Size- and shape-sensitive reactivity behavior of Al-n(n=2-5, 13, 30, and 100) clusters toward the N-2 molecule: a first-principles investigation

TitleSize- and shape-sensitive reactivity behavior of Al-n(n=2-5, 13, 30, and 100) clusters toward the N-2 molecule: a first-principles investigation
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsKulkarni, BS, Krishnamurty, S, Pal, S
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume115
Issue30
Pagination14615-14623
Date PublishedAUG
ISSN1932-7447
Abstract

Reactivity of aluminum clusters has been found to exhibit size-sensitive variations. N-2 reduction is a hard process, and its dissociation on the Al surface is one of the few chemical methods available under nonhazardous conditions. In this context, we attempt to understand the adsorption behavior of N-2 molecules as a function of varying size and shape of Al clusters using a Density Functional Theory (DFT) based method. During the complex formation, various N-2 adsorption modes are examined. The results clearly demonstrate that, while the interaction energy does not vary with respect to the cluster size, shape of the cluster is highly contributive toward the chemisorption (a prerequisite for the reactivity) of the N-2 molecule. The underlying electronic and structural factors influencing the adsorption of N-2 molecules on the Al clusters are analyzed with the help of the Electron Localization Function (ELF) and Frontier Molecular Orbitals. As an illustration, the activation barrier calculations on various Al-13 conformations are calculated, and results confirm the experimental propositions that high-energy structures (depending upon their geometrical and electronic orientation) are more favorable for N-2 reduction.

DOI10.1021/jp203452a
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)4.99
Divison category: 
Physical and Materials Chemistry