Magnetism and electronic properties of Co n MoP (n = 1 ~ 5) cluster: a DFT study.

Context: Hydrogen has emerged as a promising clean energy carrier, underscoring the imperative need to comprehend its adsorption mechanisms. This study delves into the magnetic and electronic properties of Co-Mo-P clusters, aiming to unveil their catalytic potential in hydrogen production. Employing density functional theory (DFT), we optimized cluster configurations and scrutinized their magnetic behaviors. Our investigation unveiled 16 stable configurations of the Co _n MoP (n = 1 ~ 5) cluster, predominantly in steric forms. The magnetic attributes were primarily ascribed to the d orbitals of Co metal atoms, with Co ₃ MoP exhibiting exceptional magnetic characteristics. Analysis of density of state diagrams revealed the prevalence of spin-up α-electrons in d orbitals, while spin-down β-electrons attenuated overall magnetic properties. Localized orbital (LOL) analysis highlighted stable covalent bonds within the clusters, affirming their catalytic potential. Orbital delocalization index (ODI) analysis revealed diverse spatial distribution ranges for orbitals across different configurations, suggesting a progressive attenuation of off-domain properties with increasing cluster size. Furthermore, infrared spectroscopy unveiled distinct vibrational peaks in various configurations, indicative of unique infrared activities. These findings contribute to a nuanced theoretical understanding of Co-Mo-P clusters and pave the path for future research aimed at augmenting their catalytic efficiency in hydrogen production. This study underscores the viability of Co-Mo-P clusters as alternatives to conventional Pt catalysts, offering insights into the design of novel materials for sustainable energy applications. Further research is warranted to explore the behavior of the Co-Mo-P system under diverse reaction conditions, fostering advancements in materials and energy science.
Methods: In this study, we harnessed the Co _n MoP (n = 1 ~ 5) cluster as a simulation platform for probing the local structure of the material. Our aim was to scrutinize the magnetism, electronic characteristics influenced by the varying metal atoms within these clusters. A systematic exploration involved incrementing the number of metal atoms and expanding the cluster size to elucidate the corresponding property variations. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were pivotal to our methodology, employing the B3LYP hybrid functional implemented in the Gaussian 16 software package. The Co _n MoP (n = 1 ~ 5) cluster underwent optimization calculations and vibrational analysis at the def2-tzvp quantization level, yielding optimized configurations with diverse spin multiplet degrees. To comprehensively characterize and visually represent the stability, electronic features, and catalytic attributes of these configurations, we employed a suite of computational tools. Specifically, quantum chemistry software GaussView and wave function analysis software Multiwfn played integral roles. Through the integrated use of these computational tools, we acquired valuable insights into the magnetism, electronic characteristics of the Co _n MoP (n = 1 ~ 5) cluster, shedding light on their dependency on distinct metal atoms.
(© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)