1
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Pei W, Hou L, Yang J, Zhou S, Zhao J. Doping-mediated excited state dynamics of diphosphine-protected M@Au 12 (M = Au, Ir) superatom nanoclusters. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:14081-14088. [PMID: 39004999 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr02051k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Doping heterometal atoms into ligand-protected gold superatom nanoclusters (Aun NCs) is proposed to further diversify their geometrical and electronic structures and enhance their photoluminescence properties, which is attributed to the mixing and effects between atoms. However, the fundamental principles that govern the optoelectronic properties of the doped Aun NCs remain elusive. Herein, we systematically explored two prototypical 8-electron Aun (n = 11 and 13) NCs with and without Ir dopant atoms using comprehensive ab initio calculations and real-time nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations. These doped Aun NCs maintain their parent geometrical structures and 8-electron superatomic configuration (1S21P6). Strong core-shell (Ir-Aun) electronic coupling significantly expands the energy gap, resulting in a weak nonadiabatic coupling matrix element, which in turn increases the carrier lifetime. This increase is mainly governed by the low-frequency vibration mode. We uncovered the relationship between electronic structures, electron-vibration, and carrier dynamics for these doped Aun NCs. These calculated results provide crucial insights for the atomically precise design of metal NCs with superior optoelectronic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Pei
- College of Physical Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Lei Hou
- College of Physical Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- College of Physical Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
| | - Si Zhou
- Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Structure and Fundamental Interactions of Matter, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, School of Physics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Quantum Matter, Frontier Research Institute for Physics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jijun Zhao
- Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Structure and Fundamental Interactions of Matter, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Quantum Engineering and Quantum Materials, School of Physics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Quantum Matter, Frontier Research Institute for Physics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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2
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Yu X, Sun Y, Xu WW, Fan J, Gao J, Jiang X, Su Y, Zhao J. Tuning photoelectron dynamic behavior of thiolate-protected MAu 24 nanoclusters via heteroatom substitution. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2022; 7:1192-1200. [PMID: 36039937 DOI: 10.1039/d2nh00281g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Heteroatom substitution of gold nanoclusters enables precise tuning of their physicochemical properties at the single-atom level, which has a significant impact on the applications related to excited states including photovoltaics, photocatalysis and photo-luminescence. To this end, understanding the effect of metal exchange on the structures, electronic properties and photoexcited dynamic behavior of nanoclusters is imperative. Combining density functional theory with time-domain nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations, herein we explored the effect of metal replacement on the electronic and vibrational properties as well as excited-state dynamics of ligand-protected MAu24(SR)18 (M = Pd, Pt, Cd, and Hg) nanoclusters. At the atomistic level, we elucidate hot carrier relaxation and recombination dynamic behavior with various doping atoms. Such distinct excited-state behavior of MAu24(SR)18 nanoclusters is attributed to different energy gaps and electron-phonon coupling between the donor and acceptor energy levels, owing to the perturbation of nanoclusters by a single foreign atom. The specific phonon modes involved in excited-state dynamics have been identified, which are associated with the MAu12 core and ligand rings. This time-dependent excited-state dynamic study fills the gap between structure/composition and excited-state dynamic behavior of MAu24(SR)18 nanoclusters, which would stimulate the exploration of their applications in photoenergy storage and conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueke Yu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yuanze Sun
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wen-Wu Xu
- Department of Physics, School of Physical Science and Technology (Ningbo University), Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Junyu Fan
- Department of Physics, (Taiyuan Normal University), Jinzhong 030619, China.
