Pd-Catalyzed Oxidative C-H Arylation of (Poly)fluoroarenes with Aryl Pinacol Boronates and Experimental and Theoretical Studies of its Reaction Mechanism

We report the synergistic combination of Pd(OAc)2 and Ag2O for the oxidative C-H arylation of (poly)fluoroarenes with aryl pinacol boronates (Ar-Bpin) in DMF as the solvent. This procedure can be conducted easily in air, and without using additional ligands, to afford the fluorinated unsymmetrical biaryl products in up to 98 % yield. Experimental studies suggest that the formation of [PdL2(C6F5)2] in DMF as coordinating solvent does not take place under the reaction conditions as it is stable to reductive elimination and thus would deactivate the catalyst. Thus, the intermediate [Pd(DMF)2(ArF)(Ar)] must be formed selectively to give desired arylation products. DFT calculations predict a low barrier (5.87 kcal/mol) for the concerted metalation deprotonation (CMD) process between C6F5H and the Pd(II) species formed after transmetalation between the Pd(II)X2 complex and aryl-Bpin which forms a Pd-Arrich species. Thus a Pd(Arrich)(Arpoor) complex is generated selectively which undergoes reductive elimination to generate the unsymmetrical biaryl product.

Computational Investigation of Carbon Based Anode Materials for Li- and Post-Li- Ion Batteries

Due to its negligible capacity with respect to sodium intercalation, graphite is not suited as anode material for sodium ion batteries. Hard carbon materials, on the other hand, provide reasonably high capacities at low insertion potential, making them a promising anode materials for sodium (and potassium) ion batteries. The particular nanostructure of these functionalized carbon-based materials has been found to be crucially linked to the material performance. However, there is still a lack of understanding with respect to the functional role of structural units, such as defects, for intercalation and storage. To overcome these problems, the intercalation of Li, Na, and K in graphitic model structures with distinct defect configurations has been investigated by density functional theory. The calculations confirm that defects are able to stabilize intercalation of larger alkali metal contents. At the same time, it is shown that a combination of phonon and band structure calculations are able to explain characteristic Raman features typically observed for alkali metal intercalation in hard carbon, furthermore allowing for the quantification of the alkali metal intercalation inbetween the layers of hard carbon anodes.

Unraveling Propylene Oxide Formation in Alkali Metal Batteries

The increasing need for electrochemical energy storage drives the development of post-lithium battery systems. Among the most promising new battery types are sodium-based battery systems. However, like its lithium predecessor, sodium batteries suffer from various issues like parasitic side reactions, which lead to a loss of active sodium inventory, thus reducing the capacity over time. Some problems in sodium batteries arise from an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) reducing its protective power e. g., due to increased solubility of SEI components in sodium battery systems. While it is known that the electrolyte affects the SEI structure, the exact formation mechanism of the SEI is not yet fully understood. In this study, we follow the initial SEI formation on a piece of sodium metal submerged in propylene carbonate with and without the electrolyte salt sodium perchlorate. We combine X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and density functional theory to unravel the sudden emergence of propylene oxide after adding sodium perchlorate to the electrolyte solvent. We identify the formation of a sodium chloride layer as a crucial step in forming propylene oxide by enabling precursors formed from propylene carbonate on the sodium metal surface to undergo a ring-closing reaction. Based on our combined theoretical and experimental approach, we identify changes in the electrolyte decomposition process, propose a reaction mechanism to form propylene oxide and discuss alternatives based on known synthesis routes.

