Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

The calculation of accurate electron affinities (EAs) of atomic or molecular species is one of the most challenging tasks in quantum chemistry. We describe a reliable procedure for calculating the electron affinity of an atom and present results for hydrogen, boron, carbon, oxygen, and fluorine (hydrogen is included for completeness). This procedure involves the use of the recently proposed correlation-consistent basis sets augmented with functions to describe the more diffuse character of the atomic anion coupled with a straightforward, uniform expansion of the reference space for multireference singles and doubles configuration-interaction (MRSD-CI) calculations. Comparison with previous results and with corresponding full CI calculations are given. The most accurate EAs obtained from the MRSD-CI calculations are (with experimental values in parentheses) hydrogen 0.740 eV (0.754), boron 0.258 (0.277), carbon 1.245 (1.263), oxygen 1.384 (1.461), and fluorine 3.337 (3.401). The EAs obtained from the MR-SDCI calculations differ by less than 0.03 eV from those predicted by the full CI calculations.

Correlation consistent and augmented correlation consistent basis sets have been determined for the second row atoms aluminum through argon. The methodology, originally developed for the first row atoms [T. H. Dunning, Jr., J. Chem. Phys. 90, (1989)] is first applied to sulfur. The exponents for the polarization functions (dfgh) are systematically optimized for a correlated wave function (HF+1+2). The (sp) correlation functions are taken from the appropriate HF primitive sets; it is shown that these functions differ little from the optimum functions. Basis sets of double zeta [4s3p1d], triple zeta [5s4p2d1f], and quadruple zeta [6s5p3d2f1g] quality are defined. Each of these sets is then augmented with diffuse functions to better describe electron affinities and other molecular properties: s and p functions were obtained by optimization for the anion HF energy, while an additional polarization function for each symmetry present in the standard set was optimized for the anion HF+1+2 energy. The results for sulfur are then used to assist in determining double zeta, triple zeta, and quadruple zeta basis sets for the remainder of the second row of the p block.

The correlation-consistent polarized valence basis sets (cc-pVXZ) for the atoms boron through neon have been extended to treat core and core-valence correlation effects. Basis functions were added to the existing cc-pVXZ sets to form correlation-consistent polarized core-valence sets (cc-pCVXZ) in the usual pattern: Double zeta added (1s1p), triple zeta added (2s2p1d), quadruple zeta added (3s3p2d1f), and quintuple zeta added (4s4p3d2f1g). The exponents of the core functions were determined by minimizing the difference between all-electron and valence-only correlation energies obtained from HF+1+2 calculations on the ground states of the atoms. With the cc-pCVXZ sets, core, core-valence, and valence correlation energies all converge exponentially toward apparent complete basis set (CBS) limits, as do the corresponding all-electron singles and doubles CI energies. Several test applications of the new sets are presented: The first two ionization potentials of boron, the 3P–5S separation in carbon, and the X̃ 3B1–ã 1A1 state separation in CH2. As expected, correlation effects involving the core electrons of the first row atoms, B–Ne, are small but must be included if high accuracy is required.

An accurate description of the electrical properties of atoms and molecules is critical for quantitative predictions of the nonlinear properties of molecules and of long-range atomic and molecular interactions between both neutral and charged species. We report a systematic study of the basis sets required to obtain accurate correlated values for the static dipole (α1), quadrupole (α2), and octopole (α3) polarizabilities and the hyperpolarizability (γ) of the rare gas atoms He, Ne, and Ar. Several methods of correlation treatment were examined, including various orders of Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2, MP3, MP4), coupled-cluster theory with and without perturbative treatment of triple excitations [CCSD, CCSD(T)], and singles and doubles configuration interaction (CISD). All of the basis sets considered here were constructed by adding even-tempered sets of diffuse functions to the correlation consistent basis sets of Dunning and co-workers. With multiply-augmented sets we find that the electrical properties of the rare gas atoms converge smoothly to values that are in excellent agreement with the available experimental data and/or previously computed results. As a further test of the basis sets presented here, the dipole polarizabilities of the F− and Cl− anions and of the HCl and N2 molecules are also reported.

