On the accuracy of DFT-SAPT, MP2, SCS-MP2, MP2C, and DFT+Disp methods for the interaction energies of endohedral complexes of the C(60) fullerene with a rare gas atom

Intermolecular interaction energies with AROFRAG-A systematic approach for fragmentation of aromatic molecules

Intermolecular interactions with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent an important area of physisorption studies. These investigations are often hampered by a size of interacting PAHs, which makes the calculation prohibitively expensive. Therefore, methods designed to deal with large molecules could be helpful to reduce the computational costs of such studies. Recently we have introduced a new systematic approach for the molecular fragmentation of PAHs, denoted as AROFRAG, which decomposes a large PAH molecule into a set of predefined small PAHs with a benzene ring being the smallest unbreakable unit, and which in conjunction with the Molecules-in-Molecules (MIM) approach provides an accurate description of total molecular energies. In this contribution we propose an extension of the AROFRAG, which provides a description of intermolecular interactions for complexes composed of PAH molecules. The examination of interaction energy partitioning for various test cases shows that the AROFRAG3 model connected with the MIM approach accurately reproduces all important components of the interaction energy. An additional important finding in our study is that the computationally expensive long-range electron-correlation part of the interaction energy, that is, the dispersion component, is well described at lower AROFRAG levels even without MIM, which makes the latter models interesting alternatives to existing methods for an accurate description of the electron-correlated part of the interaction energy.

A quest for ideal electric field-driven MX@C70 endohedral fullerene memristors: which MX fits the best?

Endohedral fullerenes with a dipolar molecule enclosed in the fullerene cage have great potential in molecular electronics, such as diodes, switches, or molecular memristors. Here, we study a series of model systems based on MX@D_5h(1)-C₇₀ (M = a metal or hydrogen, X = a halogen or a chalcogen) endohedral fullerenes to identify potential molecular memristors and to derive a general formula for rapid identification of potential memristors among analogous MX@C_n systems. To obtain sufficiently accurate results for switching barriers and encapsulation energies, we perform a benchmark of ten DFT functionals against ab initio SCS-MP2 and DLPNO-CCSD(T) methods at the complete basis set limit. The whole series is then investigated using the PBE0 functional which was found to be the most efficient vs. the ab initio methods. Nine of the 34 MX@C₇₀ molecules studied are predicted to have suitable switching barriers to be considered as potential candidates for molecular switches and memristors. We have identified several structure-property relationships for the switching barrier and response of the systems to the electric field, in particular the dependence of the switching barrier on the available space for M-X switching and faster response of the system to the electric field with a larger dipole moment of MX and MX@C₇₀.

Endo- and exohedral complexes of superphane with cations

Quite recently it has been shown in a previous study that superphane, that is, [2.2.2.2.2.2](1,2,3,4,5,6)cyclophane, is a very convenient molecule in the study of endohedral complexes and especially in the study of the influence of the caged entity (i.e., guest) on the structure of the host molecule. This advantage results from the presence of two parallel benzene rings joined together by six quite flexible ethylene bridges (spacers). This article examines the energetic and structural properties of endo- and exohedral complexes of superphane with the following cations: H⁺ , Li⁺ , Na⁺ , K⁺ , Be²⁺ , Mg²⁺ , Ca²⁺ , B³⁺ , Al³⁺ , Ga³⁺ . The stability of endohedral complexes has been shown to be strongly dependent on the charge and radius of the caged cation. The inclusion of the cation inside the superphane molecule causes its 'swelling', which is manifested by an increase in the distance between the benzene rings and elongations of the ring and spacer C-C bonds. In the case of exohedral complexes, three forms are investigated: with the cation above the benzene ring, with the cation interacting with the superphane window in the equatorial position, and with the cation interacting with the center of the C-C spacer bond. The first of these forms has been shown to be preferred. The cation⋯acceptor distance depends on the cation radius. Among the cations investigated, H⁺ and Be²⁺ are particularly reactive and predisposed to induce significant structural changes in the superphane molecule, forming C-H bond or C-Be-C bridges, respectively.