Improving rechargeable magnesium batteries through dual cation co-intercalation strategy

The development of competitive rechargeable Mg batteries is hindered by the poor mobility of divalent Mg ions in cathode host materials. In this work, we explore the dual cation co-intercalation strategy to mitigate the sluggishness of Mg2+ in model TiS2 material. The strategy involves pairing Mg2+ with Li+ or Na+ in dual-salt electrolytes in order to exploit the faster mobility of the latter with the aim to reach better electrochemical performance. A combination of experiments and theoretical calculations details the charge storage and redox mechanism of co-intercalating cationic charge carriers. Comparative evaluation reveals that the redox activity of Mg2+ can be improved significantly with the help of the dual cation co-intercalation strategy, although the ionic radius of the accompanying monovalent ion plays a critical role on the viability of the strategy. More specifically, a significantly higher Mg2+ quantity intercalates with Li+ than with Na+ in TiS2. The reason being the absence of phase transition in the former case, which enables improved Mg2+ storage. Our results highlight dual cation co-intercalation strategy as an alternative approach to improve the electrochemical performance of rechargeable Mg batteries by opening the pathway to a rich playground of advanced cathode materials for multivalent battery applications.

Prediction of Strong Solvatochromism in a Molecular Photocatalyst

Based on quantum chemical calculations, we predict strong solvatochromism in a light-driven molecular photocatalyst for hydrogen generation, that is we show that the electronic and optical properties of the photocatalyst strongly depend on the solvent it is dissolved in. Our calculations in particular indicate a solvent-dependent relocation of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Ground-state density functional theory and linear response time-dependent density functional theory calculations were applied in order to investigate the influence of implicit solvents on the structural, electronic and optical properties of a molecular photocatalyst. Only at high dielectric constants of the solvent, is the HOMO located at the metal center of the photosensitizer, whereas at low dielectric constants the HOMO is centered at the metal atom of the catalytically active complex. We elucidate the electronic origins of this strong solvatochromic effect and sketch the consequences of these insights for the use of photocatalysts in different environments.

Molecular Modeling of Water-in-Salt Electrolytes: A Comprehensive Analysis of Polarization Effects and Force Field Parameters in Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Accurate modeling of highly concentrated aqueous solutions, such as water-in-salt (WiS) electrolytes in battery applications, requires proper consideration of polarization contributions to atomic interactions. Within the force field molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the atomic polarization can be accounted for at various levels. Nonpolarizable force fields implicitly account for polarization effects by incorporating them into their van der Waals interaction parameters. They can additionally mimic electron polarization within a mean-field approximation through ionic charge scaling. Alternatively, explicit polarization description methods, such as the Drude oscillator model, can be selectively applied to either a subset of polarizable atoms or all polarizable atoms to enhance simulation accuracy. The trade-off between simulation accuracy and computational efficiency highlights the importance of determining an optimal level of accounting for atomic polarization. In this study, we analyze different approaches to include polarization effects in MD simulations of WiS electrolytes, with an example of a Na-OTF solution. These approaches range from a nonpolarizable to a fully polarizable force field. After careful examination of computational costs, simulation stability, and feasibility of controlling the electrolyte properties, we identify an efficient combination of force fields: the Drude polarizable force field for salt ions and non-polarizable models for water. This cost-effective combination is sufficiently flexible to reproduce a broad range of electrolyte properties, while ensuring simulation stability over a relatively wide range of force field parameters. Furthermore, we conduct a thorough evaluation of the influence of various force field parameters on both the simulation results and technical requirements, with the aim of establishing a general framework for force field optimization and facilitating parametrization of similar systems.

Fluorine-Substituted Halide Solid Electrolytes with Enhanced Stability toward the Lithium Metal

The high ionic conductivity and good oxidation stability of halide-based solid electrolytes evoke strong interest in this class of materials. Nonetheless, the superior oxidative stability compared to sulfides comes at the expense of limited stability toward reduction and instability against metallic lithium anodes, which hinders their practical use. In this context, the gradual fluorination of Li2ZrCl6-xFx (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.2) is proposed to enhance the stability toward lithium-metal anodes. The mechanochemically synthesized fluorine-substituted compounds show the expected distorted local structure (M2-M3 site disorder) and significant change in the overall Li-ion migration barrier. Theoretical calculations reveal an approximate minimum energy path for Li2ZrCl6-xFx (x = 0 and 0.5) with an increase in the Li+ migration energy barrier for Li2ZrCl5.5F0.5 in comparison to Li2ZrCl6. However, it is found that the fluorine-substituted compound exhibits substantially lower polarization after 800 h of lithium stripping and plating owing to enhanced interfacial stability against the lithium metal, as revealed by density functional theory and ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thanks to the formation of a fluorine-rich passivating interphase.