A role for electronic structure databases in assisting users of quantum chemistry applications select better model parameters is discussed in light of experiences gained from a software prototype known as the Computational Chemistry Input Assistant (CCIA). It is argued that the ready availability of information pertaining to the applications and theoretical models can substantially increase the likelihood of novice users obtaining the desired accuracy from their calculations while simultaneously making better use of computer resources. Expert users, who find themselves contemplating studies in new areas of research, may also benefit from the proposed tools. For maximum impact, this assistance should be provided while users are actively engaged in preparing calculations. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Lithium metal is an ideal battery anode. However, dendrite growth and limited Coulombic efficiency during cycling have prevented its practical application in rechargeable batteries. Herein, we report that the use of highly concentrated electrolytes composed of ether solvents and the lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt enables the high-rate cycling of a lithium metal anode at high Coulombic efficiency (up to 99.1%) without dendrite growth. With 4 M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in 1,2-dimethoxyethane as the electrolyte, a lithium|lithium cell can be cycled at 10 mA cm(-2) for more than 6,000 cycles, and a copper|lithium cell can be cycled at 4 mA cm(-2) for more than 1,000 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency of 98.4%. These excellent performances can be attributed to the increased solvent coordination and increased availability of lithium ion concentration in the electrolyte. Further development of this electrolyte may enable practical applications for lithium metal anode in rechargeable batteries.

Valence correlation consistent and augmented correlation consistent basis sets have been determined for the third row, main group atoms gallium through krypton. The methodology, originally developed for the first row atoms, was first applied to the selenium atom, resulting in the expected natural groupings of correlation functions (although higher angular momentum functions tend to be relatively more important for the third row atoms as they were for the second row atoms). After testing the generality of the conclusions for the gallium atom, the procedure was used to generate correlation consistent basis sets for all of the atoms gallium through krypton. The correlation consistent basis sets for the third row main group atoms are as follows: cc-pVDZ: (14s11p6d)/[5s4p2d]; cc-pVTZ: (20s13p9d1f )/[6s5p3d1f]; cc-pVQZ: (21s16p12d2 f1g)/[7s6p4d2 f1g]; cc-pV5Z: (26s17p13d3f2g1h)/[8s7p5d3f2g1h]. Augmented sets were obtained by adding diffuse functions to the above sets (one for each angular momentum present in the set), with the exponents of the additional functions optimized in calculations on the atomic anions. Test calculations on the atoms as well as selected molecules with the new basis sets show good convergence to an apparent complete basis set limit.

We present an overview of the current status of transition-state theory and its generalizations. We emphasize (i) recent improvements in available methodology for calculations on complex systems, including the interface with electronic structure theory, (ii) progress in the theory and application of transition-state theory to condensed-phase reactions, and (iii) insight into the relation of transition-state theory to accurate quantum dynamics and tests of its accuracy via comparisons with both experimental and other theoretical dynamical approximations.

A series of correlation consistent basis sets have been developed for the post-d group 16–18 elements in conjunction with small-core relativistic pseudopotentials of the energy-consistent variety. The latter were adjusted to multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock data based on the Dirac–Coulomb–Breit Hamiltonian. The outer-core (n−1)spd shells are explicitly treated together with the nsp valence shell with these PPs. The accompanying cc-pVnZ-PP and aug-cc-pVnZ-PP basis sets range in size from DZ to 5Z quality and yield systematic convergence of both Hartree–Fock and correlated total energies. In addition to the calculation of atomic electron affinities and dipole polarizabilities of the rare gas atoms, numerous molecular benchmark calculations (HBr, HI, HAt, Br2, I2, At2, SiSe, SiTe, SiPo, KrH+, XeH+, and RnH+) are also reported at the coupled cluster level of theory. For the purposes of comparison, all-electron calculations using the Douglas–Kroll–Hess Hamiltonian have also been carried out for the halogen-containing molecules using basis sets of 5Z quality.

