Structure of two-dimensional Fe3O4

Theoretical insights into the adsorption and gas sensing performance of Fe/Cu-adsorbed graphene

The binding mechanism of gas molecules on material surfaces is essential for understanding adsorption and sensing performance. In the present study, we examine the interaction of some volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including HCHO, C2H5OH, and CH3COCH3, on pristine graphene and its Fe/Cu-adsorbed surfaces using first-principles calculations. The results indicate that the adsorption of these molecules on graphene is regarded as physisorption, while chemisorption is observed for Fe/Cu attached surfaces. The binding of sites on molecules and surfaces primarily involves hydrogen bonds for the pure form of graphene. In contrast, stable interactions occur at functional groups such as >CO, -OH with Fe/Cu atoms, as well as CC bonds of π-rings on modified structures of graphene. It is noticeable that stronger adsorption is observed in the case of Fe addition (Gr-Fe) compared to Cu (Gr-Cu), enhancing the gas adsorption and sensing performance on graphene. Remarkably, the graphene surfaces supported by Fe and Cu improved selectivity in detecting VOC molecules, particularly C2H5OH and CH3COCH3 for Gr-Fe, and HCHO for Gr-Cu. Quantum chemical analyses reveal that the Fe/Cu⋯O/C contacts are covalent interactions, contributing significantly to the stability of configurations and sensing properties of Fe/Cu-adsorbed graphene. In summary, the observed improvements in selectivity, enhanced adsorption strength, and the identification of crucial interactions at the surface offer valuable insights into designing highly efficient gas sensors and developing advanced sensing materials.

DFT study of the fouling deposition process in the steam generator by simulating the adsorption of Fe2+ on Fe3O4 (0 0 1)

In order to reveal the fouling problem on the outer surface of the steam generator (SG) tube in the secondary circuit condition of pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plant, based on the density functional theory (DFT) method, the Cambridge sequential total energy program package (CASTEP) is used to simulate seven kinds of highly symmetric adsorption structure models of termination with tetrahedral Fe (A termination) and termination with octahedral Fe (B termination) on Fe₃O₄ (0 0 1) surface. The adsorption energies and stable adsorption conformations are calculated. The results show that the most stable adsorption structures of the Fe²⁺/Fe₃O₄ (0 0 1) configurations are Fe²⁺ above Fe-O bond of B layer termination (Fe₃O₄(001) A-b). During the adsorption, the Fe-Fe, Fe-O bond length, and Fe-Fe-O bond angle of (0 0 1) surface change, and the atomic positions parallel and perpendicular to (0 0 1) surface change correspondingly. The change happened to the surface layer is the most drastic one. The calculation of charge population, the density of states (DOS), and electron local function of Fe²⁺/Fe₃O₄ (0 0 1) optimal adsorption configuration show that there is electron transfer between Fe²⁺ and Fe₃O₄ (0 0 1), and the adsorption type is chemisorption. Among them, Fe (Fe²⁺)-Fe (Fe₃O₄) forms a metal bond, and Fe (Fe²⁺)-O (Fe₃O₄) forms the ionic bond. The results illustrate the interaction between free Fe²⁺ and Fe₃O₄ is the reason of the nucleation and agglomeration of Fe₃O₄ scale and it provides the foundation for the further research on Fe₃O₄ scale deposition.