Comparing Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics and a Semiclassical Grand Canonical Scheme for the Electric Double Layer of the Pt(111)/Water Interface

The theoretical modeling of metal/water interfaces centers on an appropriate configuration of the electric double layer (EDL) under grand canonical conditions. In principle, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations would be the appropriate choice for treating the competing water-water and water-metal interactions and explicitly considering the atomic and electronic degrees of freedom. However, this approach only allows simulations of relatively small canonical ensembles over a limited period (shorter than 100 ps). On the other hand, computationally efficient semiclassical approaches can treat the EDL model based on a grand canonical scheme by averaging the microscopic details. Thus, an improved description of the EDL can be obtained by combining AIMD simulations and semiclassical methods based on a grand canonical scheme. By taking the Pt(111)/water interface as an example, we compare these approaches in terms of the electric field, water configuration, and double-layer capacitance. Furthermore, we discuss how the combined merits of the approaches can contribute to advances in EDL theory.

Stability of Magnesium Binary and Ternary Compounds for Batteries Determined from First Principles

Electrochemical stability is a critical performance parameter for the materials used as electrolytes and electrodes in batteries. Using first-principles electronic structure calculations, we have determined the electrochemical stability windows of magnesium binary and ternary spinel compounds. These materials are candidates for protective coatings, solid electrolytes, and cathodes in Mg batteries, which represent a promising sustainable alternative to Li-ion batteries that still dominate the battery market. Furthermore, we have applied and assessed two different criteria for the chemical stability of the compounds. For the spinel materials, we identify the critical role of the ionic radii of the transition metal for the stability of the compounds. In addition, we determine the ion mobility in these materials using a recently developed descriptor. We thus provide guidelines for the choice of promising solid materials for Mg batteries with improved properties.

FAIR data enabling new horizons for materials research

The prosperity and lifestyle of our society are very much governed by achievements in condensed matter physics, chemistry and materials science, because new products for sectors such as energy, the environment, health, mobility and information technology (IT) rely largely on improved or even new materials. Examples include solid-state lighting, touchscreens, batteries, implants, drug delivery and many more. The enormous amount of research data produced every day in these fields represents a gold mine of the twenty-first century. This gold mine is, however, of little value if these data are not comprehensively characterized and made available. How can we refine this feedstock; that is, turn data into knowledge and value? For this, a FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) data infrastructure is a must. Only then can data be readily shared and explored using data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) methods. Making data 'findable and AI ready' (a forward-looking interpretation of the acronym) will change the way in which science is carried out today. In this Perspective, we discuss how we can prepare to make this happen for the field of materials science.

Descriptor and Scaling Relations for Ion Mobility in Crystalline Solids

Ion mobility is a critical performance parameter not only in electrochemical energy storage and conversion but also in other electrochemical devices. On the basis of first-principles electronic structure calculations, we have derived a descriptor for the ion mobility in battery electrodes and solid electrolytes. This descriptor is entirely composed of observables that are easily accessible: ionic radii, oxidation states, and the Pauling electronegativities of the involved species. Within a particular class of materials, the migration barriers are connected to this descriptor through linear scaling relations upon the variation of either the cation chemistry of the charge carriers or the anion chemistry of the host lattice. The validity of these scaling relations indicates that a purely ionic view falls short of capturing all factors influencing ion mobility in solids. The identification of these scaling relations has the potential to significantly accelerate the discovery of materials with desired mobility properties.

