Unlike the binary compound, where the simple charge transfer between cation and anion, or the ternary compound, which is composed of two binary compound semiconductors with a common cation or anion and whose electronic structures usually can be derived from those of the two constituent binary compounds with some modifications, the electronic property of quaternary compound is quiet complicated and interesting because of its complex charge transfer due to the electronegativity differences of its composed atoms. In this thesis, the first-principles pseudofunction (PSF) method and the first-principles molecular dynamics (MD) method are used to investigate the complicated variations of the electronic properties of three kinds of quaternary compounds, namely titanates [Ba1-xSrxTiO3 (BSTO) and Pb1-xSrxTiO3 (PSTO)], manganites [La1-xSrxMnO3 (LSMO) and La1-xCaxMnO3 (LCMO)], and (SiC)1-x(AlN)x. First, for BSTO and PSTO titanates, the first-principles calculation results and O K-edge x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements are used to study their electronic structures. Because the valence band maximum (VBM) and conduction band minimum (CBM) are composed of O-p and Ti-d partial densities of states (PDOS), respectively, the bowing upward of calculated band gaps are related to the bowing downward of the Ti-O bond lengths for both of BSTO and PSTO, though for PSTO Pb-p PDOS also contributes to states near CBM. The substitutions of Sr by Ba in BSTO and by Pb in PSTO are quiet different, and it is because Pb atom has two extra valence electrons and a larger electronegativity than other cations. Second, we provide a new interpretation of the insulator-like to metal-like and anti-ferromagnetic to ferromagnetic transitions with Sr and Ca doping concentrations of La1-xSrxMnO3 and La1-xCaxMnO3, which is based on the variations of the Sr and Ca induced delocalization of the Mn majority-spin eg subband and the lowering of the Mn minority-spin t2g subband down to the Fermi energy (EF). Moreover, this study also suggests that the magnetic properties of manganites result from a detailed balancing between the O-mediated super-exchange mechanism that favors anti-ferromagnetism and the delocalized-state mediated Mn-spin coupling that favors ferromagnetism. Third, for (SiC)1-x(AlN)x superlattice, where SiC and AlN layers arranged alternatively along a common c-axis, our analysis shows subtle charge transfer among Si, C, Al and N ions and the band gap is not linear but bows downwards with respect to x. The calculated results suggest that the direct band gap of (SiC)1-x(AlN)x can be tuned over a wide range from 2.97eV to 6.28eV. Thus, (SiC)1-x(AlN)x is potentially useful for optoelectronic applications. It can be inferred from the calculated electronic properties of the above three kinds of quaternary compounds, the subtle charge transfer is because of differing electronegativities of constituent atoms, especially cations, and the relative valence state of the dopant with respect to the host cation. The subtle charge transfer also influences the magnetic properties of these hole-doped manganites. Moreover, the quaternary compounds have four kinds of atoms with different electronegativities and relative orbital energies, the complicated competition and balancing between the occupation of orbitals and charge transfer render the electronic properties of these material unable to be predicted from constituent binary oxides/semiconductors or even ternary compounds. For example, even though Pb substitutes Sr only in Pb1-xSrxTiO3, the effective charges of Ti and O are significantly altered.

Solid oxide fuel cells are a promising option for distributed stationary power generation that offers efficiencies ranging from 50% in stand-alone applications to greater than 80% in cogeneration. To advance SOFC technology for widespread market penetration, the SOFC should demonstrate improved cell lifetime and load-following capability. This work seeks to improve lifetime through dynamic analysis of critical lifetime variables and advanced control algorithms that permit load-following while remaining in a safe operating zone based on stress analysis. Control algorithms typically have addressed SOFC lifetime operability objectives using unconstrained, single-input-single-output control algorithms that minimize thermal transients. Existing SOFC controls research has not considered maximum radial thermal gradients or limits on absolute temperatures in the SOFC. In particular, as stress analysis demonstrates, the minimum cell temperature is the primary thermal stress driver in tubular SOFCs. This dissertation presents a dynamic, quasi-two-dimensional model for a high-temperature tubular SOFC combined with ejector and prereformer models. The model captures dynamics of critical thermal stress drivers and is used as the physical plant for closed-loop control simulations. A constrained, MIMO model predictive control algorithm is developed and applied to control the SOFC. Closed-loop control simulation results demonstrate effective load-following, constraint satisfaction for critical lifetime variables, and disturbance rejection. Nonlinear programming is applied to find the optimal SOFC size and steady-state operating conditions to minimize total system costs. / text

The structural and mechanical properties of s-I methane hydrate have been investigated by first principles calculations. For the first time, the fully elastic constant tensor of s-I methane hydrate is obtained entirely ab-initio. The calculated lattice parameter, bulk modulus, and elastic constants were found to be in good agreement with experimental data at ambient pressure. The Young modulus, Poisson ratio and bulk sound velocities are estimated from the calculated elastic constants and compared with wave speed measurements available.