Local energy decomposition analysis and molecular properties of encapsulated methane in fullerene (CH4@C60)

Methane has been successfully encapsulated within cages of C₆₀ fullerene, which is an appropriate model system to study confinement effects. Its chemistry and physics are also relevant for theoretical model descriptions. Here we provide insights into intermolecular interactions and predicted spectroscopic responses of the CH₄@C₆₀ complex and compared them with results from other methods and with data from the literature. Local energy decomposition analysis (LED) within the domain-based local pair natural orbital coupled cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples (DLPNO-CCSD(T)) framework was used, and an efficient protocol for studies of endohedral complexes of fullerenes is proposed. This approach allowed us to assess energies in relation to electronic and geometric preparation, electrostatics, exchange, and London dispersion for the CH₄@C₆₀ endohedral complex. The calculated stabilization energy of CH₄ inside the C₆₀ fullerene was -13.5 kcal mol^-1 and its magnitude was significantly larger than the latent heat of evaporation of CH₄. Evaluation of vibrational frequencies and polarizabilities of the CH₄@C₆₀ complex revealed that the infrared (IR) and Raman bands of the endohedral CH₄ were essentially "silent" due to the dielectric screening effect of C₆₀, which acted as a molecular Faraday cage. Absorption spectra in the UV-vis domain and ionization potentials of C₆₀ and CH₄@C₆₀ were predicted. They were almost identical. The calculated ¹H/¹³C NMR shifts and spin-spin coupling constants were in very good agreement with experimental data. In addition, reference DLPNO-CCSD(T) interaction energies for complexes with noble gases (Ng@C₆₀; Ng = He, Ne, Ar, Kr) were calculated. The values were compared with those derived from supramolecular MP2/SCS-MP2 calculations and estimates with London-type formulas by Pyykkö and coworkers [Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2010, 12, 6187-6203], and with values derived from DFT-based symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (DFT-SAPT) by Hesselmann & Korona [Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, 13, 732-743]. Selected points at the potential energy surface of the endohedral He₂@C₆₀ trimer were considered. In contrast to previous theoretical attempts with the DFT/MP2/SCS-MP2/DFT-SAPT methods, our calculations at the DLPNO-CCSD(T) level of theory predicted the He₂@C₆₀ trimer to be thermodynamically stable, which is in agreement with experimental observations.

A Path Integral Molecular Dynamics Simulation of a Harpoon-Type Redox Reaction in a Helium Nanodroplet

We present path integral molecular dynamics (PIMD) calculations of an electron transfer from a heliophobic Cs2 dimer in its (3Σu) state, located on the surface of a He droplet, to a heliophilic, fully immersed C60 molecule. Supported by electron ionization mass spectroscopy measurements (Renzler et al., J. Chem. Phys.2016, 145, 181101), this spatially quenched reaction was characterized as a harpoon-type or long-range electron transfer in a previous high-level ab initio study (de Lara-Castells et al., J. Phys. Chem. Lett.2017, 8, 4284). To go beyond the static approach, classical and quantum PIMD simulations are performed at 2 K, slightly below the critical temperature for helium superfluidity (2.172 K). Calculations are executed in the NVT ensemble as well as the NVE ensemble to provide insights into real-time dynamics. A droplet size of 2090 atoms is assumed to study the impact of spatial hindrance on reactivity. By changing the number of beads in the PIMD simulations, the impact of quantization can be studied in greater detail and without an implicit assumption of superfluidity. We find that the reaction probability increases with higher levels of quantization. Our findings confirm earlier, static predictions of a rotational motion of the Cs2 dimer upon reacting with the fullerene, involving a substantial displacement of helium. However, it also raises the new question of whether the interacting species are driven out-of-equilibrium after impurity uptake, since reactivity is strongly quenched if a full thermal equilibration is assumed. More generally, our work points towards a novel mechanism for long-range electron transfer through an interplay between nuclear quantum delocalization within the confining medium and delocalized electronic dispersion forces acting on the two reactants.