Correlation consistent basis sets for accurately describing core–core and core–valence correlation effects in atoms and molecules have been developed for the second row atoms Al–Ar. Two different optimization strategies were investigated, which led to two families of core–valence basis sets when the optimized functions were added to the standard correlation consistent basis sets (cc-pVnZ). In the first case, the exponents of the augmenting primitive Gaussian functions were optimized with respect to the difference between all-electron and valence–electron correlated calculations, i.e., for the core–core plus core–valence correlation energy. This yielded the cc-pCVnZ family of basis sets, which are analogous to the sets developed previously for the first row atoms [D. E. Woon and T. H. Dunning, Jr., J. Chem. Phys. 103, 4572 (1995)]. Although the cc-pCVnZ sets exhibit systematic convergence to the all-electron correlation energy at the complete basis set limit, the intershell (core–valence) correlation energy converges more slowly than the intrashell (core–core) correlation energy. Since the effect of including the core electrons on the calculation of molecular properties tends to be dominated by core–valence correlation effects, a second scheme for determining the augmenting functions was investigated. In this approach, the exponents of the functions to be added to the cc-pVnZ sets were optimized with respect to just the core–valence (intershell) correlation energy, except that a small amount of core–core correlation energy was included in order to ensure systematic convergence to the complete basis set limit. These new sets, denoted weighted core–valence basis sets (cc-pwCVnZ), significantly improve the convergence of many molecular properties with n. Optimum cc-pwCVnZ sets for the first-row atoms were also developed and show similar advantages. Both the cc-pCVnZ and cc-pwCVnZ basis sets were benchmarked in coupled cluster [CCSD(T)] calculations on a series of second row homonuclear diatomic molecules (Al2, Si2, P2, S2, and Cl2), as well as on selected diatomic molecules involving first row atoms (CO, SiO, PN, and BCl). For the calculation of core correlation effects on energetic and spectroscopic properties, the cc-pwCVnZ basis sets are recommended over the cc-pCVnZ ones.

Using systematic sequences of correlation consistent Gaussian basis sets from double to sextuple zeta quality, the classical barrier height of the H+H2 exchange reaction has been calculated by multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) methods. The MRCI calculations for collinear H3 have also been calibrated against large basis set full CI (FCI) results, which demonstrate that the MRCI treatment leads to energies less than 1 μhartree (≤0.001 kcal/mol) above the FCI energies. The dependence of both the H2 and H3 total energies on the basis set is found to be very regular, and this behavior has been used to extrapolate to the complete basis set (CBS) limits. The resulting estimate of the H–H–H CBS limit yields a classical barrier height, relative to exact H+H2, of 9.60±0.02 kcal/mol; the best directly calculated value for the barrier is equal to 9.62 kcal/mol. These results are in excellent agreement with recent quantum Monte Carlo calculations.

Silicon is regarded as one of the most promising anode materials for next generation lithium-ion batteries. For use in practical applications, a Si electrode must have high capacity, long cycle life, high efficiency, and the fabrication must be industrially scalable. Here, we design and fabricate a yolk-shell structure to meet all these needs. The fabrication is carried out without special equipment and mostly at room temperature. Commercially available Si nanoparticles are completely sealed inside conformal, thin, self-supporting carbon shells, with rationally designed void space in between the particles and the shell. The well-defined void space allows the Si particles to expand freely without breaking the outer carbon shell, therefore stabilizing the solid-electrolyte interphase on the shell surface. High capacity (∼2800 mAh/g at C/10), long cycle life (1000 cycles with 74% capacity retention), and high Coulombic efficiency (99.84%) have been realized in this yolk-shell structured Si electrode.

For molecules containing second row atoms, unacceptable errors have been found in extrapolating dissociation energies calculated with the standard correlation consistent basis sets to the complete basis set limit. By carefully comparing the convergence behavior of De(O2) and De(SO), we show that the cause of these errors is a result of two inter-related problems: near duplication of the exponents in two of the d sets and a lack of high-exponent functions in the early members of the sets. Similar problems exist for the f sets (and probably in higher angular momentum sets), but have only a minor effect on the calculated dissociation energies. A number of approaches to address the problems in the d sets were investigated. Well behaved convergence was obtained by augmenting the (1d) and (2d) sets with a high-exponent function and by replacing the (3d) set by the (4d) set and the (4d) set by the (5d) set and so on. To ensure satisfactory coverage of both the L and M shell regions, the exponents of the new d sets were re-optimized. Benchmark calculations on Si2, PN, SO, and AlCl with the new cc-pV(n+d)Z sets show greatly improved convergence behavior not only for De but for many other properties as well.

A multiphoton microscopy based on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering is accomplished with near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses. We demonstrate vibrational imaging of chemical and biological samples with high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, noninvasiveness, and three-dimensional sectioning capability.