This dissertation research is focused on first principles studies of graphene and single organic molecules for nanoelectronics applications. These nanosized objects attracted considerable interest from the scientific community due to their promise to serve as building blocks of nanoelectronic devices with low power consumption, high stability, rich functionality, scalability, and unique potentials for device integration. Both graphene electronics and molecular electronics pursue the same goal by using two different approaches: top-down approach for graphene devices scaling to smaller and smaller dimensions, and bottom-up approach for single molecule devices. One of the goals of this PhD research is to apply first-principles density functional theory (DFT) to study graphene/metal and molecule/metal contacts at atomic level. In addition, the DFT-based approach allowed us to predict the electronic characteristics of single molecular devices. The ideal and defective graphene/metal interfaces in weak and strong coupling regimes were systematically studied to aid experimentalists in understanding graphene growth. In addition, a theory of resonant charge transport in molecular tunnel junctions has been developed. The first part of this dissertation is devoted to the study of atomic, electronic, electric, and thermal properties of molecular tunnel junctions. After describing the model and justifying the approximations that have been made, the theory of resonant charge transport is introduced to explain the nature of current rectification within a chemically asymmetric molecule. The interaction of the tunneling charges (electrons and holes) with the electron density of the metal electrodes, which in classical physics is described using the notion of an image potential, are taken into account at the quantum-mechanical level within the tight binding formalism. The amount of energy released onto a molecule by tunneling electrons and holes in the form of thermal vibration excitations is related to the reorganization energy of the molecule, which is also responsible for an effective broadening of molecular levels. It was also predicted that due to the asymmetry of electron and hole resonant energy levels with respect to the Fermi energy of the electrodes, the Joule heating released from the metallic electrodes is also non-symmetric and can be used for the experimental determination of the type of charge carriers contributing to the molecular conductance. In the second part of the dissertation research ideal and defective graphene/metal interfaces are studied in weak and strong interface coupling regimes. The theoretical predictions suggest that the interface coupling may be controlled by depositing an extra metallic layer on top of the graphene. DFT calculations were performed to evaluate the stability of a surface nickel carbide, and to study graphene/carbide phase coexistence at initial stages of graphene growth on Ni(111) substrate at low growth temperatures. Point defects in graphene were also investigated by DFT, which showed that the defect formation energy is reduced due to interfacial interactions with the substrate, the effect being more pronounced in chemisorbed graphene on Ni(111) substrate than in physisorbed graphene on Cu(111) substrate. Our findings are correlated with recent experiments that demonstrated the local etching of transfered graphene by metal substrate imperfections. Both graphene and molecular electronics components of the PhD dissertation research were conducted in close collaboration with several experimental groups at the University of South Florida, Brookhaven National Laboratory, University of Chicago, and Arizona State University.

