Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “VALENCE”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 793 records · Page 44
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Upcoversion performance improvement of NaYF{sub 4}:Yb, Er by Sn codoping: Enhanced emission intensity and reduced decay time

In this manuscript we report a phenomenon that upconversion emission intensity of Er{sup 3+} was enhanced while decay time constant was decreased obviously by Sn codoping with Yb/Er into hexagonal NaYF{sub 4} synchronously. X-ray powder diffiraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron spin-resonance spectroscopy and upconversion emission spectra were employed to explore the relation of crystal structure and properties. From these characterizations we found that symmetry of the rare earth ion local crystal field could be tuned by different Sn codoping concentration. For the variable valence property of Sn the local crystal field asymmetry and emission intensity of NaYF{sub 4}:Yb, Er arrived to the maximum when 3 mol% Sn was codoped, while decay time was reduced. The study of this changing tends of upconversion emission intensity and decay time constant may be helpful for design and fabrication of high performance upconversion materials. - Graphical abstract: Variable-valenced Sn is introduced with Yb/Er into NaFY{sub 4} to tune structure and local crystal field. Upconversion emission intensity of Er{sup 3+} was enhanced while decay time constant was decreased. Display Omitted - Highlights: • NaYF{sub 4}: Yb, Er was codoped with different concentration Sn. • Upconversion emission intensity was enhanced while decay time constant was decreased. • Introduction of variable-valenced Sn is effective to tune structure and crystal field of NaFY{sub 4}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2013

Thermoelectric misfit-layered cobalt oxides with interlayers of hydroxide and peroxide species

Among the thermoelectric misfit-layered cobalt oxides, [M{sub m}A{sub 2}O{sub m+2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2}, the parent m=0 phases exhibit divergent chemical features but are less understood than the more common m>0 members of the series. Here we synthesize Sr-for-Ca substituted [(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} zero phases up to x=0.2 through low-temperature hydrothermal conversion of precursor powders of the m=1 misfit system, [Co(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub 2}O{sub 3}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2}. In the zero-phase [(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} system, as the Sr content x increases the lattice expands anisotropically along the c axis such that the ab-plane dimension and the misfit parameter q remain essentially constant. X-ray absorption spectroscopy data suggest the presence of peroxide-type oxygen species in the (Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2} rock-salt block and together with infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric and low-temperature resistivity and thermopower measurements evidence that the isovalent Sr-for-Ca substitution controls the balance between the peroxide and hydroxide species in the (Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2} block but leaves the valence of Co essentially intact in the CoO{sub 2} block. The higher electrical conductivity of the Sr-substituted phases is explained as a consequence of increased carrier mobility. - Graphical abstract: Among the thermoelectric misfit-layered cobalt oxides, [M{sub m}A{sub 2}O{sub m+2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2}, the parent zero (m=0) phases exhibit divergent chemical features. For [(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2}, X-ray absorption spectroscopy data suggest the presence of peroxide-type oxygen species in the (Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2} rock-salt block and together with thermogravimetric and low-temperature transport-property measurements evidence that the isovalent Sr-for-Ca substitution controls the balance between the peroxide and hydroxide species in the (Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2} block but leaves the valence of Co essentially intact in the CoO{sub 2} block. - Highlights: • Parent m=0 [M{sub m}A{sub 2}O{sub m+2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} misfit-layer oxides exhibit divergent chemical features. • [(Ca,Sr){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} is found to contain both peroxide and hydroxide species. • Hydrothermal synthesis yields [(Ca{sub 1−x}Sr{sub x}){sub z}(O,OH){sub 2}]{sub q}CoO{sub 2} samples up to x=0.2. • With increasing x, the c axis expands but the misfit parameter q remains constant. • Co valence remains intact, but peroxide and hydroxide contents may be affected.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis, crystal structure and electrical proprieties of new phosphate KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9}

