Showing papers by "Paolo Giannozzi published in 2013"

Reaction pathways for oxygen evolution promoted by cobalt catalyst.

Abstract: The in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the water oxidation catalysis is of key relevance for the rationalization and the design of efficient oxygen evolution catalysts based on earth-abundant transition metals. Performing ab initio DFT+U molecular dynamics calculations of cluster models in explicit water solution, we provide insight into the pathways for oxygen evolution of a cobalt-based catalyst (CoCat). The fast motion of protons at the CoCat/water interface and the occurrence of cubane-like Co-oxo units at the catalyst boundaries are the keys to unlock the fast formation of O–O bonds. Along the resulting pathways, we identified the formation of Co(IV)-oxyl species as the driving ingredient for the activation of the catalytic mechanism, followed by their geminal coupling with O atoms coordinated by the same Co. Concurrent nucleophilic attack of water molecules coming directly from the water solution is discouraged by high activation barriers. The achieved results suggest also...

The interactions of nitrogen dioxide with graphene-stabilized Rh clusters: a DFT study.

Abstract: We study the interactions of NO2 gas molecules with Rh nanoparticles supported on graphene, using first-principles molecular dynamics in the Car–Parrinello scheme. The stability, morphology, adsorption energies of various models of Rhx nanoparticles (x = 1, 3, 10, 20) supported on graphene, and the binding of NO2 molecules to the Rh clusters, together with its effect on the graphene properties, are reported. Metastable flat structures anchored to the substrate that can bind NO2 to Rh via both N and O atoms are identified, with adsorption energies in the range 60–70 kcal per mole per molecule.