Orientador: Prof. Dr. Jeverson Teodoro Arantes Jr. / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Federal do ABC, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanociências e Materiais Avançados, 2015. / A violaceína é um corante de coloração arroxeada, produzido por bactérias do gênero Chromobacterium, abundantes em regiões tropicais. Esse pigmento vem sendo estudado nas últimas décadas devido a suas aplicações potencias em diferentes áreas, destacando-se as aplicações biológicas. Trata-se de uma molécula hidrofóbica que possui tendência de se aglomerar em soluções aquosas, o que se torna um aspecto relevante quando se consideram suas aplicações in vivo. Os principais estudos realizados com a violaceína têm sido experimentais, avaliando-se o seu potencial em diversas áreas, porém poucas referências são encontradas sobre estudos teóricos ou semi-empíricos dessa molécula. No presente estudo são realizadas simulações de primeiros princípios, utilizando a teoria do funcional da densidade (DFT ¿ Density Functional Theory) para otimização da molécula de violaceína e para análise de possíveis conformações de dímeros dessa molécula para melhor compreensão do seu processo de aglomeração. / Violacein is a dye purplish, produced by bacteria of the genus Chromobacterium, which are abundant in tropical regions. This pigment has been studied in recent decades due to their potential applications in different areas, with emphasis on biological applications. This is a hydrophobic molecule having tendency to agglomerate in aqueous solutions, which becomes an important issue when considering their applications in vivo. The main studies of the Violacein have been experimental, evaluating its potential in many areas, but few references are found on theoretical or semi-empirical studies of this molecule. In the present study we performed first principles simulations, using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) to optimize the Violacein molecule and analysis of possible conformations of this dimer molecule to better understanding of their agglomeration process.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This work presents a theoretical study about the interaction between semiconducting carbon nanotubes (8,0) single-wall (SWNT), with selenium nanostructures by first principles calculations using the density functional theory. To simulate the adsorption of selenium atoms on SWNTs are done with three initial configurations with the selenium atoms in positions (i) BC (C-C bond); (ii) HC (hexagonal center site) and (iii) TOP (above the carbon atom). For these configurations we analyze the adsorption of atomic, dimmer and wire selenium on SWNTs and for some structures it was observed a physical adsorption (weak interaction) while for others a chemical adsorption (strong interaction) is observed depending on how these structures were functionalized. In the configuration on which a physical interaction is achieved, no considerable changes on the electronics properties are seen, as a consequence of the absence of hybridization between the SWNTs and selenium orbitals. Never the less, in the arrangements with chemical interactions significant alterations are verified on the electronic properties, in other words, a relevant hybridization of the selenium levels and the tube band near to the Fermi energy is noticed. However, analyzing the structural properties, we also observed changes on the final distances of selenium atoms, dimmer and wires when compared with the initials distances. In that way, experimental literature works had demonstrated the importance of a theoretical understanding of structures and electronics properties of selenium interacting with SWNTs, making relevant the connection between the theoretical results and the experiments. / Nesta dissertação apresentamos o estudo teórico da interação de nanotubos de carbono semicondutores (8,0) de paredes simples (SWNT) com nanoestruturas de selênio utilizando cálculos de primeiros princípios fazendo uso da teoria do funcional da densidade. Para a adsorção dos átomos de selênio nos SWNTs escolhemos três possíveis configurações iniciais com os átomos de selênio nas posições (i) BC (centro da ligação); (ii) HC (centro do hexágono) e (iii) TOP (em cima do átomo de carbono). Para essas configurações analisamos a adsorção de selênio atômico, dímeros e fios nos nanotubos, sendo que em algumas estruturas tivemos uma adsorção física (interação fraca), enquanto que em outras tivemos uma adsorção química (interação forte), dependendo de como essas estruturas foram funcionalizadas. Nas configurações que tiveram interações físicas, não observamos mudanças significativas nas propriedades eletrônicas não ocorrendo hibridização entre os orbitais do nanotubo e dos átomos de selênio. Entretanto, nas configurações que tiveram interações químicas observamos alterações significativas nas propriedades eletrônicas, ou seja, nas bandas de energia percebemos uma hibridização relevante dos níveis de selênio e do tubo próximos ao nível de Fermi. Entretanto, na análise das propriedades estruturais, também observamos mudanças nas distâncias finais dos selênios atômicos, dímeros e fios quando comparadas com as distâncias iniciais considerando o selênio mais próximo ao carbono do SWNT. Dessa forma, trabalhos experimentais da literatura têm demonstrado a importância de um entendimento teórico das propriedades estruturais e eletrônicas de Se interagindo com SWNTs, o que nos leva a querer conectar resultados teóricos com experimentais.