Ab Initio Simulations of Water/Metal Interfaces

Structures and processes at water/metal interfaces play an important technological role in electrochemical energy conversion and storage, photoconversion, sensors, and corrosion, just to name a few. However, they are also of fundamental significance as a model system for the study of solid-liquid interfaces, which requires combining concepts from the chemistry and physics of crystalline materials and liquids. Particularly interesting is the fact that the water-water and water-metal interactions are of similar strength so that the structures at water/metal interfaces result from a competition between these comparable interactions. Because water is a polar molecule and water and metal surfaces are both polarizable, explicit consideration of the electronic degrees of freedom at water/metal interfaces is mandatory. In principle, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations are thus the method of choice to model water/metal interfaces, but they are computationally still rather demanding. Here, ab initio simulations of water/metal interfaces will be reviewed, starting from static systems such as the adsorption of single water molecules, water clusters, and icelike layers, followed by the properties of liquid water layers at metal surfaces. Technical issues such as the appropriate first-principles description of the water-water and water-metal interactions will be discussed, and electrochemical aspects will be addressed. Finally, more approximate but numerically less demanding approaches to treat water at metal surfaces from first-principles will be briefly discussed.

Coupling of photoactive transition metal complexes to a functional polymer matrix*

Conductive polymers represent a promising alternative to semiconducting oxide electrodes typically used in dye-sensitized cathodes as they more easily allow a tuning of the physicochemical properties. This can then also be very beneficial for using them in light-driven catalysis. In this computational study, we address the coupling of Ru-based photosensitizers to a polymer matrix by combining two different first-principles electronic structure approaches. We use a periodic density functional theory code to properly account for the delocalized nature of the electronic states in the polymer. These ground state investigations are complemented by time-dependent density functional theory simulations to assess the Franck-Condon photophysics of the present photoactive hybrid material based on a molecular model system. Our results are consistent with recent experimental observations and allow to elucidate the light-driven redox chemical processes - eventually leading to charge separation - in the present functional hybrid systems with potential application as photocathode materials.

Cation Overcrowding Effect on the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The influence of electrolyte ions on the catalytic activity of electrode/electrolyte interfaces is a controversial topic for many electrocatalytic reactions. Herein, we focus on an effect that is usually neglected, namely, how the local reaction conditions are shaped by nonspecifically adsorbed cations. We scrutinize the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at nickel (oxy)hydroxide catalysts, using a physicochemical model that integrates density functional theory calculations, a microkinetic submodel, and a mean-field submodel of the electric double layer. The aptness of the model is verified by comparison with experiments. The robustness of model-based insights against uncertainties and variations in model parameters is examined, with a sensitivity analysis using Monto Carlo simulations. We interpret the decrease in OER activity with the increasing effective size of electrolyte cations as a consequence of cation overcrowding near the negatively charged electrode surface. The same reasoning could explain why the OER activity increases with solution pH on the RHE scale and why the OER activity decreases in the presence of bivalent cations. Overall, this work stresses the importance of correctly accounting for local reaction conditions in electrocatalytic reactions to obtain an accurate picture of factors that determine the electrode activity.

First-Principles Study of the Surfaces and Equilibrium Shape of Discharge Products in Li-Air Batteries

