared independent experimental and first principles data agree well with the calculated phase diagram using updated thermodynamic parameters.

  5. High-performance thermal sensitive W-doped VO{sub 2}(B) thin film and its identification by first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wan, Dongyun; Xiong, Ping; Chen, Lanli [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China); Shi, Siqi, E-mail: sqshi@shu.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China); Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China); Ishaq, Ahmad [National Center for Physics, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad 44000 (Pakistan); Luo, Hongjie [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China); Materials Genome Institute, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China); Gao, Yanfeng, E-mail: yfgao@shu.edu.cn [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China)

    2017-03-01

    Graphical abstract: VO{sub 2}(B) thin films with high TCR and suitable resistance were first achieved by W doping. The mechanism for performance improvement was studied by first-principles calculations. The two-dimensional octahedral structure of VO{sub 2}(B) favors the strain control with W-doping for achieving a large TCR, which overcomes the contradiction between the high conductivity and large TCR generated by dopants in VO{sub 2}(M). - Highlights: • High performance W-doped VO{sub 2}(B) thin films were first achieved by co-sputtering. • Mechanism for performance improvement was studied by first-principles calculations. • The two-dimensional octahedral structure of VO{sub 2} (B) favors the strain control. • Achieved VO{sub 2} films possess high thermal sensitivity (TCR: −3.9%/K & R{sub 0}: 32.7 kΩ). - Abstract: VO{sub 2}(B) is currently a preferred phase structure for the application as bolometer material, which, however, suffers from low temperature-coefficient-of-resistance (TCR) values and large resistances. Here we present the combined experimental and first-principles calculations study on both doped and undoped VO{sub 2}(B) thin films enabling us to attain high TCR (−3.9%/k) and suitable square-resistance (32.7 kΩ) by controlled W doping employing the widely used magnetron sputtering technique. The TCR value is 50% larger than reported ones at the similar resistance. The underlying microscopic mechanism for the performance improvement was studied and results indicated that the introduction of extra electrons and the variation in the band structure resulting from the incorporation of W{sup 6+} ions in the VO{sub 2}(B) crystal lattice contribute to the enhancement of the electronic conductivity. Moreover, the special two-dimensional octahedral structure of monoclinic (C2/m) B-phase VO{sub 2} favors the strain control with W-doping for achieving a large TCR, which overcomes the analogous predicament between the high conductivity and large TCR

  6. Thermodynamic modeling of the Sc-Zn system coupled with first-principles calculation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tang C.

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available The Sc-Zn system has been critically reviewed and assessed by means of CALPHAD (CALculation of PHAse Diagram approach. By means of first-principles calculation, the enthalpies of formation at 0 K for the ScZn, ScZn2, Sc17Zn58, Sc3Zn17 and ScZn12 have been computed with the desire to assist thermodynamic modeling. A set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters for the Sc-Zn system is then obtained. The calculated phase diagram and thermodynamic properties agree well with the experimental data and first-principles calculations, respectively.

  7. First principles calculations of structural, electronic and thermal ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Administrator

    2013-07-28

    Jul 28, 2013 ... The structural, electronic and thermal properties of lead chalcogenides PbS, PbSe and BeTe using .... results for all the systems are presented in table 1, along ... as interatomic bonding, equations of state and phonon spectra.

  8. Topotactic oxidation pathway of ScTiO3 and high-temperature structure evolution of ScTiO3.5 and Sc4Ti3O12-type phases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shafi, Shahid P; Hernden, Bradley C; Cranswick, Lachlan M D; Hansen, Thomas C; Bieringer, Mario

    2012-02-06

    The novel oxide defect fluorite phase ScTiO(3.5) is formed during the topotactic oxidation of ScTiO(3) bixbyite. We report the oxidation pathway of ScTiO(3) and structure evolution of ScTiO(3.5), Sc(4)Ti(3)O(12), and related scandium-deficient phases as well as high-temperature phase transitions between room temperature and 1300 °Cusing in-situ X-ray diffraction. We provide the first detailed powder neutron diffraction study for ScTiO(3). ScTiO(3) crystallizes in the cubic bixbyite structure in space group Ia3 (206) with a = 9.7099(4) Å. The topotactic oxidation product ScTiO(3.5) crystallizes in an oxide defect fluorite structure in space group Fm3m (225) with a = 4.89199(5) Å. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis experiments combined with in-situ X-ray powder diffraction studies illustrate a complex sequence of a topotactic oxidation pathway, phase segregation, and ion ordering at high temperatures. The optimized bulk synthesis for phase pure ScTiO(3.5) is presented. In contrast to the vanadium-based defect fluorite phases AVO(3.5+x) (A = Sc, In) the novel titanium analogue ScTiO(3.5) is stable over a wide temperature range. Above 950 °C ScTiO(3.5) undergoes decomposition with the final products being Sc(4)Ti(3)O(12) and TiO(2). Simultaneous Rietveld refinements against powder X-ray and neutron diffraction data showed that Sc(4)Ti(3)O(12) also exists in the defect fluorite structure in space group Fm3m (225) with a = 4.90077(4) Å. Sc(4)Ti(3)O(12) undergoes partial reduction in CO/Ar atmosphere to form Sc(4)Ti(3)O(11.69(2)).

  9. Quantum Well States in Fe/Nb(001) Multilayers: First Principles Study

    National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

    Sliukia, Nitya N; Sen, A; Prasad, R

    2007-01-01

    A first principle study to understand the phenomena of interlayer exchange coupling in Fe/Nb multilayers using the linearized-muffin-tin-orbitals method within the generalized gradient approximation was performed...

  10. Effects of hydrogen on Mn-doped GaN: A first principles calculation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wu, M.S.; Xu, B.; Liu, G.; Lei, X.L.; Ouyang, C.Y.

    2013-01-01

    First-principles calculations based on spin density functional theory are performed to study the effects of H on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of the Mn-doped GaN dilute magnetic semiconductors. Our results show that the interstitial H atom prefers to bond with N atom rather than Mn atom, which means that H favors to form the N–H complex rather than Mn–H complex in the Mn-doped GaN. After introducing one H atom in the system, the total magnetic moment of the Mn-doped GaN increases by 25%, from 4.0μ B to 5.0μ B . The physics mechanism of the increase of magnetic moment after hydrogenation in Mn-doped GaN is discussed

  11. Sustainability in the Qatar national dietary guidelines, among the first to incorporate sustainability principles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Seed, Barbara

    2015-09-01

    To present one of the first national dietary guidelines that incorporates food sustainability principles into its public health recommendations. The paper outlines recommendations and utilizes an ecological framework of policy analysis to examine context, drivers, consequences and future suggestions in establishing and maintaining sustainability principles within the Qatar Dietary Guidelines. Qatar. Population of Qatar. Qatar has produced one of the first national dietary guidelines to integrate principles of food sustainability. National interest in environmental sustainability and food security, population concern over food waste (reinforced by Islamic religious law), strong authority of the Supreme Council of Health (supported by an Emirate government), a small domestic food industry and a lack of food industry influence on the guidelines have contributed to the inclusion of sustainability principles within the document. Whether these principles will be embraced or rejected by the population in the long term will likely be determined by the Dietary Guidelines Task Force and the Supreme Council of Health's commitment to educating the population about the relevance and importance of these principles and establishing champions to advocate for them.