Crystals of new tricyclophosphate KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9} have been grown from solid state reaction and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9} crystallizes in the hexagonal system, space group P6{sup ¯}c2, with a=6.616 (7) Å; c=9.788 (3) Å; V=371.06 (13) Å{sup 3}, Z=2. The final agreement factors are R=0.014, ωR=0.038, S(F{sup 2})=1.231. The structure of the title compound can be described as a three-dimensional framework built up of corner sharing CoO{sub 6} and PO{sub 4} polyhedra containing wide tunnels oriented along [001] direction and others, less broad, along [100] and [010] directions. The structural model was validated by bond valence sum (BVS) and charge distribution (CD) methods. Ball milling was used to reduce the particles sizes of the synthesized powder. At the optimal sintering temperature of 800 °C, a relative density of 85% was obtained. The microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The electrical conductivity was 8.4×10{sup −7} S cm{sup −1} and 1.7×10{sup −4} S cm{sup −1} at 480 °C and 680 °C respectively. The activation energy deduced from the slope is 2.2 eV at low temperature region and 1.2 eV at high temperature region. The BVS model is extended to simulate the ionic migration pathways of alkali cations in the anionic framework. The BVS calculation shows one-dimensional pathways migration along c-axis. - Graphical abstract: 1D pathways link K atoms along c-axis with bond valence mismatch |ΔV(K)|=0.8 v.u. - Highlights: • A new single crystal KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9} was grown by solid state reaction and its structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. • The purity polycrystalline of KCoP{sub 3}O{sub 9} sample was verified by Rietveld refinement. • The CIS measurements were optimized and the obtained spectra were fitted by electrical equivalent circuits. • The conduction pathways for the K{sup +} cations are simulated by means of the bond valence sum model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Synthesis, structural and electrical properties of a new cobalt arsenate NaCo{sub 2}As{sub 3}O{sub 10}

The title compound sodium dicobalt triarsenate NaCo{sub 2}As{sub 3}O{sub 10} has been synthesized by solid state reaction. Crystal structure and electrical properties were studied by X-ray diffraction and complex impedance spectroscopy, respectively. The obtained structural model is supported by charge-distribution (CHARDI) analysis and bond-valence-sum (BVS) validations tools. The structure (triclinic, P−1, a=6.800 (8) Å, b=7.816 (9) Å, c=8.718 (3) Å, α=108.03 (2)°, β=108.48 (3)°, γ=100.11 (2)°) can be described as a three-dimensional framework resulted from corner-connection between cobalt metallic chains running along [−110] and As{sub 3}O{sub 10} groups; the negative charge is balanced by Na{sup +} ions which house the two tunnels parallel to a and b axes. Ball milling was used as mechanical means to reduce the particles sizes of the synthesized powder. At the optimal sintering temperature of 650 °C, 85% of the relative density was obtained. The conductivity measurements show that NaCo{sub 2}As{sub 3}O{sub 10} is a cationic conductor with an activation energy of 0.48 eV and a conductivity of σ=1.2×10{sup −5} S cm{sup −1} at 310 °C. The BVS model is extended to simulate the ionic migration pathways of alkali cations in the anionic framework. - Graphical abstract: 1D pathways link Na atoms along the a-axis with bond valence mismatch |ΔV(Na)|=0.64 v.u. - Highlights: • A new single crystal NaCo{sub 2}As{sub 3}O{sub 10} was grown by solid state reaction and its structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. • The purity of the powder sample was verified by Rietveld refinement. • The CIS measurements were optimized and the obtained spectra were fitted by electrical equivalent circuits. • The conduction pathways for Na{sup +} cations are simulated by means of the bond valence sum model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Atomistic simulation and XAS investigation of Mn induced defects in Bi{sub 12}TiO{sub 20}

This work reports an investigation of the valence and site occupancy of Mn dopants in Bi{sub 12}TiO{sub 20} (BTO: Mn) host using X-ray Absorption (XAS) and atomistic simulation techniques based on energy minimisation. X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) at the Mn K-edges gave typical results for Mn ions with mixed valences of 3+ and 4+. Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) results indicated that Mn ions are probably substituted at Ti sites. Atomistic simulation was performed assuming the incorporation of Mn{sup 2+}, Mn{sup 3+} and Mn{sup 4+} ions at either Bi{sup 3+} or Ti{sup 4+} sites, and the results were compared to XANES and EXAFS measurements. Electrical conductivity for pure and doped samples was used to evaluate the consistency of the proposed model. - Graphical abstract: The structure of Bi{sub 12}TiO{sub 20} (BTO). Display Omitted - Highlights: • Pure and Mn-doped Bi{sub 12}TiO{sub 20} samples were studied by experimental techniques combined with atomistic simulation. • Good agreement between experimental and simulation results was obtained. • XANES results suggest a mixture of 3+ and 4+ valences for Mn, occupying the Ti4+ site in both cases. • Charge compensation by holes is most energetically favoured, explaining the enhancement observed in AC dark conductivity.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Band alignment of ultra-thin hetero-structure ZnO/TiO{sub 2} junction