Orientador: Antonio Carlos Dias Angelo / Banca: Hamilton Brandão Varela de Albuquerque / Banca: Nelson Henrique Morgon / O Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência e Tecnologia de Materiais, PosMat, tem caráter institucional e integra as atividades de pesquisa em materiais de diversos campi da Unesp / Resumo: A utilização das fases intermetálicas ordenadas como eletrocatalisadores em células a combustível já pode ser considerada como uma solução iminente para os problemas que envolvem a eficiência e as questões econoômicas. Para assegurar que as propriedades geométricas e eletrônicas destes materiais sejam realmente as almejadas para atender a todas as exigências na eletrocatálise das reações de oxidação das moléculas é necessário um estudo aprofundado de caracterização das fases intermetálicas, comumente realizado por criteriosas técnicas experimentais. Entretanto, experimentalmente, a caracterização destes materiais não fornece informações precisas que permitam correlacionar as propriedades dos materiais com o seu desempenho frente a uma dada reação eletrostática. Desta forma, uma estratégia metodológica para se obter um conhecimento mais adequado no estudo das fases intermetálicas é a utilização de métodos computacionais, baseados na Teoria do Funcional da Densidade (DFT). A metodologia empregada neste trabalho aborda uma sistemática para a otimização das propriedades geométricas através da minimização da energia total do sistema, bem como uma avaliação da estrutura eletrônica para estes materiais por meio de projeções sobre os orbitais atômicos na densidade de estados e de mapas de densidade de carga. O processo de otimização é feito por cálculos de campo auto-consistente sucessivos que variam o parâmetro de rede até encontrar uma estrutura que possua energia mínima, este processo pode ser realizado de duas formas, manual e automaticamente pelo código computacional, os resultados obtidos mostram que ambas as formas possuem a mesma precisão, levando a valores quase idênticos e que permitem reproduzir bem os cristais para os materiais estudados. A análise comparativa entre os dados cristalográficos da literatura e os resultados... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The use of ordered intermetallic phases as electrocatalysts in fuel cells can now be regarded as an imminent solution for the problems concerning the efficiency of the device and for economic issue. To ensure that the geometric and electronic properties of these materials are actually suitable for the requirements in the electrocatalysis of melecules oxidation reactions need a meticulous characterization of the intermetallic phases, in general done by standard experimental techniques. However, the characterization of these materials performed solely experimentally does not provide accurate information to enable correlation of the properties of the materials with their performance against a given electrocatalytic reaction. Thus, a methodological strategy for obtaining a better knowledge in the study of ordered intermetallic phases is the use of computational methods, based on the Density Functional Theory. The methodology used in in thius research presents a sytematic optimization of the geometric properties by minimizing the total energy of the system and an evaluation of the electronic structure for these materials by means of the density of states projected onto atomic orbital and charge density maps. The optimization process is done by successively self-consistent field calculations that very the lattice parameter to find a structure that has a minimum energy, this process can be accomplished in two ways, manually and automatically by the computer code, the results show that both forms have the same precision, leading to almost identical identical values and allow to reproduce well the crystals of the studied materials. A comparative analysis of the crystallographic data from the literature and the results presented here show very small errors (in the order of 2-3% for most of the materials), which can be attributed exclusively to the various mathematical approaches applied... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Mestre

Os métodos de primeiros princípios dentro da Teoria do Funcional Densidade têm se desenvolvido bastante, devido aos avanços computacionais ocorridos nas últimas décadas. Por outro lado, a Termodinâmica e a Mecânica Estatística têm representado um papel importante na compreenssão da Física de Materiais, em especial no estudo dos materiais intermetálicos ordenados. A aliança entre estas duas abordagens têm se tornado cada vez mais factível, uma vez que os cálculos de estrutura eletrônica de primeiros princípios são hoje capazes de proporcionar resultados extremamente precisos para energias de formação de compostos estequiométricos. É dentro deste contexto que neste trabalho investigamos o diagrama de fases composição-temperatura do sistema Fe-Al-Mo, na estrutura cúbica de corpo centrado utilizando o método Full-Potential Linear Augmented Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) aliado ao Método Variacional de Clusters (CVM) na aproximação do tetraedro irregular. Através do método FP-LAPW determinamos a energia total de configurações cristalinas do sistema Fe-Mo-Al cúbico de corpo centrado. Estes valores são utilizados como parâmetros de entrada do CVM para determinação do potencial termodinâmico do sistema em suas diferentes fases e os correspondentes equilíbrio entre estas fases em função da composição e da temperatura, ou seja, o diagrama de fases do sistema. Embora o Fe-Al tenha grande interesse tecnológico, o seu comportamento magnético é bastante complicado