On the Potentiality of X-T-X3 Compounds (T = C, Si, and Ge, and X = F, Cl, and Br) as Tetrel- and Halogen-Bond Donors

The versatility of the X-T-X3 compounds (where T = C, Si, and Ge, and X = F, Cl, and Br) to participate in tetrel- and halogen-bonding interactions was settled out, at the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory, within a series of configurations for (X-T-X3)2 homodimers. The electrostatic potential computations ensured the remarkable ability of the investigated X-T-X3 monomers to participate in σ-hole halogen and tetrel interactions. The energetic findings significantly unveil the favorability of the tetrel···tetrel directional configuration with considerable negative binding energies over tetrel···halogen, type III halogen···halogen, and type II halogen···halogen analogs. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules and noncovalent interaction analyses were accomplished to disclose the nature of the tetrel- and halogen-bonding interactions within designed configurations, giving good correlations between the total electron densities and binding energies. Further insight into the binding energy physical meanings was invoked through using symmetry-adapted perturbation theory-based energy decomposition analysis, featuring the dispersion term as the most prominent force beyond the examined interactions. The theoretical results were supported by versatile crystal structures which were characterized by the same type of interactions. Presumably, the obtained findings would be considered as a solid underpinning for future supramolecular chemistry, materials science, and crystal engineering studies, as well as a fundamental linchpin for a better understanding of the biological activities of chemicals.

A Solid-State Intramolecular Wittig Reaction Enables Efficient Synthesis of Endofullerenes Including Ne@C60 , 3 He@C60 , and HD@C60

An open-cage fullerene incorporating phosphorous ylid and carbonyl group moieties on the rim of the orifice can be filled with gases (H2 , He, Ne) in the solid state, and the cage opening then contracted in situ by raising the temperature to complete an intramolecular Wittig reaction, trapping the atom or molecule inside. Known transformations complete conversion of the product fullerene to C60 containing the endohedral species. As well as providing an improved synthesis of large quantities of 4 He@C60 , H2 @C60 , and D2 @C60 , the method allows the efficient incorporation of expensive gases such as HD and 3 He, to prepare HD@C60 and 3 He@C60 . The method also enables the first synthesis of Ne@C60 by molecular surgery, and its characterization by crystallography and 13 C NMR spectroscopy.

Computational Investigations of Dispersion Interactions between Small Molecules and Graphene-like Flakes

We investigate dispersion interactions in a selection of atomic, molecular, and molecule-surface systems, comparing high-level correlated methods with empirically corrected density functional theory (DFT). We assess the efficacy of functionals commonly used for surface-based calculations, with and without the D3 correction of Grimme. We find that the inclusion of the correction is essential to get meaningful results, but there is otherwise little to distinguish between the functionals. We also present coupled-cluster quality interaction curves for H₂, NO₂, H₂O, and Ar interacting with large carbon flakes, acting as models for graphene surfaces, using novel absolutely localized molecular orbital based methods. These calculations demonstrate that the problems with empirically corrected DFT when investigating dispersion appear to compound as the system size increases, with important implications for future computational studies of molecule-surface interactions.