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Band alignment at the ZnO/TiO{sub 2} hetero-structural interface with different ZnO coating thickness was studied. • The valence band offset was decreased with increased ZnO coating layer thickness. • The interface dipole was responsible for the decreased band offset. - Abstract: The band alignment at the ZnO/TiO{sub 2} hetero-structure interface was measured by high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The valence band offset (E{sub ZnO}−E{sub TiO{sub 2}}){sub Valence} was linearly changed from 0.27 to 0.01 eV at the interface with increased ZnO coating thickness from 0.7 to 7 nm. The interface dipole presented at the ZnO/TiO{sub 2} interface was responsible for the decreased band offset. The band alignment of the ZnO/TiO{sub 2} heterojunction is a type II alignment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Structure, magnetic, and dielectric properties of Ti-doped LaFeO{sub 3} ceramics synthesized by polymer pyrolysis method

Highlights: • The LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} samples can be successfully prepared by polymer pyrolysis method. • XANES spectra confirmed the mixed valence states of Fe{sup 3+} and Fe{sup 4+} for Fe ions and valence states of Ti{sup 4+} for Ti ions. • The ferromagnetism (FM) at room temperature (RT) can be observed in all LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} nanoparticles and ceramics. • The uncompensated spins at the surface played an important role in the magnetism of LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} nanoparticles. • The giant dielectric behavior of the ceramic samples can be easily found by substitution at B site. - Abstract: Perovskite Ti-doped LaFeO{sub 3} (LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3}, x = 0, 0.1, and 0.2) nanoparticles synthesized by the polymer pyrolysis method were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) were used to characterize phase, morphology, valence states and magnetic properties of the samples. The samples had a phase of the orthorhombic structure with crystallite sizes of 25 ± 2–47 ± 2 nm for nanoparticles, while ceramic samples had the grain sizes of 0.9 ± 0.3–6.0 ± 2.3 μm. The result of XANES spectra showed that the Fe{sup 3+}/Fe{sup 4+} and Ti{sup 4+} exist in the samples. The weak ferromagnetic behavior at room temperature is observed for all LaFe{sub 1−x}Ti{sub x}O{sub 3} samples with a maximum magnetization of 0.32 emu/g for x = 0.2. Additionally, larger hysteresis loops induced significantly in ceramic samples with no saturation up to 10 kOe. The dielectric properties as a function of frequency at low temperatures suggest the presence of polarization in the samples due to the electron hopping between Fe{sup 3+} and Fe{sup 4+} ions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

First-principles study of the topological surface states of α-Sn(111)

α-Sn is on the boundary of a couple of distinct topological phases. It will transform into a topological insulator under a suitable strain. However, a clear picture of its topological surface states (TSSs) is still lacking. Furthermore we perform first-principles calculations on the electronic structure of α-Sn(111) surface to identify its TSSs and reveal their properties. The results show that the presence of valence band reorganizes the TSSs in the inverted sp gap into two Dirac cones. The lower one is in the valence band continuum; the upper one resides in the gap between the valence and conduction bands. We also demonstrate the transformation of the surface states by switching on or off of strain and/or spin-orbit coupling. Without spin-orbit coupling, only the TSSs associated with the lower Dirac cone survive, and they are spin unpolarized. The results are useful for understanding and engineering the topological properties of α-Sn.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2026

A first principles approach for determining solute effect on electrical resistivity of Aluminum solid solution