| | - Junfeng Gao
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yan Su
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jijun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China
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3
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Ma H, Wang Z, Zhao W, Ren H, Zhu H, Chi Y, Guo W. Enhancing the Photoinduced Interlayer Charge Transfer and Spatial Separation in Type-II Heterostructure of WS 2 and Asymmetric Janus-MoSSe with Intrinsic Self-Build Electric Field. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:8484-8494. [PMID: 36054827 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c02189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional heterostructure manipulation is promising to overcome the high recombination rates and limited redox abilities of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in a single photocatalyst. The built-in electric field (Ehetero) in the type-II heterojunction is normally unfavorable for the desired charge transfer, which is an important but easily neglected issue that needs to be solved. Here, on the basis of the density functional theory (DFT) and the nonadiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) calculations, we obtain a type-II band alignment in Janus-MoSSe/WS2 heterostructure, which meets the band-edge position requirement for water splitting. Importantly, the intrinsic self-build electric field (Eself) of Janus-MoSSe can effectively weaken the hindrance effect of Ehetero for charge transfer by constructing a suitable Se-S stacking configuration, improving charge separation efficiency in the Janus-MoSSe/WS2 heterostructure. Our work provides a materials-by-design paradigm and interlayer charge-transfer dynamics understanding of heterostructure engineering against asymmetric structures lacking reflection symmetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, Shandong China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, Shandong China
| | - Wen Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, Shandong China
| | - Hao Ren
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, Shandong China
| | - Houyu Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, Shandong China
| | - Yuhua Chi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, Shandong China
| | - Wenyue Guo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao 266580, Shandong China
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4
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Xie BB, Jia PK, Wang KX, Chen WK, Liu XY, Cui G. Generalized Ab Initio Nonadiabatic Dynamics Simulation Methods from Molecular to Extended Systems. J Phys Chem A 2022; 126:1789-1804. [PMID: 35266391 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.1c10195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nonadiabatic dynamics simulation has become a powerful tool to describe nonadiabatic effects involved in photophysical processes and photochemical reactions. In the past decade, our group has developed generalized trajectory-based ab initio surface-hopping (GTSH) dynamics simulation methods, which can be used to describe a series of nonadiabatic processes, such as internal conversion, intersystem crossing, excitation energy transfer and charge transfer of molecular systems, and photoinduced nonadiabatic carrier dynamics of extended systems with and without spin-orbit couplings. In this contribution, we will first give a brief introduction to our recently developed methods and related numerical implementations at different computational levels. Later, we will present some of our latest applications in realistic systems, which cover organic molecules, biological proteins, organometallic compounds, periodic organic and inorganic materials, etc. Final discussion is given to challenges and outlooks of ab initio nonadiabatic dynamics simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Bin Xie
- Hangzhou Institute of Advanced Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, 1108 Gengwen Road, Hangzhou 311231, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Pei-Ke Jia
- Hangzhou Institute of Advanced Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, 1108 Gengwen Road, Hangzhou 311231, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Ke-Xin Wang
- Hangzhou Institute of Advanced Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, 1108 Gengwen Road, Hangzhou 311231, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Kai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Yang Liu
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, Sichuan, P. R. China
| | - Ganglong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, P. R. China
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5