The Acid-Base Through-the-Cage Interaction as an Example of an Inversion in a Cage Isomerism

We define a new inversion in a cage isomerism (ic): X@C⋯Y₪icY@C⋯X, (₪ is the isomerism relation) as an isomerism in the three-component system of molecules X, Y, and a cage C, in which one of the molecules is located inside and the other outside the cage. The ic isomerism is similar to the endo-exo one, which occurs only if either the interior or exterior of C is empty. By contrast, ic occurs only if neither the interior nor the exterior of C is empty. We also discuss the other closely related types of isomerisms are also discussed. Calculations of the XH⋯NH3@C60 and NH3⋯HX@C60ic isomers were performed at the ωB97XD/Def2TZVP level. The calculated energies demonstrated that the systems with the HX acid outside (X = F, Cl) and the NH3 base inside the cage, XH⋯NH3@C60, are more stable than their ic isomers, NH3⋯HX@C60, by about 4–8 kcal/mol. This is because NH3 is more stabilized inside the cage than HX (a matter of 6.5 kcal/mol). In the studied systems and subsystems, the HX molecules are Lewis acids and the NH3 molecule is always a Lewis base. The C60 molecule with HX inside or outside the cage is also an acid for the NH3 base positioned outside or inside the cage. On the other hand, the C60 cage is truly amphoteric because it is simultaneously an acid and a base.

Influence of the second layer on geometry and spectral properties of doped two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride

Influence of the additional layer of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on structure, energetics, and electronic spectra of a layer doped with magnesium, silicon, phosphorus, aluminum, or carbon atoms has been examined by theoretical methods. The h-BN layers are modeled as BN clusters of over thirty atoms with the defect in the center. The calculations show that atom positions undergo some modifications in the presence of the second layer, which in several cases lead to significant changes in electronic spectra, like (i) modifications of the character of some states from local excitation to a partial charge transfer; (ii) redshift of the majority of lowest excitations; (iii) absence or appearance of new states in comparison with the monolayers. For instance, a zero-intensity excitation below 4 eV for the carbon atom in place of boron transforms into a dipole-allowed one in the presence of the second layer. A comparison of the interaction energies of doped and undoped clusters shows a strong dependence of the stabilizing of destabilizing effect on the dopant atom, the replaced atom, and in some cases also on the stacking type (AA’ or AB). The stabilization energy per BN pair, calculated for two undoped clusters, is equal to − 31 and − 28 meV for the AA’ and AB stacking, respectively, thus confirming a larger stability of the AA’ stacking for the h-BN case.

Noble gas endohedral fullerenes

This review focuses on the available experimental and theoretical investigations on noble gas (Ng) endohedral fullerenes, addressing essential questions related to the mutual effects that confinement of one or more Ng atoms induces on the electronic structure, bonding, and different properties of fullerenes. It also summarizes the different contributions to the mechanisms of formation and decomplexation, the reactivity towards Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions, the chemical bonding situation of Ng endohedral fullerenes, and the interactions that dominate within these systems.

Symmetry-Adapted Perturbation Theory Decomposition of the Reaction Force: Insights into Substituent Effects Involved in Hemiacetal Formation Mechanisms

The decomposition of the reaction force based on symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) has been proposed. This approach was used to investigate the substituent effects along the reaction coordinate pathway for the hemiacetal formation mechanism between methanol and substituted aldehydes of the form CX₃CHO (X = H, F, Cl, and Br), providing a quantitative evaluation of the reaction-driving and reaction-retarding force components. Our results highlight the importance of more favorable electrostatic and induction effects in the reactions involving halogenated aldehydes that leads to lower activation energy barriers. These substituent effects are further elucidated by applying the functional-group partition of symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (F-SAPT). The results show that the reaction is largely driven by favorable direct noncovalent interactions between the CX₃ group on the aldehyde and the OH group on methanol.