  12. First-principles calculations of structural, elastic, and electronic properties of trigonal ZnSnO{sub 3} under pressure

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu, Qi-Jun, E-mail: qijunliu@home.swjtu.edu.cn [School of Physical Science and Technology, Southwest Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Chengdu 610031 (China); Bond and Band Engineering Group, Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory (for Universities) of High Pressure Science and Technology, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031 (China); Qin, Han; Jiao, Zhen; Liu, Fu-Sheng [School of Physical Science and Technology, Southwest Jiaotong University, Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education of China, Chengdu 610031 (China); Bond and Band Engineering Group, Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory (for Universities) of High Pressure Science and Technology, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031 (China); Liu, Zheng-Tang [State Key Laboratory of Solidification Processing, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072 (China)

    2016-09-01

    First-principles calculations of the structural, elastic, mechanical and electronic properties of ilmenite-type ZnSnO{sub 3} under pressure have been investigated in the present paper. Our calculated lattice constants at zero pressure are in agreement with the published theoretical and experimental data. The elastic constants at zero and high pressure have been obtained, which are used to discuss the mechanical stability of ilmenite-type ZnSnO{sub 3}. The mechanical properties such as bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio under pressure have been studied. Electronic properties show that ilmenite-type ZnSnO{sub 3} is shown to be a direct bandgap of 1.063 (GGA-PW91)/3.977 (PBE0) eV. The bandgap increases with the increasing pressure. Moreover, the partial density of states has been analyzed to explain the increased bandgap. - Highlights: • Physical properties of ilmenite-type ZnSnO{sub 3} under pressure have been investigated. • Ilmenite-type ZnSnO{sub 3} behaves in a ductile manner. • Ilmenite-type ZnSnO{sub 3} is a direct bandgap compound with 3.977 eV. • Bandgap of Ilmenite-type ZnSnO{sub 3} increases with the increasing pressure.

  13. Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of Pr-based filled skutterudites: A first principle study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yadav, Priya; Nautiyal, Shashank; Verma, U. P.

    2018-04-01

    Ternary skutterudites materials exhibit good electronic properties due to the unpaired d- and f- electrons of the transition and rare-earth metals, respectively. In this communication, we have performed the structural optimization of Pr-based filled skutterudite (PrCo4P12) for the first time and obtained the electronic band structure, density of states and magnetic moments by using the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method based on density functional theory (DFT). Our obtained magnetic moment of PrCo4P12 is ˜ 1.8 µB in which main contribution is due to Pr atom. Behavior of this material is metallic and it is most stable in body centered cubic (BCC) structure.

  14. A systematic first principle method to study magnetic properties of FeMo, CoMo and NiMo

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bhattacharjee, Ashis Kumar; Touheed, Md.; Ahmed, Mesbahuddin; Halder, A.; Mookerjee, A.

    2003-06-01

    We use the first principle TB-LMTO (Tight-Binding Linear Muffin Tin Orbital) method combined with the ASM (Augmented Space Method) to take care of disorder beyond the mean field (CPA - Cohetent Potential Approximation) approximation. We analyze binary alloys between magnetic transition metals Fe, Co, Ni and non-magnetic Mo to find out the effect of disorder on electronic structure and consequently magnetic properties of the alloys. (author)

  15. Towards a mulitphase equation of state of Carbon from first principles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Correa, Alfredo; Benedict, Lorin; Schwegler, Eric

    2007-03-01

    Ab initio molecular dynamics and electronic structure calculation had become one of the most useful tools to investigate properties of materials. Unfortunately these atomistic detailed results are rarely reused in calculations at a higher level of description, such as fluid dynamics and finite elements calculations. In this talk we present a concrete example showing the way that first principles results can be expressed in a way that is useful for hydrodynamics calculations, in particular we show how to build a analytic equation of state for Carbon that involves solid (diamond and BC8) and liquid phases. Applications of this newly obtained equation of state will be presented. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Dept. of Energy at the University of California/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract no. W-7405-Eng-48.

  16. First-principles calculations of GaN:Gd nanowires: Carbon-dopants-induced room-temperature ferromagnetism

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ruikuan Xie

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available First-principle calculations of the electronic structure and magnetic interaction of C-Gd co-doped GaN nanowires have been performed. The room-temperature ferromagnetism in GaN:Gd nanowires is observed after the substitution of N atoms by C atoms. A p-d coupling is considered as the reason of the observed ferromagnetism. The striking feature is that such coupling is effected greatly by the position where the C atoms dope in. As the C-Gd distance increases this coupling decreases and the system won’t gain enough energy to stabilize the ferromagnetism.

  17. Thermodynamic modeling of the Ca-Sn system based on finite temperature quantities from first-principles and experiment

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ohno, M.; Kozlov, A.; Arroyave, R.; Liu, Z.K.; Schmid-Fetzer, R.

    2006-01-01

    The thermodynamic model of the Ca-Sn system was obtained, utilizing the first-principles total energies and heat capacities calculated from 0 K to the melting points of the major phases. Since the first-principles result for the formation energy of the dominating Ca 2 Sn intermetallic phase is drastically different from the reported experimental data, we performed two types of thermodynamic modeling: one based on the first-principles output and the other based on the experimental data. In the former modeling, the Gibbs energies of the intermetallic compounds were fully quantified from the first-principles finite temperature properties and the superiority of the former thermodynamic description is demonstrated. It is shown that it is the combination of finite temperature first-principle calculations and the Calphad modeling tool that provides a sound basis for identifying and deciding on conflicting key thermodynamic data in the Ca-Sn system

  18. A first principles study of adhesion and electronic structure at Fe (110)/graphite (0001) interface

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu, Yangzhen; Xing, Jiandong; Li, Yefei, E-mail: yefeili@126.com; Sun, Liang; Wang, Yong

    2017-05-31

    Highlights: • The surface energy of graphite (0001) and Fe (110) has been calculated and the number of layers of graphite slab and Fe slab has been estimated. • The work of adhesion of Fe (110)/graphite (0001) interface with different interfacial separation d{sub 0} (1.7–3 Å) has been systematically discussed. • The total electron density and electron density difference of Fe (110)/graphite (0001) are used to study the bonding characteristics. • The Interfacial energy and fracture toughness of Fe (110)/graphite (0001) are estimated. - Abstract: Using first–principles calculations, we discuss the bulk properties of bcc Fe and graphite and that of the surface, the work of adhesion, and the electronic structure of Fe (110)/graphite (0001) interface. In this study, the experimental results of the bulk properties of bcc Fe and graphite reveal that our adopted parameters are reliable. Moreover, the results of surface energy demonstrate that nine atomic layers of graphite (0001) and five atomic layers of Fe (110) exhibit bulk–like interiors. The lattice mismatch of Fe (110)/graphite (0001) interface is about 6%. The results also exhibit that the Fe atom residing on top of the second layer of graphite slab (HCP structure) is the preferred stacking sequence. The work of adhesion (W{sub ad}) of the optimized Fe/graphite interface of HCP structure is 1.36 J/m{sup 2}. Electronic structures indicate that the bonding characteristics are a mixture of covalent and ionic bonds in the HCP interface. Moreover, the magnetic moment of atoms at the interface was studied using the spin polarized density of states.

  19. First-principles study of Ga-vacancy induced magnetism in β-Ga2O3.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Ya; Zhang, Jihua; Hu, Shunbo; Wu, Yabei; Zhang, Jincang; Ren, Wei; Cao, Shixun

    2017-11-01

    First principles calculations based on density functional theory were performed to study the electronic structure and magnetic properties of β-Ga 2 O 3 in the presence of cation vacancies. We investigated two kinds of Ga vacancies at different symmetry sites and the consequent structural distortion and defect states. We found that both the six-fold coordinated octahedral site and the four-fold coordinated tetrahedral site vacancies can lead to a spin polarized ground state. Furthermore, the calculation identified a relationship between the spin polarization and the charge states of the vacancies, which might be explained by a molecular orbital model consisting of uncompensated O 2- 2p dangling bonds. The calculations for the two vacancy systems also indicated a potential long-range ferromagnetic order which is beneficial for spintronics application.