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Liu N, Zhou S, Zhao J. Photoinduced Spin Injection and Ferromagnetism in 2D Group III Monochalcogenides. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:590-597. [PMID: 35015540 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c03994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Strong light-matter interactions in low-dimensional materials offer an opportunity for flexible property-tuning by optical switching. Herein, we exploit photoexcitation for spin injection into semiconductors by rationally designing heterojunctions having distinct dynamic behavior for photocarriers in two spin channels. As a proof-of-concept, we trigger homogeneous magnetism in a group III monochalcogenide monolayer (MX with M = In, Ga; X = S, Se) by placing it on a ferromagnetic CrI3 substrate under light illumination. Our time-dependent ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations reveal fast electron-hole separation for the majority spin channel but rapid recombination for the minority spin channel at this heterostructure. The majority carriers cause hole doping and strong ferromagnetic ordering in the MX sheet, with magnetic moment tunable by the injected carriers' concentration. The interplay between photoexcited hole carriers, the Van Hove singularity of MX monolayers, and interfacial charge transfer provides essential physical insights for nondestructively manipulating charge and spin in two-dimensional semiconductors via light switching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanshu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Functional Materials & Micro-Nano Devices, Department of Physics, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, P.R. China
| | - Si Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Jijun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams (Dalian University of Technology), Ministry of Education, Dalian 116024, China
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6
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Zhao J, Zhao Y, He H, Zhou P, Liang Y, Frauenheim T. Stacking Engineering: A Boosting Strategy for 2D Photocatalysts. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:10190-10196. [PMID: 34644080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c03089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) photocatalytic material is a vital project for modern solar energy conversion and storage. Despite a vast family of potential 2D photocatalysts that is demonstrated, their commercial applications are severely limited because of fast photogenerated electron-hole recombination. Here, based on first-principles, we propose a general paradigm to boost the separation of photoexcited charge carriers in 2D photocatalysts by stacking engineering. Taking the emerging water splitting photocatalyst MoSi2N4 as an example, we show that specific interlayer stacking-induced electric polarization plays a significant role in altering the electronic properties and thus the suppressed recombination rate of photoexcited carriers. Moreover, we find that the catalytic performance can be further controlled by vertical strain. These generalized findings not only highlight the importance of stacking-induced electric polarization but also offer new prospects for the design and application of 2D photocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yanliang Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Huijie He
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Panwang Zhou
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Bremen Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Thomas Frauenheim
- Bremen Center for Computational Materials Science, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- Beijing Computational Science Research Center, 100193 Beijing, P.R. China
- Shenzhen JL Computational Science and Applied Research Institute, 518109 Shenzhen, P.R. China
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7
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Zhou HJ, Xu DH, Yang QH, Liu XY, Cui G, Li L. Rational design of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide@fullerene van der Waals photovoltaic heterojunctions with time-domain density functional theory simulations. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:6725-6734. [PMID: 33912883 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt00291k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
van der Waals heterojunctions formed by transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and fullerenes are promising candidates for novel photovoltaic devices due to the excellent optoelectronic properties of both TMDs and fullerenes. However, relevant experimental and theoretical investigations remain scarce to the best of our knowledge. Herein, we have first employed static density functional theory (DFT) calculations in combination with time-domain density functional theory (TDDFT) based nonadiabatic dynamics simulations to rationally evaluate the photovoltaic performances of four TMD@fullerene heterostructures, i.e. WSe2@C60, WSe2@C70, MoTe2@C60 and MoTe2@C70, respectively. Our simulation results indicate that the C70-based heterostructures overall have better photoinduced electron transfer efficiencies than their C60-based counterparts, among which the performance of the WSe2@C70 heterostructure is the best and the electron transfer from WSe2 to C70 almost accomplishes within 1 ps. In addition, the large build-in potential of about 0.75 eV of WSe2@C70 is beneficial for the charge separation processes. Our present work not only selects the van der Waals TMD@fullerene heterojunctions that might have excellent photovoltaic properties, but also paves the way for the rational design of novel heterojunctions with better optoelectronic performances with DFT and TDDFT simulations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jun Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China.