Physical nature of silane⋯carbene dimers revealed by state-of-the-art ab initio calculations

Using the SAPT2 + 3(CCD)δMP2 method in complete basis set (CBS) limit, it is shown that the interactions in the recently studied silane⋯carbene dimers are mainly dispersive in nature. Consequently, slow convergence of dispersion energy also forces slow convergence of the interaction energy. Therefore, obtaining very accurate values requires extrapolation of the correlation part to the CBS limit. The most accurate values obtained at the CCSD(T)/CBS level of theory show that the studied silane⋯carbene dimers are rather weakly bound, with interaction energies ranging from about -1.9 to -1.3 kcal/mol. Comparing to CCSD(T)/CBS, it will be shown that SCS-MP2 and MP2C methods clearly underestimate and methods based on SAPT2+ and having some third-order corrections, as well as the MP2 method, overestimate values of interaction energies. Popular SAPT(DFT) method performs better than SCS-MP2 and MP2C; nevertheless, underestimation is still considerable. The underestimation is slightly quenched if third-order dispersion energy and its exchange counterpart is added to the SAPT(DFT). The closest value of CCSD(T)/CBS has been given by the SAPT2 + (3)(CCD)δMP2 method in quadruple-ζ basis set. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Spectroscopy of a rotating hydrogen molecule in carbon nanotubes

Computing the energy levels of molecular hydrogen rotating in carbon nanotubes of increasing size.

Noble gas dimers confined inside C70

The potential energy surfaces for the interior rotation of a series of pairs of noble gas atoms encapsulated in the C₇₀ cavity have been explored.

Perspective: Found in translation: Quantum chemical tools for grasping non-covalent interactions

Today's quantum chemistry methods are extremely powerful but rely upon complex quantities such as the massively multidimensional wavefunction or even the simpler electron density. Consequently, chemical insight and a chemist's intuition are often lost in this complexity leaving the results obtained difficult to rationalize. To handle this overabundance of information, computational chemists have developed tools and methodologies that assist in composing a more intuitive picture that permits better understanding of the intricacies of chemical behavior. In particular, the fundamental comprehension of phenomena governed by non-covalent interactions is not easily achieved in terms of either the total wavefunction or the total electron density, but can be accomplished using more informative quantities. This perspective provides an overview of these tools and methods that have been specifically developed or used to analyze, identify, quantify, and visualize non-covalent interactions. These include the quantitative energy decomposition analysis schemes and the more qualitative class of approaches such as the Non-covalent Interaction index, the Density Overlap Region Indicator, or quantum theory of atoms in molecules. Aside from the enhanced knowledge gained from these schemes, their strengths, limitations, as well as a roadmap for expanding their capabilities are emphasized.

A Noncovalent Binding Strategy to Capture Noble Gases, Hydrogen and Nitrogen

A molecular design strategy to develop receptor systems for the entrapment of noble gases, H₂ and N₂ is described using M06L-D3/6-311++G(d,p)//M06L/6-311++G(d,p) DFT method. These receptors made with two-, three-, four- and five-fluorinated benzene cores, linked with methelene units viz. R_I , R_II , R_III and R_IV as well as the corresponding non-fluorinated hydrocarbons viz. R_IH , R_IIH , R_IIIH and R_IVH show a steady and significant increase in binding energy (E_int ) with increase in the number of aromatic rings in the receptor. A stabilizing "cage effect" is observed in the cyclophane type receptors R_IV and R_IVH which is 26-48% of total E_int for all except the larger sized Kr, Xe and N₂ complexes. E_int of R_IV …He, R_IV …Ne, R_IV …Ar, R_IV …Kr, R_IV …H₂ and R_IV …N₂ is 4.89, 7.03, 6.49, 6.19, 8.57 and 8.17 kcal/mol, respectively which is 5- to9-fold higher than that of hexafluorobenzene. Similarly, compared to benzene, multiple fold increase in E_int is observed for R_IVH receptors with noble gases, H₂ and N₂ . Fluorination of the aromatic core has no significant impact on E_int (∼ ±0.5 kcal/mol) for most of the systems with a notable exception of the cage receptor R_IV for N₂ where fluorination improves E_int by 1.61 kcal/mol. The E_int of the cage receptors may be projected as one of the highest interaction energy ranges reported for noble gases, H₂ and N₂ for a neutral carbon framework. Synthesis of such systems is promising in the study of molecules in confined environment. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Noncovalent interactions between cisplatin and graphene prototypes