Stable catalysts through steaming The lifetime of catalysts that convert automotive exhaust pollutants can be increased by lowering their operating temperature, which helps to prevent deactivation caused by the active metal atoms agglomerating into larger, less active particles. Nie et al. show that a thermally stable catalyst, atomically dispersed Pt 2+ on CeO 2 , can become active for CO oxidation at 150°C after steam treatment at 750°C. In studies with simulated vehicle exhaust, this catalyst treatment also improves its oxidation activity for other exhaust components such as hydrocarbons. Science , this issue p. 1419

We report the creation of a nanoscale electrochemical device inside a transmission electron microscope--consisting of a single tin dioxide (SnO(2)) nanowire anode, an ionic liquid electrolyte, and a bulk lithium cobalt dioxide (LiCoO(2)) cathode--and the in situ observation of the lithiation of the SnO(2) nanowire during electrochemical charging. Upon charging, a reaction front propagated progressively along the nanowire, causing the nanowire to swell, elongate, and spiral. The reaction front is a "Medusa zone" containing a high density of mobile dislocations, which are continuously nucleated and absorbed at the moving front. This dislocation cloud indicates large in-plane misfit stresses and is a structural precursor to electrochemically driven solid-state amorphization. Because lithiation-induced volume expansion, plasticity, and pulverization of electrode materials are the major mechanical effects that plague the performance and lifetime of high-capacity anodes in lithium-ion batteries, our observations provide important mechanistic insight for the design of advanced batteries.

Representative atomic and molecular systems, including various inorganic and organic molecules with covalent and ionic bonds, have been studied by using density functional theory. The calculations were done with the commonly used exchange-correlation functional B3LYP followed by a comprehensive analysis of the calculated highest-occupied and lowest-unoccupied Kohn−Sham orbital (HOMO and LUMO) energies. The basis set dependence of the DFT results shows that the economical 6-31+G* basis set is generally sufficient for calculating the HOMO and LUMO energies (if the calculated LUMO energies are negative) for use in correlating with molecular properties. The directly calculated ionization potential (IP), electron affinity (EA), electronegativity (χ), hardness (η), and first electron excitation energy (τ) are all in good agreement with the available experimental data. A generally applicable linear correlation relationship exists between the calculated HOMO energies and the experimental/calculated IPs. We have also found satisfactory linear correlation relationships between the calculated LUMO energies and experimental/calculated EAs (for the bound anionic states), between the calculated average HOMO/LUMO energies and χ values, between the calculated HOMO−LUMO energy gaps and η values, and between the calculated HOMO−LUMO energy gaps and experimental/calculated first excitation energies. By using these linear correlation relationships, the calculated HOMO and LUMO energies can be employed to semiquantitatively estimate ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, hardness, and first excitation energy.

Enzymatic turnovers of single cholesterol oxidase molecules were observed in real time by monitoring the emission from the enzyme's fluorescent active site, flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Statistical analyses of single-molecule trajectories revealed a significant and slow fluctuation in the rate of cholesterol oxidation by FAD. The static disorder and dynamic disorder of reaction rates, which are essentially indistinguishable in ensemble-averaged experiments, were determined separately by the real-time single-molecule approach. A molecular memory phenomenon, in which an enzymatic turnover was not independent of its previous turnovers because of a slow fluctuation of protein conformation, was evidenced by spontaneous spectral fluctuation of FAD.

Reduction of acids to molecular hydrogen as a means of storing energy is catalyzed by platinum, but its low abundance and high cost are problematic. Precisely controlled delivery of protons is critical in hydrogenase enzymes in nature that catalyze hydrogen (H(2)) production using earth-abundant metals (iron and nickel). Here, we report that a synthetic nickel complex, [Ni(P(Ph)(2)N(Ph))(2)](BF(4))(2), (P(Ph)(2)N(Ph) = 1,3,6-triphenyl-1-aza-3,6-diphosphacycloheptane), catalyzes the production of H(2) using protonated dimethylformamide as the proton source, with turnover frequencies of 33,000 per second (s(-1)) in dry acetonitrile and 106,000 s(-1) in the presence of 1.2 M of water, at a potential of -1.13 volt (versus the ferrocenium/ferrocene couple). The mechanistic implications of these remarkably fast catalysts point to a key role of pendant amines that function as proton relays.

Photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that a 20-atom gold cluster has an extremely large energy gap, which is even greater than that of C60, and an electron affinity comparable with that of C60. This observation suggests that the Au20 cluster should be highly stable and chemically inert. Using relativistic density functional calculations, we found that Au20 possesses a tetrahedral structure, which is a fragment of the face-centered cubic lattice of bulk gold with a small structural relaxation. Au20 is thus a unique molecule with atomic packing similar to that of bulk gold but with very different properties.