  20. Ab-initio study on the absorption spectrum of color change sapphire based on first-principles calculations with considering lattice relaxation-effect

    Science.gov (United States)

    Novita, Mega; Nagoshi, Hikari; Sudo, Akiho; Ogasawara, Kazuyoshi

    2018-01-01

    In this study, we performed an investigation on α-Al2O3: V3+ material, or the so-called color change sapphire, based on first-principles calculations without referring to any experimental parameter. The molecular orbital (MO) structure was estimated by the one-electron MO calculations using the discrete variational-Xα (DV-Xα) method. Next, the absorption spectra were estimated by the many-electron calculations using the discrete variational multi-electron (DVME) method. The effect of lattice relaxation on the crystal structures was estimated based on the first-principles band structure calculations. We performed geometry optimizations on the pure α-Al2O3 and with the impurity V3+ ion using Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package (CASTEP) code. The effect of energy corrections such as configuration dependence correction and correlation correction was also investigated in detail. The results revealed that the structural change on the α-Al2O3: V3+ resulted from the geometry optimization improved the calculated absorption spectra. By a combination of both the lattice relaxation-effect and the energy correction-effect improve the agreement to the experiment fact.

  1. First-principles simulations of heat transport

    Science.gov (United States)

    Puligheddu, Marcello; Gygi, Francois; Galli, Giulia

    2017-11-01

    Advances in understanding heat transport in solids were recently reported by both experiment and theory. However an efficient and predictive quantum simulation framework to investigate thermal properties of solids, with the same complexity as classical simulations, has not yet been developed. Here we present a method to compute the thermal conductivity of solids by performing ab initio molecular dynamics at close to equilibrium conditions, which only requires calculations of first-principles trajectories and atomic forces, thus avoiding direct computation of heat currents and energy densities. In addition the method requires much shorter sequential simulation times than ordinary molecular dynamics techniques, making it applicable within density functional theory. We discuss results for a representative oxide, MgO, at different temperatures and for ordered and nanostructured morphologies, showing the performance of the method in different conditions.

  2. Review of high pressure phases of calcium by first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ishikawa, T; Tsuchiya, T; Nagara, H; Suzuki, N; Tsuchiya, J

    2010-01-01

    We review high pressure phases of calcium which have obtained by recent experimental and first-principles studies. In this study, we investigated the face-centered cubic (fcc) structure, the body-centered cubic (bcc) structure, the simple cubic (sc) structure, a tetragonal P4 3 2 1 2 [Ishikawa T et al. 2008 Phys. Rev. B 77 020101(R)], an orthorhombic Cmca [Ishikawa T et al. 2008 Phys. Rev. B 77 020101(R)], an orthorhombic Cmcm [Teweldeberhan A M and Bonev S A 2008 Phys. Rev. B 78 140101(R)], an orthorhombic Pnma [Yao Y et al. 2008 Phys. Rev. B 78 054506] and a tetragonal I4/mcm [Arapan S et al. 2008 Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 105 20627]. We compared the enthalpies among the structures up to 200 GPa and theoretically determined the phase diagram of calcium. The sequence of the structural transitions is fcc (0- 3.5 GPa) → bcc (3.5 - 35.7 GPa) → Cmcm (35.7- 52GPa) → P4 3 2 1 2 (52-109 GPa) → Cmca (109-117.4GPa) → Pnma (117.4-134.6GPa) → I4mcm(134.6 GPa -). The sc phase is experimentally observed in the pressure range from 32 to 113 GPa but, in our calculation, there is no pressure region where the sc phase is the most stable. In addition, we found that the enthalpy of the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure is lower than that of I4/mcm above 495 GPa.

  3. Thermodynamics and elastic properties of Ir from first-principle calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li Qiang; Huang Duohui; Cao Qilong; Wang Fanhou

    2013-01-01

    Within the framework of the quasiharmonic approximation, the thermodynamics and elastic properties, including phonon dispersion curves, equation of state, linear thermal expansion coefficient and temperature-dependent entropy, enthalpy, heat capacity, elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus of Ir have been studied using first-principles projector-augmented wave method. The results revealed that the predicted phonon dispersion curves of Ir are in agreement with the experimental measurements by neutron diffractions. Considering the thermal electronic contribution to Helmholtz free energy, the calculated entropy, enthalpy, heat capacity and linear thermal expansion co- efficient from the first-principle are consistent well with the experimental data. At 2600 K, the electronic heat capacity accounts for 17% of the total heat capacity at constant pressure, thus the thermal electronic contribution to Helmholtz free energy is very important. The predicted elastic constants, bulk modulus, shear modulus and Young's modulus at room temperature are also in agreement with the available measurements and increase with the increasing temperature. (authors)

  4. First-principles studies of doped InTaO4 for photo catalytic applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hyunju, Chang; Kijeong, Kong; Yong, Soo Choi; Youngmin, Choi; Jin-Ook, Baeg; Sang-Jin, Moon

    2006-01-01

    We have calculated electronic structure of InTaO 4 using first-principle method, in order to investigate the relationship between its electronic structures and visible light absorption. We have calculated densities of states (DOS) for various states of InTaO 4 , such as pristine, oxygen vacancy, Ni-doped, and A-doped (A = C, N, and S) states. We have found that oxygen vacancy can induce the gap states and Ni-doping can narrow the band gap by generating additional states on the top of the valence band as well as on the top of the gap states. For A-doped states, it was found that N-doping and S-doping could narrow the pristine band gap inducing the additional states above the pristine valence band, while C-doping can generate the gap states in the middle of the pristine band gap. (authors)

  5. Elasticity, electronic properties and hardness of MoC investigated by first principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu, YangZhen; Jiang, YeHua; Feng, Jing; Zhou, Rong

    2013-01-01

    The crystal structure, cohesive energy, formation enthalpy, mechanical anisotropy, electronic properties and hardness of α−MoC, β−MoC and γ−MoC are investigated by the first-principles calculations. The elastic constants and the bulk moduli, shear moduli, Young's moduli are calculated. The Young's modulus values of α−MoC, β−MoC and γ−MoC are 395.6 GPa, 551.2 GPa and 399.5 GPa, respectively. The surface constructions of Young's moduli identify the mechanical anisotropy of molybdenum carbide, and the results show that anisotropy of α−MoC is stronger than others. The electronic structure indicates that the bonding behaviors of MoC are the combinations of covalent and metallic bonds. The hardness of β−MoC is obviously higher than those of α−MoC and γ−MoC

  6. Redox functionality mediated by adsorbed oxygen on a Pd oxide film over a Pd(100) thin structure: a first-principles study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kusakabe, K; Ikuno, Y k; Nagara, H; Harada, K

    2009-01-01

    Stable oxygen sites on a PdO film over a Pd(100) thin structure with a (√5x√5)R27 o surface unit cell are determined using the first-principles electronic structure calculations with the generalized gradient approximation. The adsorbed monatomic oxygen goes to a site bridging two twofold-coordinated Pd atoms or to a site bridging a twofold-coordinated Pd atom and a fourfold-coordinated Pd atom. Estimated reaction energies of CO oxidation by reduction of the oxidized PdO film and N 2 O reduction mediated by oxidation of the PdO film are both exothermic. Motion of the adsorbed oxygen atom between the two stable sites is evaluated using the nudged elastic band method, where an energy barrier for a translational motion of the adsorbed oxygen may become ∼0.45 eV, which is low enough to allow fluxionality of the surface oxygen at high temperatures. The oxygen fluxionality is allowed by the existence of twofold-coordinated Pd atoms on the PdO film, whose local structure has a similarity to that of Pd catalysts for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling. Although NO x (including NO 2 and NO) reduction is not always catalyzed by the PdO film only, we conclude that continual redox reactions may happen mediated by oxygen-adsorbed PdO films over a Pd surface structure, when the influx of NO x and CO continues, and when the reaction cycle is kept on a well-designed oxygen surface.