Cisplatin (CP) has been widely used as an anticancer drug for more than 30 years despite severe side effects due to its low bioavailability and poor specificity. For this reason, it is paramount to study and design novel nanomaterials to be used as vectors capable to effectively deliver the drug to the biological target. The CP square-planar geometry, together with its low water solubility, suggests that it could be possibly easily adsorbed on 2D graphene nanostructures through the interaction with the related highly conjugated π-electron system. In this work, pyrene has been first selected as the minimum approximation to the graphene plane, which allows to properly study the noncovalent interactions determining the CP adsorption. In particular, electronic structure calculations at the MP2C and DFT-SAPT levels of theory have allowed to obtain benchmark interaction energies for some limiting configurations of the CP-pyrene complex, as well as to assess the role of the different contributions to the total interaction: it has been found that the parallel configurations of the aggregate are mainly stabilized around the minimum region by dispersion, in a similar way as for complexes bonded through π-π interactions. Then, the benchmark interaction energies have been used to test corresponding estimations obtained within the less expensive DFT to validate an optimal exchange-correlation functional which includes corrections to take properly into account for the dispersion contribution. Reliable DFT interaction energies have been therefore obtained for CP adsorbed on graphene prototypes of increasing size, ranging from coronene, ovalene, and up to C₁₅₀ H₃₀ . Finally, DFT geometry optimizations and frequency calculations have also allowed a reliable estimation of the adsorption enthalpy of CP on graphene, which is found particularly favorable (about -20 kcal/mol at 298 K and 1 bar) being twice that estimated for the corresponding benzene adsorption. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Attractive PHHP interactions revealed by state-of-the-art ab initio calculations

We report in this work a combined structural and state-of-the-art computational study of homopolar P-HH-P intermolecular contacts. Database surveys have shown the abundance of such surprisingly unexplored contacts, which are usually accompanied by other weak interactions in the solid state. By means of a detailed theoretical study utilizing SAPT(DFT), MP2, SCS-MP2, MP2C and CCSD(T) methods and both aug-cc-pVXZ and aug-cc-pCVXZ (X = D, T, Q, 5) basis sets as well as extrapolation to the CBS limit, we have shown that P-HH-P contacts are indeed attractive and considerably strong. SAPT(DFT) calculations have revealed the dispersive nature of the P-HH-P interaction with only minor contribution of the inductive term, whereas the first-order electrostatic term is clearly overbalanced by the first-order exchange energy. In general the computed interaction energies follow the trend: E ≈ E < E < E. Our results have also shown that the aug-cc-pVDZ (or aug-cc-pCVDZ) basis set is not yet well balanced and that the second-order dispersion energy term is the slowest converging among all SAPT(DFT) energy components. Compared to aug-cc-pVXZ basis sets, their core-correlation counterparts have a modest influence on all supermolecular interaction energies and a negligible influence on both the SAPT(DFT) interaction energy and its components.

Communication: Dopant-induced solvation of alkalis in liquid helium nanodroplets

Alkali metal atoms and small alkali clusters are classic heliophobes and when in contact with liquid helium they reside in a dimple on the surface. Here we show that alkalis can be induced to submerge into liquid helium when a highly polarizable co-solute, C₆₀, is added to a helium nanodroplet. Evidence is presented that shows that all sodium clusters, and probably single Na atoms, enter the helium droplet in the presence of C₆₀. Even clusters of cesium, an extreme heliophobe, dissolve in liquid helium when C₆₀ is added. The sole exception is atomic Cs, which remains at the surface.