e normalmente mal descrito pelos métodos de cálculos usuais. Este trabalho procura enfrentar este problema com ferramentas \"estados de arte\" e apontam para as limitações inerentes ao procedimento geral aqui utilizado. / First-principles methods within the framework of Density Functional Theory, have been developed sufficiently, due to the computational advances occurrences in the last decades. On the other hand, the Thermodynamics and the Statistical Mechanics have represented an important role in the understanding of the Physics of Materials, in special in the study to ordered intermetallic compounds. The alliance between these two approaches has become each more feasible with the time due to the fact that electronic structure calculations of first principles are today to provide almost exact results for the formations energies of stoichiometric compounds. It is inside of this context that in this work we investigate the composition-temperature phases diagram of the Fe-Al-Mo system, in the body centered cubic structure (BCC), using the Full-Potential Liner Augmented Plane Wave (FP-LAPW) method allied to the Cluster Variation Method (CVM) in the irregular tetrahedron approximation. Through the FP-LAPW method we determined the total energy of crystalline configurations of BCC Fe-Mo-Al system. These values are used as input parameters of the CVM for the determination of the thermodynamic potential of the system in its different phases and corresponding to the equilibria between these phases as a function of the composition and the temperature, that is the phase diagram of the system. Although the Fe-Al has great technological interest, its magnetic behavior is complicated and badly described by the methods used in the actual ab-initio calculations. This work faces this problem with state-of-art tools and points to the inherent limitations of the general procedure used here.

Submitted by MARCIA ROVADOSCHI (marciar@unifra.br) on 2018-08-16T19:18:02Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_StefanieCamileSchwarz.pdf: 4856284 bytes, checksum: 44cfd214dcaef363e2c95f4738d9ab14 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-16T19:18:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Dissertacao_StefanieCamileSchwarz.pdf: 4856284 bytes, checksum: 44cfd214dcaef363e2c95f4738d9ab14 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-12-16 / Nanotechnology is a term used to describe the studies that intend to understand and control the matter at the nanoscale. On this scale, the structures can present different chemical and physicochemical properties and behaviors from those observed in macro or microscales. Among the nanomaterials, graphene is highlighted due to its bidimensional structure, as well as its physical and chemical properties. It possesses promising technological and biomedical applications. The combination of graphene and molecules of biological interest, such as phthalocyanines (Pc), is a major focus of studies for the development of systems for nanobiotechnology. Thus, in this work, the interaction of graphene with Fe, Mn and Cu metallophthalocyanines (MPc) is studied, by chemical and physical adsorption, through ab initio calculations based on the density functional theory formalism, using the SIESTA computational code. First of all, it was evaluated the isolated Pc behavior, as well as its interaction with the Fe, Mn and Cu transition metals. It was observed that the metals interact strongly with the Pc forming stable complexes. Subsequently, it was studied the interaction of graphene and the MPc in order to understand the energetic, magnetic and structural properties of these structures to support the use of these nanomaterials in future biomedical applications. The results show that it is possible to observe that depending on the MPc metal, different values for the charge transfer as well as for spin polarization between the systems may occur, but all the systems present a weak interaction, via physical adsorption, between graphene and the MPc. / A nanotecnologia é um termo utilizado para denominar os estudos que buscam compreender e controlar a matéria em escala nanométrica. Nessa escala, as estruturas podem apresentar propriedades químicas, físico-químicas e comportamentos diferentes daquelas observadas em escalas macro ou micrométricas. Dentre os nanomateriais se destaca o grafeno que devido a sua estrutura bidimensional, assim como suas propriedades físicas e químicas, possui promissoras aplicações tecnológicas e biomédicas. A associação do grafeno com moléculas de interesse biológico, como as ftalocianinas (Pc), é um grande foco de estudos para o desenvolvimento de sistemas para nanobiotecnologia. Dessa forma, nesse trabalho, é estudada a interação do grafeno com as metaloftalocianinas (MPc) de Fe, Mn e Cu, via adsorção química e física, através de cálculos ab initio baseados no formalismo da teoria do funcional da densidade, utilizando o código computacional SIESTA. Primeiramente, avaliou-se o comportamento da Pc isolada, bem como essa molécula interagindo com os metais de transição Fe, Mn e Cu. Observou-se que os metais interagem fortemente com a Pc formando complexos estáveis. Posteriormente, estudou-se a interação do grafeno com as MPc afim de compreender as propriedades energéticas, magnéticas e estruturais dessas estruturas podendo auxiliar o uso desses nanomateriais em futuras aplicações biomédicas. A partir dos resultados, é possível observar que dependendo do metal da MPc podem ocorrer diferentes valores para transferência de carga e polarização de spin entre os sistemas, entretanto todos apresentam interação fraca, via adsorção física, entre o grafeno e as MPc.