Li-air batteries are a promising alternative to Li-ion batteries as they theoretically provide the highest possible specific energy density. Mainly, Li₂O₂ (lithium peroxide) and to a lesser extent, Li₂O (lithium oxide) are assumed to be the discharge products of these batteries formed with the soluble LiO₂ (lithium superoxide) considered to be an intermediate product. Bulk Li₂O₂ is an electronic insulator, and the precipitation of this compound on the cathode is thought to be the main limiting factor in achieving high capacities in lithium-oxygen cells. For the most promising electrolytes including solvents with high donor numbers, microscopy observations frequently reveal crystallite morphologies of Li₂O₂ compounds, rather than uniform layers covering the electrode surface. The precise morphologies of Li₂O and Li₂O₂ particles, and their effect and their extent of contact with the electrode, which may all affect the capacity and rechargeability, however, remain largely undetermined. Here, we address the stability of various Li₂O and Li₂O₂ surfaces and consequently, their crystallite morphologies using density functional theory calculations and ab initio thermodynamics. In contrast to previous studies, we also consider high-index surface terminations, which exhibit surprisingly low surface energies. We carefully analyze the reasons for the stability of these high-index surfaces, which also prominently influence the equilibrium shape of the particles, at least for Li₂O₂, and discuss the consequences for the observed morphology of the reaction products.

Model Studies on the Formation of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase: Reaction of Li with Ultrathin Adsorbed Ionic-Liquid Films and Co3 O4 (111) Thin Films

In this work we aim towards the molecular understanding of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation at the electrode electrolyte interface (EEI). Herein, we investigated the interaction between the battery‐relevant ionic liquid (IL) 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMP‐TFSI), Li and a Co₃O₄(111) thin film model anode grown on Ir(100) as a model study of the SEI formation in Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). We employed mostly X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in combination with dispersion‐corrected density functional theory calculations (DFT‐D3). If the surface is pre‐covered by BMP‐TFSI species (model electrolyte), post‐deposition of Li (Li⁺ ion shuttle) reveals thermodynamically favorable TFSI decomposition products such as LiCN, Li₂NSO₂CF₃, LiF, Li₂S, Li₂O₂, Li₂O, but also kinetic products like Li₂NCH₃C₄H₉ or LiNCH₃C₄H₉ of BMP. Simultaneously, Li adsorption and/or lithiation of Co₃O₄(111) to Li_nCo₃O₄ takes place due to insertion via step edges or defects; a partial transformation to CoO cannot be excluded. Formation of Co⁰ could not be observed in the experiment indicating that surface reaction products and inserted/adsorbed Li at the step edges may inhibit or slow down further Li diffusion into the bulk. This study provides detailed insights of the SEI formation at the EEI, which might be crucial for the improvement of future batteries.

Vacancy assisted diffusion on single-atom surface alloys

Bimetallic surfaces can exhibit an improved catalytic activity through tailoring the concentration and/or the arrangement of the two metallic components. However, in order to be catalytically active, the active bimetallic surface structure has to be stable under operating conditions. Typically, structural changes in metals occur via vacancy diffusion. Based on the first-principles determination of formation energies and diffusion barriers we have performed kinetic Monte-Carlo (kMC) simulations to analyse the (meta-)stability of PtRu/Ru(0001), AgPd/Pd(111), PtAu/Au(111) and InCu/Cu(100) surface alloys. In a first step, here we consider single-atom alloys together with one vacancy per simulation cell. We will present results of the time evolution of these structures and analyse them in terms of the interaction between the constituents of the bimetallic surface.

Operando pH Measurements Decipher H+/Zn2+ Intercalation Chemistry in High-Performance Aqueous Zn/δ-V2O5 Batteries

Vanadium oxides have been recognized to be among the most promising positive electrode materials for aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs). However, their underlying intercalation mechanisms are still vigorously debated. To shed light on the intercalation mechanisms, high-performance δ-V₂O₅ is investigated as a model compound. Its structural and electrochemical behaviors in the designed cells with three different electrolytes, i.e., 3 m Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂/water, 0.01 M H₂SO₄/water, and 1 M Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂/acetonitrile, demonstrate that the conventional structural and elemental characterization methods cannot adequately clarify the separate roles of H⁺ and Zn²⁺ intercalations in the Zn(CF₃SO₃)₂/water electrolyte. Thus, an operando pH determination method is developed and used toward Zn/δ-V₂O₅ AZMBs. This method indicates the intercalation of both H⁺ and Zn²⁺ into δ-V₂O₅ and uncovers an unusual H⁺/Zn²⁺-exchange intercalation-deintercalation mechanism. Density functional theory calculations further reveal that the H⁺/Zn²⁺ intercalation chemistry is a consequence of the variation of the electrochemical potential of Zn²⁺ and H⁺ during the electrochemical intercalation/release.