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8
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Madjet MEA, Ali E, Carignano M, Vendrell O, Chakraborty HS. Ultrafast Transfer and Transient Entrapment of Photoexcited Mg Electron in Mg@C_{60}. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 126:183002. [PMID: 34018762 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.126.183002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Electron relaxation is studied in endofullerene Mg@C_{60} after an initial localized photoexcitation in Mg by nonadiabatic molecular dynamics simulations. Two approaches to the electronic structure of the excited electronic states are used: (i) an independent particle approximation based on a density-functional theory description of molecular orbitals and (ii) a configuration-interaction description of the many-body effects. Both methods exhibit similar relaxation times, leading to an ultrafast decay and charge transfer from Mg to C_{60} within tens of femtoseconds. Method (i) further elicits a transient trap of the transferred electron that can delay the electron-hole recombination. Results shall motivate experiments to probe these ultrafast processes by two-photon transient absorption or photoelectron spectroscopy in gas phase, in solution, or as thin films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Amine Madjet
- Max-Planck-Institut für Physik komplexer Systeme, Nöthnitzer Straße 38, 01187 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Natural Sciences, D. L. Hubbard Center for Innovation, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri 64468, USA
| | - Esam Ali
- Department of Natural Sciences, D. L. Hubbard Center for Innovation, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri 64468, USA
| | - Marcelo Carignano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Oriol Vendrell
- Theoretical Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 229 and 225, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Himadri S Chakraborty
- Department of Natural Sciences, D. L. Hubbard Center for Innovation, Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Missouri 64468, USA
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9
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Yu X, Su Y, Xu WW, Zhao J. Efficient Photoexcited Charge Separation at the Interface of a Novel 0D/2D Heterojunction: A Time-Dependent Ultrafast Dynamic Study. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:2312-2319. [PMID: 33651620 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
To achieve efficient conversion and avoid loss of solar energy, ultrafast charge separation and slow electron-hole recombination are desired. Combining time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) with nonadiabatic molecular dynamics, Au9(PH3)8/MoS2, as a prototype for zero-dimensional/two-dimensional (0D/2D) heterojunction, has been demonstrated to present excellent light absorption capacity and effective charge separation characteristics. In the heterojunction, photoexcitation of the Au9(PH3)8 nanocluster drives an ultrafast electron transfer from Au9(PH3)8 to MoS2 within 20 fs, whereas photoexcitation of the MoS2 nanosheet leads to hole transfer from MoS2 to Au9(PH3)8 within 680 fs. The strong nonadiabatic coupling and prominent density overlap are responsible for the faster electron separation relative to hole separation. In competition with the charge separation, electron-hole recombination requires 205 ns, ensuring an effective carrier separation. Our atomistic TD-DFT simulation provides valuable insights into the photocarrier dynamics at the Au9(PH3)8/MoS2 interface, which would stimulate the exploration of 0D/2D hybrid materials for photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueke Yu
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams, Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yan Su
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams, Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wen-Wu Xu
- Department of Physics, School of Physical Science and Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jijun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Materials Modification by Laser, Ion and Electron Beams, Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
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10
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Yang JJ, Li ZW, Liu XY, Fang WH, Cui G. Photoinduced electron transfer from carbon nanotubes to fullerenes: C 60versus C 70. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:19542-19548. [PMID: 32844829 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp03622f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid carbon materials are found to exhibit novel optoelectronic properties at their interfaces, but the related interfacial carrier dynamics is rarely explored theoretically. In this contribution, we have employed density functional theory (DFT) and DFT-based nonadiabatic dynamics methods to explore photoinduced interfacial electron transfer processes at interfaces between a single-walled carbon nanotube with chiral index (6,5) and C60 or C70 (C60@CNT65 and C70@CNT65). We have found that with low E11 excitation, electron transfer takes place from CNT65 to C60 and C70 in both heterojunctions. This process is ultrafast and completed within about 200 fs, which is consistent with recent experiments. Differently, high E22 excitation does not induce electron injection to C60 in C60@CNT65; instead, "hot" electrons produced within CNT65 will be trapped in its higher conduction band for a while because of slow inter-band relaxation. By contrast, in C70@CNT65, high E22 excitation still can lead to ultrafast electron transfer to C70, but only a comparable amount of electrons are transferred (ca. 30%). Interestingly, electrons either remaining on CNT65 or transferred to C70 are trapped in the higher conduction band for a while, similarly, due to slow inter-band relaxation. The present results could be useful to guide the design of excellent interfaces of mixed-dimensional hybrid carbon materials for various optoelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Yang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Zi-Wen Li
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Xiang-Yang Liu
- College of Chemistry and Material Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610068, China.