  7. Energetics and magnetism of Co-doped GaN(0001) surfaces: A first-principles study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Qin, Zhenzhen; Xiong, Zhihua; Chen, Lanli; Qin, Guangzhao

    2014-01-01

    A comprehensive first-principles study of the energetics, electronic, and magnetic properties of Co-doped GaN(0001) thin films are presented and the effect of surface structure on the magnetic coupling between Co atoms is demonstrated. It is found that Co atoms prefer to substitute the surface Ga sites in different growth conditions. In particular, a CoN/GaN interface structure with Co atoms replacing the first Ga layer is preferred under N-rich and moderately Ga-rich conditions, while CoGa x /GaN interface is found to be energetically stable under extremely Ga-rich conditions. It is worth noted that the antiferromagnetic coupling between Co atoms is favorable in clean GaN(0001) surface, but the existence of ferromagnetism would be expected to occur as Co concentration increased in Ga-bilayer GaN(0001) surface. Our study provides the theoretical understanding for experimental research on Co-doped GaN films and might promise the Co:GaN system potential applications in spin injection devices

  8. First principles simulations of antiphase defects on the SP 900 partial dislocation in silicon

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Valladares, Alexander; Sutton, A P

    2006-01-01

    We study the structure and energies of formation of antiphase defects on the single period (SP) 90 0 partial dislocation in silicon using a first principles density functional method. We consider two types of antiphase defect, the type first proposed by Hirsch (1980 J. Microsc. 118 3) wholly inside the dislocation core, and another type that lies partly outside the core. Both types are stable and contain one atom which is threefold coordinated. Each of these atoms has a dangling hybrid which lies in a direction perpendicular to the dislocation line on the slip plane. We obtain values of 1.39 ± 0.03 eV and 1.41 ± 0.03 eV for the average formation energy of single antiphase defects of the inside and outside types, respectively. We have obtained, using a tight binding scheme, band structures corresponding to these two types of defect, and we find both of them to be associated with states in the gap and each dangling hybrid to contain one electron

  9. Structural, electronic properties and enhancement of electrical polarization in Er2NiMnO6/La2NiMnO6 superlattice by first-principles calculations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Haipeng Lu

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available Employing first-principles calculations, structural, electronic properties of new multiferroic material Er2NiMnO6/La2NiMnO6 perovskite superlattice are investigated. This structure is computed as monoclinic phase with obvious distortion. The average in-plane anti-phase rotation angle, average out-of-plane in-phase rotation angle and other microscopic features are reported in this paper. Ni and Mn are found in this superlattice that stay high spin states. These microscopic properties play important roles in multiferroic properties. Based on these microscopic features, the relationship between the direction of spontaneous polarization and the order of substitution in neighboring A-O layers is explained. Finally, we try to enhance the electrical polarization magnitude by 32% by altering the previous superlattice as LaEr2NiMnO7 structure. Our results show that both repulsion force of A site rare earth ions and the arrangement of B site ions can exert influences on spontaneous polarization.

  10. Experimental and first-principles study of ferromagnetism in Mn-doped zinc stannate nanowires

    KAUST Repository

    Deng, Rui; Zhou, Hang; Li, Yong-Feng; Wu, Tao; Yao, Bin; Qin, Jie-Ming; Wan, Yu-Chun; Jiang, Da-Yong; Liang, Qing-Cheng; Liu, Lei

    2013-01-01

    Room temperature ferromagnetism was observed in Mn-doped zinc stannate (ZTO:Mn) nanowires, which were prepared by chemical vapor transport. Structural and magnetic properties and Mn chemical states of ZTO:Mn nanowires were investigated by X-ray diffraction, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Manganese predominantly existed as Mn2+ and substituted for Zn (Mn Zn) in ZTO:Mn. This conclusion was supported by first-principles calculations. MnZn in ZTO:Mn had a lower formation energy than that of Mn substituted for Sn (MnSn). The nearest neighbor MnZn in ZTO stabilized ferromagnetic coupling. This observation supported the experimental results. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

  11. Experimental and first-principles study of ferromagnetism in Mn-doped zinc stannate nanowires

    KAUST Repository

    Deng, Rui

    2013-07-17

    Room temperature ferromagnetism was observed in Mn-doped zinc stannate (ZTO:Mn) nanowires, which were prepared by chemical vapor transport. Structural and magnetic properties and Mn chemical states of ZTO:Mn nanowires were investigated by X-ray diffraction, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Manganese predominantly existed as Mn2+ and substituted for Zn (Mn Zn) in ZTO:Mn. This conclusion was supported by first-principles calculations. MnZn in ZTO:Mn had a lower formation energy than that of Mn substituted for Sn (MnSn). The nearest neighbor MnZn in ZTO stabilized ferromagnetic coupling. This observation supported the experimental results. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.

  12. Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of 3d metal trioxide clusters-doped monolayer graphene: A first-principles study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rafique, Muhammad [School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150001 (China); M.U.E.T, S.Z.A.B, Campus Khairpur Mir' s, Sindh (Pakistan); Shuai, Yong, E-mail: shuaiyong1978@gmail.com [School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150001 (China); Tan, He-Ping; Hassan, Muhammad [School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150001 (China)

    2017-03-31

    Highlights: • First-principles calculations are performed for TMO{sub 3} cluster-doped and TM atoms adsorbed at three O atoms-doped graphene. • Significant magnetic coupling behavior is observed between TM atoms and neighboring C and O atoms for both cases. • The direction of charge transfer is always from monolayer graphene to TMO{sub 3} clusters incorporated into graphene. • TiO{sub 3} and VO{sub 3} doped structures display dilute magnetic semiconductor behavior. • Five different orbitals (d{sub xy}, d{sub yz}, d{sub z}{sup 2}, d{sub xz} and d{sub x}{sup 2}{sub -y}{sup 2}) of 3d TM atoms give rise to magnetic moments for both cases. - Abstract: We present first-principles density-functional calculations for the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer graphene doped with 3d (Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Mn and Ni) metal trioxide TMO{sub 3} halogen clusters. In this paper we used two approaches for 3d metal trioxide clusters (i) TMO{sub 3} halogen cluster was embedded in monolayer graphene substituting four carbon (C) atoms (ii) three C atoms were substituted by three oxygen (O) atoms in one graphene ring and TM atom was adsorbed at the hollow site of O atoms substituted graphene ring. All the impurities were tightly bonded in the graphene ring. In first case of TMO{sub 3} doped graphene layer, the bond length between C−O atom was reduced and bond length between TM-O atom was increased. In case of Cr, Fe, Co and Ni atoms substitution in between the O atoms, leads to Fermi level shifting to conduction band thereby causing the Dirac cone to move into valence band, however a band gap appears at high symmetric K-point. In case of TiO{sub 3} and VO{sub 3} substitution, system exhibits semiconductor properties. Interestingly, TiO{sub 3}-substituted system shows dilute magnetic semiconductor behavior with 2.00 μ{sub B} magnetic moment. On the other hand, the substitution of CoO{sub 3}, CrO{sub 3}, FeO{sub 3} and MnO{sub 3} induced 1.015 μ{sub B}, 2

