Predicting molecular crystals of polynitrogen (N6) structures with cage-like geometries using ab initio evolutionary algorithm

In this work, we employed Density Functional Theory calculations combined with search techniques based on evolutionary algorithms to predict and characterize crystalline structures composed of nitrogen (N6) cage-like molecules. We found stable molecular crystals and a rich phenomenology associated w...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical physics letters Vol. 844; p. 141262
Main Authors: D. Freitas, W., C. Mazzoni, M.S., S. Matos, M.J., R. L. Galvão, B.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2024
Subjects:
DFT
Evolutionary algorithms
Polynitrogen
DFT
Polynitrogen
Evolutionary algorithms
0000
1111
ISSN:0009-2614
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In this work, we employed Density Functional Theory calculations combined with search techniques based on evolutionary algorithms to predict and characterize crystalline structures composed of nitrogen (N6) cage-like molecules. We found stable molecular crystals and a rich phenomenology associated with their behavior under pressure, including atomic rebonding and semiconductor-metal transitions. This investigation resides in the context of high-energy-density materials, since molecular species containing only nitrogen atoms tend to dissociate into N2 molecules, releasing large amounts of energy. [Display omitted] •Nitrogen allotropes have potential as clean high energy-density materials.•Prediction of crystal structures is performed using evolutionary algorithms.•New N6molecular crystals were obtained and analyzed by computational techniques.•We predict stable structures which can undergo a semiconductor-metal transition.
ISSN:0009-2614
DOI:10.1016/j.cplett.2024.141262