| | - Wei-Hai Fang
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Ganglong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Photochemistry, Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
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11
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Lu TF, Wang YS, Tomko JA, Hopkins PE, Zhang HX, Prezhdo OV. Control of Charge Carrier Dynamics in Plasmonic Au Films by TiO x Substrate Stoichiometry. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:1419-1427. [PMID: 32011143 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b03884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Plasmonic excitations in noble metals have many fascinating properties and give rise to a broad range of applications. We demonstrate, using nonadiabatic molecular dynamics combined with time-domain density functional theory, that the chemical composition and stoichiometry of substrates can have a strong influence on charge dynamics. By changing oxygen content in TiO2, including stoichiometric, oxygen rich, and oxygen poor phases, and Ti metal, one can alter lifetimes of charge carriers in Au by a factor of 5 and control the ratio of electron-to-hole relaxation rates by a factor of 10. Remarkably, a thin TiOx substrate greatly alters charge carrier properties in much thicker Au films. Such large variations stem from the fact that the Ti and O atoms are much lighter than Au, and their vibrations are much faster at dissipating the energy. The control over a particular charge carrier and an energy range depends on the Au and TiOx level alignment, and the interfacial interaction strength. These factors are easily influenced by the TiOx stoichiometry. In particular, oxygen rich and poor TiO2 can be used to control holes and electrons, respectively, while metallic Ti affects both charge carriers. The detailed atomistic analysis of the interfacial and electron-vibrational interactions generates the fundamental understanding of the properties of plasmonic materials needed to design photovoltaic, photocatalytic, optoelectronic, sensing, nanomedical, and other devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng-Fei Lu
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry , Jilin University , Changchun 130023 , People's Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
| | - Yi-Siang Wang
- Department of Chemistry , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
| | - John A Tomko
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| | - Patrick E Hopkins
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
- Department of Physics , University of Virginia , Charlottesville , Virginia 22904 , United States
| | - Hong-Xing Zhang
- Laboratory of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Institute of Theoretical Chemistry , Jilin University , Changchun 130023 , People's Republic of China
| | - Oleg V Prezhdo
- Department of Chemistry , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , California 90089 , United States
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12
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Yang YF, Gromov EV, Cederbaum LS. Caged-Electron States in Endohedral Li Fullerenes. J Phys Chem Lett 2019; 10:7617-7622. [PMID: 31755717 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.9b02934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
By employing large-scale high-level EA-EOM-CCSD calculations, we have computed and analyzed the low-lying states of neutral Li@C60. Apart from one state, all states are found to be charge-separated states of the type Li+@C60-. The new state is the first reported non-charge-separated state in endohedral alkali fullerenes. This caged-electron state is analyzed in detail. Arguments are given that in larger highly symmetric endohedral fullerenes the caged-electron state can be the electronic ground state of the system. HF and DFT calculations on Li@C180 indeed find that the caged-electron state is the ground state and that in its equilibrium geometry Li sits at the center of the cage. Applications are mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Yang
- Theoretical Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry , Heidelberg University , D-69120 Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Evgeniy V Gromov
- Theoretical Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry , Heidelberg University , D-69120 Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Lorenz S Cederbaum
- Theoretical Chemistry, Institute of Physical Chemistry , Heidelberg University , D-69120 Heidelberg , Germany
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13
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14
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Chandler HJ, Stefanou M, Campbell EEB, Schaub R. Li@C 60 as a multi-state molecular switch. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2283. [PMID: 31123258 PMCID: PMC6533348 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10300-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of molecular electronics aims at advancing the miniaturization of electronic devices, by exploiting single molecules to perform the function of individual components. A molecular switch is defined as a molecule that displays stability in two or more states (e.g. "on" and "off" involving conductance, conformation etc.) and upon application of a controlled external perturbation, electric or otherwise, undergoes a reversible change such that the molecule is altered. Previous work has shown multi-state molecular switches with up to four and six distinct states. Using low temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy, we report on a multi-state single molecule switch using the endohedral fullerene Li@C60 that displays 14 molecular states which can be statistically accessed. We suggest a switching mechanism that relies on resonant tunnelling via the superatom molecular orbitals (SAMOs) of the fullerene cage as a means of Li activation, thereby bypassing the typical vibronic excitation of the carbon cage that is known to cause molecular decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Chandler
- EaStCHEM and School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, UK
| | - Minas Stefanou
- EaStCHEM and School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, UK
| | - Eleanor E B Campbell
- EaStCHEM and School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FJ, UK.,Division of Quantum Phases and Devices, School of Physics, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Korea
| | - Renald Schaub
- EaStCHEM and School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9ST, UK.