  13. First-principles study on the electronic structure, phonons and optical properties of LaB_6 under high-pressure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chao, Luomeng; Bao, Lihong; Wei, Wei; O, Tegus; Zhang, Zhidong

    2016-01-01

    The electronic structure, phonons and optical properties of LaB_6 compound under different pressure have been studied by first-principles calculation. The electronic structure calculation shows that the d band along the M-Γ direction of the Brillouin zone moves up with increasing pressure and the band minimum is above the Fermi level at 45 GPa. The pressure-induced charge transfer from La to B atoms is reflected in the upshift of d band along the M-Γ direction with pressure. The calculated phonon dispersion curve at zero pressure is in good agreement with the experimental results. However, the phonon dispersion under high pressure does not show any information about the phase transition at 10 GPa, which was reported previously. The acoustic and optical phonon modes harden all the way with increasing pressure. In addition, the dielectric function is in accordance with the Drude model in the pressure range of 0 GPa–35 GPa and follows the Lorentz model at 45 GPa. The LaB_6 compound exhibits better visible light transmittance performance with the increasing pressure in the range of 0 GPa–35 GPa and visible light transmittance peak would be shifted towards ultraviolet region. - Highlights: • Physical properties of LaB_6 under high pressure have been theoretically studied. • Predict an electronic topological transition occurs at 45 GPa for LaB_6. • Predict a pressure-induced charge transfer from La to B atoms. • The phonon modes at Γ point show an increasing trend with increasing pressure. • The LaB_6 exhibits better heat-shielding performance with the increasing pressure.

  14. Credibility is the first principle

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Beecher, William

    2002-01-01

    The first principle of an effective public affairs program on nuclear energy is credibility. If credibility is lacking, no matter how artful the message, it will not be persuasive. There has long been a problem in the United States. For years much of the industry followed the practice, when there was an event at a nuclear power plant that resulted in an unplanned release of radioactivity, to tell the public there was 'no release' if in fact the release was below the technical specifications of what the NRC mandates as being safe. The NRC is a safety regulator. It can tell nuclear power plant operators what to do, or not do, when it comes to safety, but doesn't have the right to tell them what to say to the public. The example of an emergency exercise and the NRC press release on that occasion showed the direction how companies could be influenced to behave in order to prevent such avoidably negative news coverage, i.e. attaining credibility when public anxiety is concerned

  15. First-principles study of crystal structure, elastic stiffness constants, piezoelectric constants, and spontaneous polarization of orthorhombic Pna21-M2O3 (M = Al, Ga, In, Sc, Y)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shimada, Kazuhiro

    2018-03-01

    We perform first-principles calculations to investigate the crystal structure, elastic and piezoelectric properties, and spontaneous polarization of orthorhombic M2O3 (M = Al, Ga, In, Sc, Y) with Pna21 space group based on density functional theory. The lattice parameters, full elastic stiffness constants, piezoelectric stress and strain constants, and spontaneous polarization are successfully predicted. Comparison with available experimental and computational results indicates the validity of our computational results. Detailed analysis of the results clarifies the difference in the bonding character and the origin of the strong piezoelectric response and large spontaneous polarization.

  16. First-principles study on lithium removal from Li{sub 2}MnO{sub 3}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Koyama, Yukinori; Tanaka, Isao [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501 (Japan); Nagao, Miki; Kanno, Ryoji [Department of Electronic Chemistry, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Nagatsuda, Midori, Yokohama 226-8502 (Japan)

    2009-04-01

    A systematic first-principles calculation based on density functional theory is carried out to discuss the redox mechanism of Li{sub 2}MnO{sub 3}. The lattices of structural models having C2/m- and C2/c-type stacking sequences can be regarded as hexagonal, while their symmetry is monoclinic. Different stacking sequences of [Mn{sub 2/3}Li{sub 1/3}] layers do not cause differences in the energy or crystallographic structure, suggesting a disordered stacking sequence. A calculation for Li{sub 2-x}MnO{sub 3} assuming topotactic lithium removal indicates that lithium removal can occur at a potential of about 4.6 V with a wide potential plateau. The electronic structure of Li{sub 2-x}MnO{sub 3} shows that the manganese ions remain in the charge state of Mn{sup 4+} and the charge of the removed lithium ions is compensated by the oxidation of oxygen. (author)

  17. First-principles calculations of K-shell X-ray absorption spectra for warm dense nitrogen

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li, Zi; Zhang, Shen; Kang, Wei; Wang, Cong; Zhang, Ping

    2016-01-01

    X-ray absorption spectrum is a powerful tool for atomic structure detection on warm dense matter. Here, we perform first-principles molecular dynamics and X-ray absorption spectrum calculations on warm dense nitrogen along a Hugoniot curve. From the molecular dynamics trajectory, the detailed atomic structures are examined for each thermodynamical condition. The K-shell X-ray absorption spectrum is calculated, and its changes with temperature and pressure along the Hugoniot curve are discussed. The warm dense nitrogen systems may contain isolated nitrogen atoms, N 2 molecules, and nitrogen clusters, which show quite different contributions to the total X-ray spectrum due to their different electron density of states. The changes of X-ray spectrum along the Hugoniot curve are caused by the different nitrogen structures induced by the temperature and the pressure. Some clear signatures on X-ray spectrum for different thermodynamical conditions are pointed out, which may provide useful data for future X-ray experiments.

  18. BaTiO3-based nanolayers and nanotubes: first-principles calculations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Evarestov, Robert A; Bandura, Andrei V; Kuruch, Dmitrii D

    2013-01-30

    The first-principles calculations using hybrid exchange-correlation functional and localized atomic basis set are performed for BaTiO(3) (BTO) nanolayers and nanotubes (NTs) with the structure optimization. Both the cubic and the ferroelectric BTO phases are used for the nanolayers and NTs modeling. It follows from the calculations that nanolayers of the different ferroelectric BTO phases have the practically identical surface energies and are more stable than nanolayers of the cubic phase. Thin nanosheets composed of three or more dense layers of (0 1 0) and (0 1 1[overline]) faces preserve the ferroelectric displacements inherent to the initial bulk phase. The structure and stability of BTO single-wall NTs depends on the original bulk crystal phase and a wall thickness. The majority of the considered NTs with the low formation and strain energies has the mirror plane perpendicular to the tube axis and therefore cannot exhibit ferroelectricity. The NTs folded from (0 1 1[overline]) layers may show antiferroelectric arrangement of Ti-O bonds. Comparison of stability of the BTO-based and SrTiO(3)-based NTs shows that the former are more stable than the latter. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. Parallelization for first principles electronic state calculation program

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Watanabe, Hiroshi; Oguchi, Tamio.