Revealing the physical nature and the strength of charge-inverted hydrogen bonds by SAPT(DFT), MP2, SCS-MP2, MP2C, and CCSD(T) methods

The physical nature of charge-inverted hydrogen bonds in H₃ XH ⋯YH₃ (X = Si, Ge; Y = Al, Ga) dimer systems is studied by means of the SAPT(DFT)-based decomposition of interaction energies and supermolecular interaction energies based on MP2, SCS-MP2, MP2C, and CCSD(T) methods utilizing dimer-centered aug-cc-pCVnZ (n = D, T, Q) basis sets as well as an extrapolation to the complete basis set limit. It is revealed that charge-inverted hydrogen bonds are inductive in nature, although dispersion is also important. Computed interaction energies form the following relation: EintSAPT<EintSCS-MP2≤EintMP2C<EintMP2≈EintCCSD(T). It is confirmed that the aug-cc-pCVDZ basis set performs poorly and that very accurate values of interaction and dispersion energies require basis sets of at least quadrupole-ζ quality. Considerably large binding energies suggest potential usefulness of charge-inverted hydrogen bonds as an important structural motif in molecular binding. Terminology applying to σ- and π-hole interactions as well as to triel and tetrel bonds is discussed. According to this new terminology the charge-inverted hydrogen bond would become the first described case of a hydride-triel bond. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Spatial quenching of a molecular charge-transfer process in a quantum fluid: the Csx-C60 reaction in superfluid helium nanodroplets

A recent experimental study [Renzler et al., J. Chem. Phys., 2016, 145, 181101] on superfluid helium nanodroplets reported different reactivities for Cs atoms and Cs₂ dimers with C₆₀ fullerenes inside helium droplets. Alkali metal atoms and clusters are heliophobic, therefore typically residing on the droplet surface, while fullerenes are fully immersed into the droplet. In this theoretical study, which combines standard methods of computational chemistry with orbital-free helium density functional theory, we show that the experimental findings can be interpreted in the light of a quenched electron-transfer reaction between the fullerene and the alkali dopant, which is additionally hindered by a reaction barrier stemming from the necessary extrusion of helium upon approach of the two reactants.

Quantum confinement of molecular deuterium clusters in carbon nanotubes: ab initio evidence for hexagonal close packing

This study shows ab initio evidence for hexagonal close packing of D₂ molecules in carbon nanotubes, with a = 3.6 Å and .

Application of spin-ratio scaled MP2 for the prediction of intermolecular interactions in chemical systems

Accurate prediction of intermolecular interactions plays a pivotal role in many areas of chemistry and biology including (but not limited to) the design of pharmaceuticals, solid electrolytes and food additives.

Adsorption of molecular hydrogen on coronene with a new potential energy surface

Adsorption of molecular hydrogen on coronene studied with a new potential energy surface. Path integral Monte Carlo and basin-hopping calculations have been performed to investigate energies and structures of the corresponding (H₂)_N-coronene clusters.

A Novel Nanoporous Graphite Based on Graphynes: First-Principles Structure and Carbon Dioxide Preferential Physisorption

Ubiquitous graphene is a stricly 2D material representing an ideal adsorbing platform due to its large specific surface area as well as its mechanical strength and resistance to both thermal and chemical stresses. However, graphene as a bulk material has the tendency to form irreversible agglomerates leading to 3D graphitic structures with a significant decrease of the area available for adsorption and no room for gas intercalation. In this paper, a novel nanoporous graphite formed by graphtriyne sheets is introduced; its 3D structure is theoretically assessed by means of electronic structure and molecular dynamics computations within the DFT level of theory. It is found that the novel layered carbon allotrope is almost as compact as pristine graphite but the inherent porosity of the 2D graphyne sheets and its relative stacking leads to nanochannels that cross the material and whose subnanometer size could allow the diffusion and storage of gas species. A molecular prototype of the nanochannel is used to accurately determine first-principles adsorption energies and enthalpies for CO₂, N₂, H₂O, and H₂ within the pores. The proposed porous graphite presents no significant barrier for gas diffusion and shows a high propensity for CO₂ physisorption with respect to the other relevant components in both pre- and postcombustion gas streams.