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15
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Zhou X, Tokina MV, Tomko JA, Braun JL, Hopkins PE, Prezhdo OV. Thin Ti adhesion layer breaks bottleneck to hot hole relaxation in Au films. J Chem Phys 2019; 150:184701. [DOI: 10.1063/1.5096901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- College of Environment and Chemical Engineering, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
| | - Marina V. Tokina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
| | - John A. Tomko
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Braun
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
| | - Patrick E. Hopkins
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA
| | - Oleg V. Prezhdo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
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16
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Sun H, Zheng Q, Lu W, Zhao J. Ultrafast dynamics of solvated electrons at anatase TiO 2/H 2O interface. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2019; 31:114004. [PMID: 30625440 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/aafcf6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Solvated electrons are known to be the lowest energy charge transfer pathways at oxide/aqueous interface and the understanding of the electron transfer dynamics at the interface is fundamental for photochemical and photocatalytic processes. Taking anatase TiO2/H2O interface as a prototypical system, we perform time-dependent ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics calculations to study the charge transfer dynamics of solvated electrons. For the static electronic properties, we find that the dangling H atoms can stabilize solvated electrons. A solvated electron band can be formed with one monolayer H2O adsorption. The energies of the solvated electron band minimum (SEBM) decrease when H2O adsorbs dissociatively. Moreover, the surface oxygen vacancies are also helpful for stabilizing the solvated electron band. For the dynamics behaviour, we find that the ultrafast charge transfer from SEBM to anatase TiO2 (1 0 1) surface at 100 K is mainly contributed by nonadiabatic mechanism. Comparing with rutile TiO2 (1 1 0) surface, the lifetime of solvated electron on anatase TiO2 (1 0 1) surface is longer, suggesting a better photocatalytic properties. Our results provide essential insights into the understanding of the charge transfer dynamics and the possible photocatalytic mechanism at oxide/aqueous interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Sun
- College of Physics and State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
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17
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Zheng Q, Chu W, Zhao C, Zhang L, Guo H, Wang Y, Jiang X, Zhao J. Ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics investigations on the excited carriers in condensed matter systems. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wcms.1411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Qijing Zheng
- ICQD/Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and Key Laboratory of Strongly‐Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Physics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Weibin Chu
- ICQD/Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and Key Laboratory of Strongly‐Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Physics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Chuanyu Zhao
- ICQD/Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and Key Laboratory of Strongly‐Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Physics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Lili Zhang
- ICQD/Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and Key Laboratory of Strongly‐Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Physics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Hongli Guo
- ICQD/Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and Key Laboratory of Strongly‐Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Physics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
- School of Physics and Technology, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Key Laboratory of Artificial Micro‐ and Nano‐structures of Ministry of Education Wuhan University Wuhan China
| | - Yanan Wang
- ICQD/Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and Key Laboratory of Strongly‐Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Physics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Xiang Jiang
- ICQD/Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and Key Laboratory of Strongly‐Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Physics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
| | - Jin Zhao
- ICQD/Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, and Key Laboratory of Strongly‐Coupled Quantum Matter Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Department of Physics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
- Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
- Synergetic Innovation Center of Quantum Information & Quantum Physics University of Science and Technology of China Hefei China
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