    1997-03-01

    In this report we study the parallelization for First principles electronic state calculation program. The target machines are NEC SX-4 for shared memory type parallelization and FUJITSU VPP300 for distributed memory type parallelization. The features of each parallel machine are surveyed, and the parallelization methods suitable for each are proposed. It is shown that 1.60 times acceleration is achieved with 2 CPU parallelization by SX-4 and 4.97 times acceleration is achieved with 12 PE parallelization by VPP 300. (author)

  20. First-principles investigations of the physical properties of binary uranium silicide alloys

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang, Jin; Long, Jianping; Yang, Lijun; Li, Dongmei

    2013-01-01

    Graphical abstract: Total density of states for USi 2 . Display Omitted -- Abstract: The structural, elastic properties and the Debye temperature of binary Uranium Silicide (U-Si) alloys are investigated by using the first-principles plane-wave pseudopotential density function theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The ground states properties are found to agree with the available experimental data. The mechanical properties like shear modulus, Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio σ and ratio B/G are also calculated. Finally, The averaged sound velocity (v m ), the longitudinal sound velocity (v l ), transverse sound velocity (v t ) and the Debye temperature (θ D ) are obtained. However, the theoretical values are slightly different from few existed experiment data because the latter was obtained at room temperature while the former one at 0 K

  1. First-principles study of Cu adsorption on vacancy-defected/Au-doped graphene

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Yang; An, Libao; Gong, Liang

    2018-04-01

    To enhance the interaction between Cu and graphene in graphene reinforced Cu matrix composites, the first principles calculation was carried out to study the adsorption of Cu atoms on graphene. P-type doping and n-type doping were formed, respectively, on vacancy-defected and Au-doped graphene based on band structure analysis, and this was verified by subsequent investigation on density of states. A computation on charge transfer confirmed that p-type doping could promote the electron transport between Cu and graphene, while n-type doping would prevent it. In addition, adsorption energy and Mulliken population analysis revealed that both vacancy defects and Au doping could improve the stability of the Cu-graphene system. The research conducted in this paper provides useful guidance for the preparation of Cu/graphene composites.

  2. First-Principles Study on the Adsorption Properties of Transition-Metal Atoms on CaO(001) Surfaces

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yu, Byung Deok [University of Seoul, Seoul (Korea, Republic of); Jang, Young-Rok [Incheon National University, Incheon (Korea, Republic of)

    2017-03-15

    By using first-principles electronic-structure calculations based on the density functional theory, we systematically investigated the adsorption properties of transition-metal (TM) adatoms on CaO(001) surfaces. Optimized adsorption structures and energetics of TM adatoms on CaO(001) are reported for various adsorption structures. The results are different from those of TM adatoms on MgO(001). Concomitantly, this suggests different dynamical properties of TM adatoms on CaO(001) surfaces as compared with TM adatoms on MgO(001) surfaces. Also performed was an analysis of the electronic structures of the TM adatoms on CaO(001) by using the energy positions of the adsorbate states with respect to the valence band maximum of CaO. The results are discussed in connection with the charge states of the TM adatoms on doped CaO(001).

  3. Elastic and thermal properties of silicon compounds from first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hou, Haijun; Zhu, H.J. [Yancheng Institute of Technology (China). School of Materials Engineering; Cheng, W.H. [Yancheng Institute of Technology (China). Dept. of Light Chemical Engineering; Xie, L.H. [Sichuan Normal Univ., Chengdu (China). Inst. of Solid State Physics and School of Physics and Electronic Engineering

    2016-11-01

    The structural and elastic properties of V-Si (V{sub 3}Si, VSi{sub 2}, V{sub 5}Si{sub 3}, and V{sub 6}Si{sub 5}) compounds are studied by using first-principles method. The calculated equilibrium lattice parameters and formation enthalpy are in good agreement with the available experimental data and other theoretical results. The calculated results indicate that the V-Si compounds are mechanically stable. Elastic properties including bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio are also obtained. The elastic anisotropies of V-Si compounds are investigated via the three-dimensional (3D) figures of directional dependences of reciprocals of Young's modulus. Finally, based on the quasi-harmonic Debye model, the internal energy, Helmholtz free energy, entropy, heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient, Grueneisen parameter, and Debye temperature of V-Si compounds have been calculated.

  4. A first-principles study of sodium adsorption and diffusion on phosphorene.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Xiao; Wen, Yanwei; Chen, Zhengzheng; Shan, Bin; Chen, Rong

    2015-07-07

    The structural, electronic, electrochemical as well as diffusion properties of Na doped phosphorene have been investigated based on first-principles calculations. The strong binding energy between Na and phosphorene indicates that Na could be stabilized on the surface of phosphorene without clustering. By comparing the adsorption of Na atoms on one side and on both sides of phosphorene, it has been found that Na-Na exhibits strong repulsion at the Na-Na distance of less than 4.35 Å. The Na intercalation capacity is estimated to be 324 mA h g(-1) and the calculated discharge curve indicates quite a low Na(+)/Na voltage of phosphorene. Moreover, the diffusion energy barrier of Na atoms on the phosphorene surface at both low and high Na concentrations is as low as 40-63 meV, which implies the high mobility of Na during the charge/discharge process.

  5. First-principles approach to the dynamic magnetoelectric couplings for the non-reciprocal directional dichroism in BiFeO3

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, Jun Hee; Fishman, Randy S; Kézsmáki, István

    2016-01-01

    Due to the complicated magnetic and crystallographic structures of BiFeO 3 , its magnetoelectric (ME) couplings and microscopic model Hamiltonian remain poorly understood. By employing a first-principles approach, we uncover all possible ME couplings associated with the spin-current (SC) and exchange-striction (ES) polarizations, and construct an appropriate Hamiltonian for the long-range spin-cycloid in BiFeO 3 . First-principles calculations are used to understand the microscopic origins of the ME couplings. We find that inversion symmetries broken by ferroelectric and antiferroelectric distortions induce the SC and the ES polarizations, which cooperatively produce the dynamic ME effects in BiFeO 3 . A model motivated by first principles reproduces the absorption difference of counter-propagating light beams called non-reciprocal directional dichroism. The current paper focuses on the spin-driven (SD) polarizations produced by a dynamic electric field, i.e. the dynamic ME couplings. Due to the inertial properties of Fe, the dynamic SD polarizations differ significantly from the static SD polarizations. Our systematic approach can be generally applied to any multiferroic material, laying the foundation for revealing hidden ME couplings on the atomic scale and for exploiting optical ME effects in the next generation of technological devices such as optical diodes. (paper)

  6. Structural transformation during Li/Na insertion and theoretical cyclic voltammetry of the δ-NH4V4O10 electrode: a first-principles study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sarkar, Tanmay; Kumar, Parveen; Bharadwaj, Mridula Dixit; Waghmare, Umesh

    2016-04-14

    A double layer δ-NH4V4O10, due to its high energy storage capacity and excellent rate capability, is a very promising cathode material for Li-ion and Na-ion batteries for large-scale renewable energy storage in transportation and smart grids. While it possesses better stability, and higher ionic and electronic conductivity than the most widely explored V2O5, the mechanisms of its cyclability are yet to be understood. Here, we present a theoretical cyclic voltammetry as a tool based on first-principles calculations, and uncover structural transformations that occur during Li(+)/Na(+) insertion (x) into (Lix/Nax)NH4V4O10. Structural distortions associated with single-phase and multi-phase structural changes during the insertion of Li(+)/Na(+), identified through the analysis of voltage profile and theoretical cyclic voltammetry are in agreement with the reported experimental electrochemical measurements on δ-NH4V4O10. We obtain an insight into its electronic structure with a lower band gap that is responsible for the high rate capability of (Lix/Nax) δ-NH4V4O10. The scheme of theoretical cyclic voltammetry presented here will be useful for addressing issues of cyclability and energy rate in other electrode materials.