There are no general approaches for predicting the effect of solutes on electrical resistivity changes in aluminum (Al) solid solutions. Here, we introduce a first principles-based approach for predicting temperature-dependent electrical resistivity of Al solid solutions. A combination of electronic structure methods was applied to calculate electronic scattering effects on chemical disorder and temperature induced atomic vibrations or phonons. Our calculations are validated by contrasting experimental resistivity measurements for two elements in Al solid solution: at 0.3 at. % concentration, Sn (an sp-valence solute) increases the residual resistivity by 0.2 μΩ·m, whereas Zr (a d-valence solute) causes a 2.5 μΩ·m increase. This trend may deviate for solute elements in Al that form semiconductors in pure state, like Si. Our findings provide an understanding of the role of valence electron character of solute atoms in determining electrical resistivity of Al alloys.

Samolyuk, German [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000168778255)↗
DOE OSTI2024

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of epitaxial films and heterostructures

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is a powerful experimental technique that yields invaluable information on a range of phenomena that occur in solids, liquids, and gasses. The binding energy and shape of a photoemission peak is sensitive not only to the atomic number, valence and orbital from which the electron is ejected, but also to complex many-body effects that accompany photoemission. Provided the influences of these different drivers of spectral line shapes can be disentangled, a great deal can be learned about the electronic structures of specific atoms in the material of interest. In addition to these largely local effects, the long-range electrostatic environment and resulting electric potential at the emitting atom have a direct effect on the measured binding energies. Furthermore, this fact opens the door to extracting information about the dependence of the valence and conduction band minima on depth below the surface, which in turn allows both vertical and lateral electrical transport data to be better understood. One purpose of this Report is to describe how the different physical forces described above impact spectral properties of complex oxide epitaxial films. This class of materials typically incorporates transition metal cations in different valences and of all the elements, these exhibit the most complex core-level spectra. A second purpose is to show how a comprehensive understanding of local physical effects in x-ray photoemission allows one to extract detailed information on internal electric fields and band edge discontinuities in heterostructures involving complex oxides from core-level line shapes.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2019

Electrical and optical properties of low-bandgap oxide Zn 2 Mo 3 O 8 for optoelectronic applications

Semiconducting metal oxides are attractive for various applications since most oxides are non-toxic, stable, and easy to deposit. Wide band-gap materials have been studied more extensively, compared to low bandgap materials, which introduces limitations to the applications of oxides. Study of low band-gap semiconducting oxides can propel the usage of oxides in a wider range of applications. The electronic, structural, and optical properties of Zn 2 Mo 3 O 8 (ZMO) are investigated. Stoichiometric polycrystalline films of ZMO are deposited using pulsed laser deposition system at room temperature. The unintentionally n-doped films show a hall electron mobility of 0.7 cm 2 V -1 s -1 and have a bandgap of 2.1 eV. The photoelectron spectra contain complex peak profiles which are explained to be a manifestation of final state effects. The orbital contribution to the valence band of ZMO is probed using resonant photoelectron spectroscopy, which confirms that the valence band is composed of Mo 4d levels. The conduction and valence band edges are predicted to be at 4.2 eV and 6.3 eV, so most of the conventional wide band-gap oxides can be used as hole-blocking layers with ZMO. Under A.M. 1.5 illumination, single-sided Schottky diode with Fluorine-doped tin oxide/TiO 2 /ZMO/Au structure shows no photovoltaic action, possibly due to high exciton binding energy and low carrier drift lengths. However, the Schottky device shows a higher current under illumination, which suggests that with improvement in carrier drift lengths, ZMO can find applications in low-cost optoelectronic devices on flexible substrates like plastic or Polyethylene terephthalate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Electron-Poor Polar Intermetallics: Complex Structures, Novel Clusters, and Intriguing Bonding with Pronounced Electron Delocalization

Intermetallic compounds represent an extensive pool of candidates for energy related applications stemming from magnetic, electric, optic, caloric, and catalytic properties. The discovery of novel intermetallic compounds can enhance understanding of the chemical principles that govern structural stability and chemical bonding as well as finding new applications. Valence electron-poor polar intermetallics with valence electron concentrations (VECs) between 2.0 and 3.0 e – /atom show a plethora of unprecedented and fascinating structural motifs and bonding features. Furthermore, establishing simple structure-bonding-property relationships is especially challenging for this compound class because commonly accepted valence electron counting rules are inappropriate.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Static and dynamic optical properties of La 1-x Sr x FeO 3-δ : The effects of A-site and oxygen stoichiometry