Sulfate, Bisulfate, and Hydrogen Co-adsorption on Pt(111) and Au(111) in an Electrochemical Environment

The co-adsorption of sulfate, bisulfate and hydrogen on Pt(111) and Au(111) electrodes was studied based on periodic density functional calculations with the aqueous electrolyte represented by both explicit and implicit solvent models. The influence of the electrochemical control parameters such as the electrode potential and pH was taken into account in a grand-canonical approach. Thus, phase diagrams of the stable coadsorption phases as a function of the electrochemical potential and Pourbaix diagrams have been derived which well reproduce experimental findings. We demonstrate that it is necessary to include explicit water molecules in order to determine the stable adsorbate phases as the (bi)sulfate adsorbates rows become significantly stabilized by bridging water molecules.

Strain Dependence of Metal Anode Surface Properties

Dendrite growth poses a significant problem in the design of modern batteries as it can lead to capacity loss and short-circuiting. Recently, it has been proposed that self-diffusion barriers might be used as a descriptor for the occurrence of dendrite growth in batteries. As surface strain effects can modify dendritic growth, we present first-principles DFT calculations of the dependence of metal self-diffusion barriers on applied surface strain for a number of metals that are used as charge carriers in batteries. Overall, we find a rather small strain dependence of the barriers. We mainly attribute this to cancellation effects in the strain dependence of the initial and the transition states in diffusion.

Water structures on a Pt(111) electrode from ab initio molecular dynamic simulations for a variety of electrochemical conditions

A structural analysis of solvating water layers on a Pt(111) electrode has been performed based on extensive ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. We have emulated different electrochemical conditions by varying the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water layers, which effectively corresponds to a variation in the electrode potential. We present a detailed analysis of the arrangement and orientation of the water molecules and also address their mobility in the solvation layer.

Influence of electric fields on metal self-diffusion barriers and its consequences on dendrite growth in batteries

Based on the results of periodic density functional theory calculations, we have recently proposed that the height of self-diffusion barriers can serve as a descriptor for dendrite growth in batteries [M. Jäckle et al., Energy Environ. Sci. 11, 3400 (2018)]. However, in the determination of the self-diffusion barriers, the electrochemical environment has not been taken into account. Still, due to the presence of electrical double layers at electrode/electrolyte interfaces, strong electric fields can be present close to the interfacial region. In a first step toward including the electrochemical environment, we have calculated barriers for terrace-diffusion on lithium, magnesium, and silver surfaces and across-step self-diffusion on lithium in the presence of electric fields. Whereas the electric field effect is more pronounced on a stepped surface than on flat terraces, overall we find a negligible influence of electric fields on self-diffusion barriers which we explain by the good screening properties of metals.

Density fluctuations as door-opener for diffusion on crowded surfaces

How particles can move on a catalyst surface that, under the conditions of an industrial process, is highly covered by adsorbates and where most adsorption sites are occupied has remained an open question. We have studied the diffusion of O atoms on a fully CO-covered Ru(0001) surface by means of high-speed/variable-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy combined with density functional theory calculations. Atomically resolved trajectories show a surprisingly fast diffusion of the O atoms, almost as fast as on the clean surface. This finding can be explained by a "door-opening" mechanism in which local density fluctuations in the CO layer intermittently create diffusion pathways on which the O atoms can move with low activation energy.