Hydrogen bonding inside and outside carbon nanotubes: HF dimer as a case study

In this theoretical work we analyze the noncovalent interactions of molecular complexes formed between the hydrogen bonded HF dimer and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of different diameters. In particular, the interaction energies of: (i) spatially confined hydrogen fluoride molecules and (ii) HF dimer and the exterior or interior of SWCNTs are investigated. The computations are carried out in a supermolecular manner using the M06-2X exchange-correlation functional. In order to establish the influence of mutual orientation of the hydrogen fluoride dimer and molecular carbon cages on the analyzed energetic parameters energy scans are performed. Furthermore, changes in the charge distribution of the investigated endo- and exohedral complexes are studied employing the Natural Bond Orbital analysis. Among others, the position of the HF dimer with respect to the carbon cages proves to have a significant influence on the analyzed quantities. The results of our study also indicate that the HF dimer interacts stronger with the interior rather than the exterior of SWCNTs. Moreover, a substantial enhancement of the basis set superposition error is disclosed.

Modeling Polymorphic Molecular Crystals with Electronic Structure Theory

Interest in molecular crystals has grown thanks to their relevance to pharmaceuticals, organic semiconductor materials, foods, and many other applications. Electronic structure methods have become an increasingly important tool for modeling molecular crystals and polymorphism. This article reviews electronic structure techniques used to model molecular crystals, including periodic density functional theory, periodic second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory, fragment-based electronic structure methods, and diffusion Monte Carlo. It also discusses the use of these models for predicting a variety of crystal properties that are relevant to the study of polymorphism, including lattice energies, structures, crystal structure prediction, polymorphism, phase diagrams, vibrational spectroscopies, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Finally, tools for analyzing crystal structures and intermolecular interactions are briefly discussed.

Low-energy structures of benzene clusters with a novel accurate potential surface

The benzene-benzene (Bz-Bz) interaction is present in several chemical systems and it is known to be crucial in understanding the specificity of important biological phenomena. In this work, we propose a novel Bz-Bz analytical potential energy surface which is fine-tuned on accurate ab initio calculations in order to improve its reliability. Once the Bz-Bz interaction is modeled, an analytical function for the energy of the Bzn clusters may be obtained by summing up over all pair potentials. We apply an evolutionary algorithm (EA) to discover the lowest-energy structures of Bzn clusters (for n=2-25), and the results are compared with previous global optimization studies where different potential functions were employed. Besides the global minimum, the EA also gives the structures of other low-lying isomers ranked by the corresponding energy. Additional ab initio calculations are carried out for the low-lying isomers of Bz3 and Bz4 clusters, and the global minimum is confirmed as the most stable structure for both sizes. Finally, a detailed analysis of the low-energy isomers of the n = 13 and 19 magic-number clusters is performed. The two lowest-energy Bz13 isomers show S6 and C3 symmetry, respectively, which is compatible with the experimental results available in the literature. The Bz19 structures reported here are all non-symmetric, showing two central Bz molecules surrounded by 12 nearest-neighbor monomers in the case of the five lowest-energy structures.

Intermolecular symmetry-adapted perturbation theory study of large organic complexes

Binding energies for the complexes of the S12L database by Grimme [Chem. Eur. J. 18, 9955 (2012)] were calculated using intermolecular symmetry-adapted perturbation theory combined with a density-functional theory description of the interacting molecules. The individual interaction energy decompositions revealed no particular change in the stabilisation pattern as compared to smaller dimer systems at equilibrium structures. This demonstrates that, to some extent, the qualitative description of the interaction of small dimer systems may be extrapolated to larger systems, a method that is widely used in force-fields in which the total interaction energy is decomposed into atom-atom contributions. A comparison of the binding energies with accurate experimental reference values from Grimme, the latter including thermodynamic corrections from semiempirical calculations, has shown a fairly good agreement to within the error range of the reference binding energies.