Perovskite oxides are a promising material class for photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications due to their visible band gaps, nanosecond recombination lifetimes, and great chemical diversity. However, there is limited understanding of the link between composition and static and dynamic optical properties, despite the critical role these properties play in the design of light-harvesting devices. To clarify these relationships, we systemically studied the optoelectronic properties in La 1-x Sr x FeO 3-δ epitaxial films, uncovering the effects of A-site cation substitution and oxygen stoichiometry. Variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry was used to measure static optical properties, revealing a linear increase in absorption coefficient at 1.25 eV and a red-shifting of the optical absorption edge with increasing Sr fraction. The absorption spectra can be similarly tuned through the introduction of oxygen vacancies, indicating the critical role that nominal Fe valence plays in optical absorption. Dynamic optoelectronic properties were studied with ultrafast transient reflectance spectroscopy, revealing similar nanosecond photoexcited carrier lifetimes for oxygen deficient and stoichiometric films with the same nominal Fe valence. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that while the static optical absorption is strongly dependent on nominal Fe valence tuned through cation or anion stoichiometry, oxygen vacancies do not appear to play a significantly detrimental role in the recombination kinetics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Plutonium and Cerium Perrhenate/Pertechnetate Coordination Polymers and Frameworks

Spent nuclear fuel (SNF) contains transuranic and lanthanide species, which are sometimes recovered and repurposed. One particularly problematic fission product, 99 TcO 4 – , hampers this recovery via coextraction with high valence metals, perhaps by complexation during aqueous reprocessing of SNF. There is limited molecular-level knowledge concerning the coordination chemistry between TcO 4 – or its well-known surrogate ReO 4 – and transuranic/lanthanide species. In the current study, we investigated the coordination of ReO 4 – /TcO 4 – with plutonium and cerium cations by structural and chemical characterization of a series of isolated extended solids. In this study, Ce represents both trivalent lanthanides and is considered a surrogate for Pu, respectively, in its common trivalent and tetravalent oxidation states. The structural elucidation of the seven isolated crystalline solids revealed that ReO 4 – /TcO 4 – directly connects to Pu IV , Pu VI O 2 2 + , Ce III , and Ce IV in the terminal and bridging coordination modes, leading to 1-, 2-, and 3-dimensional frameworks. For example, ReO 4 – coordination to Pu(IV) formed a 1D chain or 2D framework, isostructural with previously isolated Th(IV) compounds. However, Pu VI O 2 2 + alternating with ReO 4 – led to a unique 1D chain, different from the prior-reported U(VI)/Np(VI)-ReO 4 – /TcO 4 – structures. Coordination of ReO 4 – /TcO 4 – with Ce(III) promotes the assembly of 3D frameworks. Finally, attempted synthesis of a Ce(IV)-ReO 4 – compound resulted in a 2D framework with a mixed-valence Ce III/IV . The highly acidic reaction conditions supported the reduction of both Ce IV and Tc VII , challenging isolation of compounds featuring these species. Only one TcO 4 -containing structure was obtained in this study (Ce III –TcO 4 3D framework), vs the six total Ce/Pu-ReO 4 compounds. Furthermore, our three Pu-ReO 4 crystal structures are the first reported and translated to atomic-level information about Pu-TcO 4 coordination in nuclear fuel reprocessing scenarios, in addition to broadening our knowledge of bonding trends in the early, high-valence actinides.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗
DOE OSTI2018

Green’s Function Coupled-Cluster Approach: Simulating Photoelectron Spectra for Realistic Molecular Systems