Structure formation and surface chemistry of ionic liquids on model electrode surfaces-Model studies for the electrode | electrolyte interface in Li-ion batteries

Ionic liquids (ILs) are considered as attractive electrolyte solvents in modern battery concepts such as Li-ion batteries. Here we present a comprehensive review of the results of previous model studies on the interaction of the battery relevant IL 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([BMP]⁺[TFSI]^-) with a series of structurally and chemically well-defined model electrode surfaces, which are increasingly complex and relevant for battery applications [Ag(111), Au(111), Cu(111), pristine and lithiated highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), and rutile TiO₂(110)]. Combining surface science techniques such as high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for characterizing surface structure and chemical composition in deposited (sub-)monolayer adlayers with dispersion corrected density functional theory based calculations, this work aims at a molecular scale understanding of the fundamental processes at the electrode | electrolyte interface, which are crucial for the development of the so-called solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer in batteries. Performed under idealized conditions, in an ultrahigh vacuum environment, these model studies provide detailed insights on the structure formation in the adlayer, the substrate-adsorbate and adsorbate-adsorbate interactions responsible for this, and the tendency for chemically induced decomposition of the IL. To mimic the situation in an electrolyte, we also investigated the interaction of adsorbed IL (sub-)monolayers with coadsorbed lithium. Even at 80 K, postdeposited Li is found to react with the IL, leading to decomposition products such as LiF, Li₃N, Li₂S, Li_xSO_y, and Li₂O. In the absence of a [BMP]⁺[TFSI]^- adlayer, it tends to adsorb, dissolve, or intercalate into the substrate (metals, HOPG) or to react with the substrate (TiO₂) above a critical temperature, forming LiO_x and Ti³⁺ species in the latter case. Finally, the formation of stable decomposition products was found to sensitively change the equilibrium between surface Li and Li⁺ intercalated in the bulk, leading to a deintercalation from lithiated HOPG in the presence of an adsorbed IL adlayer at >230 K. Overall, these results provide detailed insights into the surface chemistry at the solid | electrolyte interface and the initial stages of SEI formation at electrode surfaces in the absence of an applied potential, which is essential for the further improvement of future Li-ion batteries.

Adsorption of Ultrathin Ethylene Carbonate Films on Pristine and Lithiated Graphite and Their Interaction with Li

Aiming at a better understanding of the solid-electrolyte interphase formation in Li-ion batteries, we have investigated the interaction of ultrathin films of ethylene carbonate (EC), which is a key solvent of battery electrolytes, with pristine and lithiated highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and with postdeposited Li. Employing X-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions, in combination with density functional theory (DFT)-based calculations, we find that EC adsorbs molecularly intact on pristine HOPG in the entire temperature range between 80 K and desorption at 200 K. Features in the ultraviolet photoelectron spectra could be related to the molecular orbitals of EC obtained from DFT calculations, and a similar adsorption/desorption behavior is obtained also on lithiated HOPG. In contrast, stepwise postdeposition of ∼0.5 and one monolayer of Li⁰ on a preadsorbed EC adlayer leads not only to stabilization of Li⁺/Li^δ+ at the surface, possibly as adsorbed Li⁺(EC) _n species, but also to EC decomposition, forming products such as Li₂CO₃, ROCO₂Li (CH₂OCO₂Li)₂, and Li₂O. Consequences on the electronic surface properties and on the stabilization of the resulting adlayer are discussed. Upon annealing up to room temperature, some residual Li-containing decomposition products remain on the surface, which is considered as the initial stage of the solid|electrolyte interphase formation at the electrode|electrolyte interface.