  7. A first principle calculation of anisotropic elastic, mechanical and electronic properties of TiB

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Junqin; Zhao, Bin; Ma, Huihui; Wei, Qun; Yang, Yintang

    2018-04-01

    The structural, mechanical and electronic properties of the NaCl-type structure TiB are theoretically calculated based on the first principles. The density of states of TiB shows obvious density peaks at -0.70eV. Furthermore, there exists a pseudogap at 0.71eV to the right of the Fermi level. The calculated structural and mechanical parameters (i.e., bulk modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio and universal elastic anisotropy index) were in good agreement both with the previously reported experimental values and theoretical results at zero pressure. The mechanical stability criterion proves that TiB at zero pressure is mechanistically stable and exhibits ductility. The universal anisotropic index and the 3D graphics of Young's modulus are also given in this paper, which indicates that TiB is anisotropy under zero pressure. Moreover, the effects of applied pressures on the structural, mechanical and anisotropic elastic of TiB were studied in the range from 0 to 100GPa. It was found that ductility and anisotropy of TiB were enhanced with the increase of pressure.

  8. Half-metallic ferromagnetism in Fe-doped Zn3P2 from first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jaiganesh, G.; Jaya, S. Mathi

    2014-01-01

    Using the first-principles calculations based on the density functional theory, we have studied the magnetism and electronic structure of Fe-doped Zinc Phosphide (Zn 3 P 2 ). Our results show that the half-metallic ground state and ferromagnetic stability for the small Fe concentrations considered in our study. The stability of the doped material has been studied by calculating the heat of formation and analyzing the minimum total energies in nonmagnetic and ferromagnetic phases. A large value of the magnetic moment is obtained from our calculations and our calculation suggests that the Fe-doped Zn 3 P 2 may be a useful material in semiconductor spintronics

  9. Determination of enrichment processes and radon concentration in underground mines of fluorite and coal in Santa Catarina state: criteria for radiation risk assessment

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Santos, Carlos Eduardo Lima dos

    2008-01-01

    The inhalation of radon present in underground mines can imply in the deposition of its descendants in the lungs, which may cause harm to the lungs tissues and induce cancer. Concentration of radon not greater than 500 Bq/m 3 in the environment of underground mines is considered to be acceptable internationally and concentrations above 1500 Bq/m 3 require protective measures for the miners. The objectives of this research work are to determine the enrichment processes and the concentrations of radon in air, as well as the resulting doses due to the presence of this radionuclide in three underground mines of fluorite and three underground mines of coal in the State of Santa Catarina. The concentration of radon was measured employing two types of detectors of nuclear tracks (SSNTD), the LEXAN and the CR-39. This detection method consists in counting, with the help of a microscope, tracks resulting from the interaction of alpha particles with the film, due to the penetration of Rn-222 in the interior of the detector chamber and its decaying process. Contents of radium in collected samples of rocks, minerals and underground water were determined and compared with the corresponding radon concentration found in the underground air. It was observed that the coal mines showed low concentrations of radon, which can be explained by the low concentration of radium in rocks (sandstones and siltites in the foot wall and hang wall) and in the coal that composes the mining environment or, yet still, due to the good ventilation system. The average dose to the workers of the coal mines was estimated as 0.7 mSv/a, value inferior to the limit of 1 mSv/a established by the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) for members of the public, and corresponding to a risk of fatal cancer after 50 years of work under this condition of 0.2%. On the other hand, the fluorite mines showed much higher concentrations of radon and superior to 1000 Bq/m 3 . The inefficiency of the ventilation

  10. Doping process of p-type GaN nanowires: A first principle study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xia, Sihao; Liu, Lei; Diao, Yu; Feng, Shu

    2017-10-01

    The process of p-type doping for GaN nanowires is investigated using calculations starting from first principles. The influence of different doping elements, sites, types, and concentrations is discussed. Results suggest that Mg is an optimal dopant when compared to Be and Zn due to its stronger stability, whereas Be atoms are more inclined to exist in the interspace of a nanowire. Interstitially-doped GaN nanowires show notable n-type conductivity, and thus, Be is not a suitable dopant, which is to be expected since systems with inner substitutional dopants are more favorable than those with surface substitutions. Both interstitial and substitutional doping affect the atomic structure near dopants and induce charge transfer between the dopants and adjacent atoms. By altering doping sites and concentrations, nanowire atomic structures remain nearly constant. Substitutional doping models show p-type conductivity, and Mg-doped nanowires with doping concentrations of 4% showing the strongest p-type conductivity. All doping configurations are direct bandgap semiconductors. This study is expected to direct the preparation of high-quality GaN nanowires.

  11. First-principles study of bandgap tuning in Ge1-xPbxSe

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lohani, Himanshu

    2018-03-01

    Narrow bandgap and its tuning are important aspects of materials for their technological applications. In this context group IV-VI semiconductors are one of the interesting candidates. In this paper, we explore the possibility of bandgap tuning in one of the family member of this family GeSe by using isoelectronic Pb doping. Our study is first-principles based electronic structure calculations of Ge1-xPbxSe. This study reveals that the Ge-p and Se-p states are strongly hybridized in GeSe and shows a gap in the DOS at Ef in GeSe. This gap reduces systematically with simultaneous enhancement of the states in the near Ef region as a function of Pb doping. This leads tuning of the indirect bandgap in GeSe via Pb doping. The results of the indirect bandgap decrement are consistent with the experimental findings. We propose a mechanism where the electrostatic effect of dopant Pb cation could be responsible for these changes in the electronic structure of GeSe.

  12. Ammonia synthesis and decomposition on a Ru-based catalyst modeled by first-principles

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hellman, A.; Honkala, Johanna Karoliina; Remediakis, Ioannis

    2009-01-01

    A recently published first-principles model for the ammonia synthesis on an unpromoted Ru-based catalyst is extended to also describe ammonia decomposition. In addition, further analysis concerning trends in ammonia productivity, surface conditions during the reaction, and macro-properties, such ......A recently published first-principles model for the ammonia synthesis on an unpromoted Ru-based catalyst is extended to also describe ammonia decomposition. In addition, further analysis concerning trends in ammonia productivity, surface conditions during the reaction, and macro......-properties, such as apparent activation energies and reaction orders are provided. All observed trends in activity are captured by the model and the absolute value of ammonia synthesis/decomposition productivity is predicted to within a factor of 1-100 depending on the experimental conditions. Moreover it is shown: (i......) that small changes in the relative adsorption potential energies are sufficient to get a quantitative agreement between theory and experiment (Appendix A) and (ii) that it is possible to reproduce results from the first-principles model by a simple micro-kinetic model (Appendix B)....

  13. First-principle optimal local pseudopotentials construction via optimized effective potential method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mi, Wenhui; Zhang, Shoutao; Wang, Yanchao; Ma, Yanming; Miao, Maosheng

    2016-01-01

    The local pseudopotential (LPP) is an important component of orbital-free density functional theory, a promising large-scale simulation method that can maintain information on a material’s electron state. The LPP is usually extracted from solid-state density functional theory calculations, thereby it is difficult to assess its transferability to cases involving very different chemical environments. Here, we reveal a fundamental relation between the first-principles norm-conserving pseudopotential (NCPP) and the LPP. On the basis of this relationship, we demonstrate that the LPP can be constructed optimally from the NCPP for a large number of elements using the optimized effective potential method. Specially, our method provides a unified scheme for constructing and assessing the LPP within the framework of first-principles pseudopotentials. Our practice reveals that the existence of a valid LPP with high transferability may strongly depend on the element.