The high temperature BCC phase (b) of titanium undergoes a martensitic transformation to HCP phase (a) upon cooling, but can be stabilized at room temperature by alloying with BCC transition metals such as Mo. There exists a metastable composition range within which the alloyed b phase separates into a + b upon equilibrium cooling but not when rapidly quenched. Compositional partitioning of the stabilizing element in as-quenched b microstructure creates nanoscale precipitates of a new simple hexagonal w phase, which considerably reduces ductility. These phase transformation reactions have been extensively studied experimentally, yet several significant questions remain: (i) The mechanism by which the alloying element stabilizes the b phase, thwarts its transformation to w, and how these processes vary as a function of the concentration of the stabilizing element is unclear. (ii) What is the atomistic mechanism responsible for the non-Arrhenius, anomalous diffusion widely observed in experiments, and how does it extend to low temperatures? How does the concentration of the stabilizing elements alter this behavior? There are many other w forming alloys that such exhibit anomalous diffusion behavior. (iii) A lack of clarity remains on whether w can transform to a -phase in the crystal bulk or if it occurs only at high-energy regions such as grain boundaries. Furthermore, what is the nature of the a phase embryo? (iv) Although previous computational results discovered a new wa transformation mechanism in pure Ti with activation energy lower than the classical Silcock pathway, it is at odds with the a / b / w orientation relationship seen in experiments. First principles calculations based on density functional theory provide an accurate approach to study such nanoscale behavior with full atomistic resolution, allowing investigation of the complex structural and chemical effects inherent in the alloyed state. In the present work, a model Ti-Mo system is investigated to resolve these fundamental questions. Particular attention is paid to how Mo- (i) influences the bonding in Ti, (ii) distorts the local structure in the Ti lattice, (iii) impacts the point and interfacial defect formation and migration energies, and (iv) affects the mechanism and energetics of b w and wa transformations. Our results are correlated with appropriate experimental results of our collaborators and those in open literature. The modification of Ti bonding by Mo solutes and the attendant distortion of the lattice hold the key to answering the diverse questions listed above. The solutes enhance electron charge density in the <111> directions and, consequently, stiffen the lattice against the displacements necessary for b w transformation. However, Ti atoms uncoordinated by Mo remain relatively mobile, and locally displace towards w lattice positions. This effect was further studied in a metastable Ti-8.3 at.% Mo system with an alternate cell geometry which allows for either b w or $\betaa transformation, and it was found that after minimization Ti atoms possessed either a or w coordination environments. The creation of this microstructure is attributed to both the disruption of uniform b w transformation by the Mo atoms and the overlap of Ti-Mo bond contractions facilitating atomic displacements to the relatively stable a or w structures in Mo-free regions. The vacancy migration behavior in such a microstructure was then explored. Additionally, several minimized configurations were created with planar interfaces between Mo-stabilized b region and its adjacent a- or w- phases, and it was found that the positioning of Mo at the interface strongly dictates the structure of the adjacent Mo depleted region.