Laurence Petit

Predictions of Optical Excitations in Transition-Metal Complexes with Time Dependent-Density Functional Theory: Influence of Basis Sets.

The calculation of the absorption spectra of four families of transition-metal complexes (Ni(CO)4, MnO4(-), MF6 (M = Cr, Mo, W) and CpM(CO)2 (M = Rh, Ir)) has been undertaken to unravel the influence of basis sets onto excitation energies, oscillator strengths, and assignments. Three among the most common pseudopotentials, with the corresponding valence basis sets, and two all-electron basis sets have been used for the metal center description in the framework of the time dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT). Our results show that this approach does not particularly depend on the basis set used on the metal atoms. Furthermore, the chosen functional PBE0 provides transitions in good agreement with experiments, and it provides an accuracy of about 0.3 eV, comparable to that of refined post-Hartree-Fock methods.

Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Study of a Highly Concentrated LiCl Aqueous Solution

The properties of a highly concentrated aqueous lithium chloride solution (|LiCl| = 14 mol L(-1)) are investigated using Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics. The coordination spheres of lithium ions, chloride ions, and water molecules are described successively. On the whole, our simulation provides results-distances and coordination numbers-in very good agreement with experimental data. The lithium solvation shell is found to exhibit a tetrahedral configuration on average, with three stable clusters observed during the simulation: Li(+)-4H2O, Li(+)(H2O)3Cl(-), and Li(+)(H2O)2(Cl(-))2. The chloride coordination sphere is logically formed by strong Cl-H hydrogen bonds with neighboring water molecules, for a mean coordination number of 4.4. The structuring of water molecules is strongly affected by the high concentration in LiCl. The hydrogen bond network is globally broken down, but little variation is calculated on water dipoles (μ = 3.07 D) because of the strong polarization from Li(+) and Cl(-) ions. We also point out some of the characteristic features of such a highly concentrated solution: water bridging between Li(+) and Cl(-) hydration spheres, Li(+)-Cl(-) ion-pairing, and intermediate behavior between dilute solutions and molten salts. Finally, the reliability of our simulation to describe ion-pairing is discussed.

DFT modeling of the relative affinity of nitrogen ligands for trivalent f elements: an energetic point of view

In many theoretical studies dealing with the selective complexation of trivalent actinides with respect to trivalent lanthanides, the method of calculation is assessed by comparing computed geometries with crystal structures that are often available. Yet, the selectivity is better rationalized through thermodynamic data, as enthalpy and entropy terms. In this article, we have theoretically modeled competing complexation reactions of [Ce(terpy)3]3+, [U(terpy)3]3+, [Ce(MeBTP)3]3+ and [U(MeBTP)3]3+ systems (terpy = 2,2′:6′2″-terpyridine; MeBTP = methyl-2,6-di(1,2,4-triazin-3-yl)pyridine) within the framework of the Density Functional Theory. Our calculations manage to qualitatively account for the experimental relative stabilities of terpy and MeBTP complexes, and in particular for the better coordinating strength of MeBTP for trivalent uranium. We also show by comparing the MeBTP ligand with its non-alkylated form (HBTP) that model systems often used in quantum chemistry must be carefully chosen when energetic comparisons are undertaken.

Molecular dynamics study of the coordination sphere of trivalent lanthanum in a highly concentrated LiCl aqueous solution: a combined classical and ab initio approach.

The first coordination sphere of trivalent lanthanum in a highly concentrated (14 M) lithium chloride solution is studied with a combination of classical molecular dynamics and density functional theory based first principle molecular dynamics. This method enables us to obtain a solvation shell of La3+ containing 2 chloride ions and 6 water molecules. After refinement using first principle molecular dynamics, the resulting cation-water and cation-anion distances are in very good agreement with experiment. The 2Cl- and the 6 water molecules arrange in a square antiprism around La3+. Exchange of water molecules was also observed in the first-principle simulation, with an intermediate structure comprising 7 water molecules stable for 2.5 ps. Finally, evaluation of dipole moments using maximally localized Wannier functions shows a substantial polarization of the choride anions and the water molecules in the first solvation shell of trivalent lanthanum.