Abstract
Using the density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation, we have studied in detail the enhanced hydrogen interaction with a transition-metal-doped Al(100) stepped surface. Judging from the calculated total energies, the early transition metals prefer to dope at the lower edge sites of a surface step. The Sc, Ti, and V donate electrons, whereas the Cr and Mn gain electrons. The low energy costs for activating both the H2 splitting and the H atomic diffusion show improved catalytic performances. In the transition states, hydrogen would bond to both transition metal and Al atoms for H2 splitting on Sc- and Ti-doped surfaces, whereas it would only develop a rather weak interaction with the metals in the other studied materials. The charge transfer results in a 0.8 e charge gain and 0.4 Å increase in bond length of H2, facilitating H2 dissociation on Sc- and Ti-doped surfaces. However, in the other studied materials, the presence of hydrogen only induces charge redistribution, resulting in a rather small charge gain of H2 (<0.1 e). The insights into the catalytic mechanism, on the basis of our detailed analysis on structural and electronic properties, could benefit the experimental investigations in pursuing a moderate hydrogen storage medium.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 7442-7450 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Physical Chemistry C |
Volume | 118 |
Issue number | 14 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 Apr 10 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Energy(all)
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films