Challenges in bimetallic multilayer structure formation: Pt growth on Cu monolayers on Ru(0001)

In a joint experimental and theoretical study, we investigated the formation and morphology of PtCu/Ru(0001) bimetallic surfaces grown at room and higher temperatures under UHV conditions. We obtained the PtCu/Ru(0001) surfaces by deposition of Pt atoms on a previously created Cu/Ru(0001) structure which includes only one Cu monolayer. Bimetallic surfaces prepared at different Pt coverages are investigated using STM imaging, revealing the existence of reconstruction lines and Cu islands. Although primarily created Cu islands continue growing in size by increasing Pt coverage, a continuous formation of new Cu islands is observed. This leads to an atypical exponential increase of the island density as well as to an atypical behavior of the average number of atoms per island for low Pt coverages. Although coalescence of the islands is observed for high Pt coverages, the island density remains almost constant in that regime. In order to understand the trends observed in the experiments, we study the stability of these surfaces, atom adsorption, and adatom diffusion using periodic density functional theory calculations. On the basis of the experimental observations and the first-principles calculations, we suggest a model that includes exchange of Pt adatoms with Cu surface atoms, Pt and Cu adatom diffusion, and attractive (repulsive) interactions between Cu (Pt) adatoms with substitutional Pt surface atoms, which explains the main trends in island formation and growth observed in the experiment.

Surface configuration and wettability of nickel(oxy)hydroxides: a first-principles investigation

This article explores the wetting behavior of β-type nickel hydroxide, β-Ni(OH)₂, and nickel oxyhydroxide, β-NiOOH, by means of first-principles calculations.

Water adsorption on bimetallic PtRu/Pt(111) surface alloys

The adsorption of water on bimetallic PtRu/Pt(111) surface alloys has been studied based on periodic density functional theory calculations including dispersion corrections. The Ru atoms of the PtRu surface alloy interact more strongly with water than Pt atoms, as far as both single water molecules and ice-like hexagonal structures are concerned. Within the surface alloy layer, the lateral ligand effect reducing the local reactivity of the surface atoms with increasing Ru content is more dominant than the opposing geometric effect due to the tensile strain. The structural preference for the Ru atoms also prevails at room temperature, as ab initio molecular dynamics simulations show.

First-principles study of the structure of water layers on flat and stepped Pb electrodes

On the basis of perodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we have addressed the geometric structures and electronic properties of water layers on flat and stepped Pb surfaces. In contrast to late d-band metals, on Pb(111) the energy minimum structure does not correspond to an ice-like hexagonal arrangement at a coverage of 2/3, but rather to a distorted structure at a coverage of 1 due to the larger lattice constant of Pb. At stepped Pb surfaces, the water layers are pinned at the step edge and form a complex network consisting of rectangles, pentagons and hexagons. The thermal stability of the water layers has been studied by using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations (AIMD) at a temperature of 140 K. Whereas the water layer on Pb(111) is already unstable at this temperature, the water layers on Pb(100), Pb(311), Pb(511) and Pb(711) exhibit a higher stability because of stronger water-water interactions. The vibrational spectra of the water layers at the stepped surfaces show a characteristic splitting into three modes in the O-H stretch region.

Cyanophenyl vs. pyridine substituent: impact on the adlayer structure and formation on HOPG and Au(111)

A new cyano substituted bis(terpyridine) derivative CN-BTP was synthesized and its adsorption on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) and Au(111) was investigated. CN-BTP is closely related to the previously investigated 2,4'-BTP, where the cyanophenyl groups are replaced by pyridine moieties. The scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) investigation of CN-BTP at the liquid|HOPG interface shows a highly ordered herringbone structure that is stabilized by double weak intermolecular C-HN hydrogen bonds, partially through the -CN substituents, which is different from the most stable square structure of 2,4'-BTP. The adsorption processes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) on Au(111) in a neutral phosphate buffer. A fast and full adlayer formation could be observed with CN-BTP, whereas an extremely slow process with 2,4'-BTP under the same conditions was found. Our data show that the CN substituents on BTP not only change the structure of the monolayer at the liquid|HOPG interface, but also accelerate the phase transition process in the electrolyte dramatically. This could be explained by the adlayer-substrate interactions, which is supported by DFT calculations. Our findings might be extended more generally to further pyridine comprising self-assembling molecules to fine-tune the adlayer structure and phase transition/adsorption kinetics by replacing pyridine by cyanophenyl moieties.