  14. Formation of solid solutions of gallium in Fe–Cr and Fe–Co alloys: Mössbauer studies and first-principles calculations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Serikov, V.V. [Institute of Metal Physics UB RAS, S. Kovalevskaya str. 18, 620990 Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Kleinerman, N.M., E-mail: kleinerman@imp.uran.ru [Institute of Metal Physics UB RAS, S. Kovalevskaya str. 18, 620990 Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Vershinin, A.V.; Mushnikov, N.V.; Protasov, A.V.; Stashkova, L.A. [Institute of Metal Physics UB RAS, S. Kovalevskaya str. 18, 620990 Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Gorbatov, O.I. [Institute of Metal Physics UB RAS, S. Kovalevskaya str. 18, 620990 Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation); Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE - 100 44 Stockholm (Sweden); Ruban, A.V. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE - 100 44 Stockholm (Sweden); Gornostyrev, Yu.N. [Institute of Metal Physics UB RAS, S. Kovalevskaya str. 18, 620990 Ekaterinburg (Russian Federation)

    2014-11-25

    Highlights: • Structure features of the formation of quasibinary solid solutions Fe–Co–Ga and Fe–Cr–Ga are found. • The first-principles calculation of mixing and solubility energies for Ga in an Fe–X alloy are given. • Ga handicaps the processes of phase separation in the Fe–Cr system and ordering in the Fe–Co system. • Preference of Ga entering in the neighborhood of a second element can help study multielement alloys. - Abstract: Investigation of Ga influence on the structure of Fe–Cr and Fe–Co alloys was performed with the use of Mössbauer spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. The experimental results are compared with results of first-principles calculations of the mixing and solubility energies for Ga in an Fe–X (X = Co, Cr) alloy both in ferromagnetic and paramagnetic states. It is shown that Ga mainly goes into the solid solutions of the base alloys. In the alloys of the Fe–Cr system, doping with Ga handicaps the decomposition of solid solutions, observed in the binary alloys, and increases its stability. In the alloys with Co, Ga also favors the uniformity of solid solutions. The results of the first-principles calculations testify in favor of a preferable dissolution of Ga in the FeCo regions of a multicomponent structure rather than FeCr regions, both types of regions being in the ferromagnetic state at the temperature of annealing. The analysis of Mössbauer experiments gives some grounds to conclude that if, owing to liquation, clusterization, or initial stages of phase separation, there exist regions enriched in iron, some amount of Ga atoms prefer to enter the nearest surroundings of iron atoms, thus forming binary Fe–Ga regions (or phases)

  15. First-Principles Definition and Measurement of Planetary Electromagnetic-Energy Budget

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mishchenko, Michael I.; Lock, James A.; Lacis, Andrew A.; Travis, Larry D.; Cairns, Brian

    2016-01-01

    The imperative to quantify the Earths electromagnetic-energy budget with an extremely high accuracy has been widely recognized but has never been formulated in the framework of fundamental physics. In this paper we give a first-principles definition of the planetary electromagnetic-energy budget using the Poynting- vector formalism and discuss how it can, in principle, be measured. Our derivation is based on an absolute minimum of theoretical assumptions, is free of outdated notions of phenomenological radiometry, and naturally leads to the conceptual formulation of an instrument called the double hemispherical cavity radiometer (DHCR). The practical measurement of the planetary energy budget would require flying a constellation of several dozen planet-orbiting satellites hosting identical well-calibrated DHCRs.

  16. Charge mechanism analysis of lithium ion secondary battery. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and first-principles calculations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kubobuchi, Kei; Imai, Hideto

    2015-01-01

    Redox reaction behaviors of a lithium ion secondary battery were investigated by K-edge in-situ XANES and L-edge XANES measurements combined with ab initio XANES simulation. During the charge process, the shape of K-edge XANES spectra was found to change, suggesting contribution of Mn 3d electron to charge and discharge. The detailed analysis based on first-principles electronic structure calculation and ab initio XANES simulation, however, indicated that valence change of Mn is little and rather O largely contribute to the reaction. (author)

  17. Energy band modulation of graphane by hydrogen-vacancy chains: A first-principles study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bi-Ru Wu

    2014-08-01

    Full Text Available We investigated a variety of configurations of hydrogen-vacancy chains in graphane by first-principles density functional calculation. We found that graphane with two zigzag H-vacancy chains segregated by one or more H chain is generally a nonmagnetic conductor or has a negligible band gap. However, the same structure is turned into a semiconductor and generates a magnetic moment if either one or both of the vacancy chains are blocked by isolated H atoms. If H-vacancy chains are continuously distributed, the structure is similar to a zigzag graphene nanoribbon embedded in graphane. It was also found that the embedded zigzag graphene nanoribbon is antiferromagnetic, and isolated H atoms left in the 2-chain nanoribbon can tune the band gap and generate net magnetic moments. Similar effects are also obtained if bare carbon atoms are present outside the nanoribbon. These results are useful for designing graphene-based nanoelectronic circuits.

  18. First-principles cluster variation calculations of tetragonal-cubic transition in ZrO2

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mohri, Tetsuo; Chen, Ying; Kiyokane, Naoya

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: ► Cluster variation method is extended to study displacive transition. ► Electronic structure total energy calculations are performed on ZrO2. ► Tetragonal-cubic transition is studied within the framework of order -disorder transition. -- Abstract: It is attempted to extend the basic idea of continuous displacement cluster variation method (CDCVM) to the study of a displacive phase transition. As a preliminary study, we focus on cubic to tetragonal transition in ZrO 2 in which oxygen atoms on the cubic lattice are displaced alternatively in the opposite direction (upward and downward) along the tetragonal axis. Within the CDCVM, displaced atoms are regarded as different atomic species, and two distinguished atoms, A-oxygen (upward shifting) and B-oxygen (downward shifting), are introduced in the description of the free energy. FLAPW electronic structure total energy calculations are performed to extract effective interaction energies among displaced oxygen atoms, and by combing them with CDCVM, the transition temperature is calculated from the first-principles

  19. Thermal and chemical variations of the Nigerian Benue trough lead-zinc-barite-fluorite deposits

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ogundipe, Ibukun Emmanuel

    2017-08-01

    The Benue trough is an intra-continental rift initiated in the Cretaceous during the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean. Lead-zinc-barite-fluorite mineralization occurs along the 600 km axis of the trough in three discrete sub-basins which coincide with the lower, middle and upper mineral districts of the Benue Valley. Lithologically these sub-basins are dominated by black carbonaceous shale in the Lower Benue, platform carbonates in the Middle Benue and sandstones in the Upper Benue. Micro-thermometric analysis of fluid inclusions in sphalerite, fluorite, barite and quartz have shown that each mineral district has its own unique thermal and chemical imprint. For example, the temperature can be bracketed between 109 °C and 160 °C for lower Benue, 89 °C-144 °C for the Middle Benue and 176 °C-254 °C for the Upper Benue. Chemical differentiation also exists between each mineral district with the Lower Benue having 22 wt % equivalent NaCl while the Middle and Upper Benue have 18 and 16 wt % equivalent NaCl respectively. This study shows that inter-district thermal and chemical variations exist between the ore-stage sulfide and post-sulfide gangue minerals of the entire Benue Valley. Similarly, intra-district thermal and chemical variations have also been observed among all the paragenetic minerals of each district. The thermal variations may be as a result of variations in the geothermal gradient accompanying continental rifting from one district to the other. The variations in the chemistry between the Lower Benue and the Upper Benue paragenic minerals may be as a result of the distinct lithological differences across the Benue Trough.

  20. Engineering drawing from first principles using AutoCAD

    CERN Document Server

    Maguire, Dennis E

    1998-01-01

    Engineering Drawing From First Principles is a guide to good draughting for students of engineering who need to learn how to produce technically accurate and detailed designs to British and International Standards. Written by Dennis Maguire, an experienced author and City and Guilds chief examiner, this text is designed for use on Further Education and University courses where a basic understanding of draughtsmanship and CAD is necessary. Although not written as an AutoCAD tutor, the book will be a useful introduction to good CAD practice.Part of the Revision and Self-Assessmen