In this paper we present an efficient implementation for the analytical energy- dependent coupled cluster Green’s function with singles and doubles (GFCCSD) approach with our first practice being computing spectral functions of real molecular systems. Due to its algebraic structure, the presented method is highly scalable, and is capable of computing spectral function for a given molecular system in any energy region. Several typical examples have been given to demonstrate its capability of computing spectral functions not only in the valence band, but also in the core-level energy region. Satellite peaks have been observed in the inner valence band and core-level energy region where many-body effect becomes significant and single particle picture of ionization often breaks down. The accuracy test has been carried out by extensively comparing our GFCCSD results with experimental results as well as the theoretical results from other methods. It turns out GFCCSD method is able to provide qualitative or semi-quantitative level of description of ionization processes in both the core and valence regimes. To significantly improve the GFCCSD results for the main states, larger basis set can usually be employed, whereas the improvement of the GFCCSD results for the satellite states needs higher order many-body terms to be included in the GFCC implementation.

electronic structure theory↗
DOE OSTI2023

Excited-State Dynamics during Primary C–I Homolysis in Acetyl Iodide Revealed by Ultrafast Core-Level Spectroscopy

In typical carbonyl-containing molecules, bond dissociation events follow initial excitation to $nπ_{C=O}$$^*$ states. However, in acetyl iodide, the iodine atom gives rise to electronic states with mixed $nπ_{C=O}$$^*$ and $nπ_{C–I}$$^*$ character, leading to complex excited-state dynamics, ultimately resulting in dissociation. Using ultrafast extreme ultraviolet (XUV) transient absorption spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations, we present an investigation of the primary photodissociation dynamics of acetyl iodide via time-resolved spectroscopy of core-to-valence transitions of the I atom after 266 nm excitation. The probed I 4d-to-valence transitions show features that evolve on sub-100-fs time scales, reporting on excited-state wavepacket evolution during dissociation. These features subsequently evolve to yield spectral signatures corresponding to free iodine atoms in their spin–orbit ground and excited states with a branching ratio of 1.1:1 following dissociation of the C–I bond. Calculations of the valence excitation spectrum via equation-of-motion coupled cluster with single and double substitutions (EOM-CCSD) show that initial excited states are of spin-mixed character. From the initially pumped spin-mixed state, we use a combination of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT)-driven nonadiabatic ab initio molecular dynamics and EOM-CCSD calculations of the N$_{4,5}$ edge to reveal a sharp inflection point in the transient XUV signal that corresponds to rapid C–I homolysis. Here, by examining the molecular orbitals involved in the core-level excitations at and around this inflection point, we are able to piece together a detailed picture of C–I bond photolysis in which d → σ* transitions give way to d → p excitations as the bond dissociates. We also report theoretical predictions of short-lived, weak 4d → 5d transitions in acetyl iodide, validated by weak bleaching in the experimental transient XUV spectra. This joint experimental–theoretical effort has thus unraveled the detailed electronic structure and dynamics of a strongly spin–orbit coupled system.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2019

Revised M11 Exchange-Correlation Functional for Electronic Excitation Energies and Ground-State Properties

The ability of Kohn-Sham density functional theory (KS-DFT) to accurately predict various types of electronic excitation energies with (necessarily approximate) exchange-correlation functionals faces several challenges. Chief among these is that valence excitations are usually inherently multiconfigurational and therefore best treated by functionals with local exchange, whereas Rydberg and charge transfer excitations are often better treated with nonlocal exchange. The question arises of whether one can optimize a functional such that all three kinds of excitations (valence, Rydberg, and charge transfer – including long-range charge transfer) are treated in a balanced and accurate way. The goal of the present work is to try to answer that question and then to optimize a functional with the best possible balanced behavior. Of the variety of functional types available, we select range-separated hybrid meta functionals because (i) range separation allows the percentage of Hartree–Fock (HF) exchange to change with interelectronic separation, and therefore, one can have 100% HF exchange at large interelectronic separations, which gives good performance for long-range charge-transfer excitations, while the range separation allows one to simultaneously have smaller values of HF exchange at small and intermediate inter-electronic separations, which give good performance for valence and Rydberg excitations and (ii) meta functionals allow one to obtain better accuracy with high HF exchange than is possible with functionals whose local part depends only on spin densities and their gradients. Furthermore, this work starts with the range-separated hybrid meta functional, M11, and re-optimizes it (with stronger smoothness restraints) against electronic excitation energies and ground-state properties to obtain a new functional called revM11 that gives good performance for all three types of electronic excitations and at the same time gives very good predictions across-the-board for ground-state properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