Ab initio modelling of UN grain boundary interfaces

The uranium mononitride (UN) is a material considered as a promising candidate for Generation-IV nuclear reactor fuels. Unfortunately, oxygen in air affects UN fuel performance and stability. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of oxygen adsorption and further UN oxidation in the bulk and at surface. Recently, we performed a detailed study on oxygen interaction with UN surface using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We were able to identify an atomistic mechanism of UN surface oxidation consisting of several important steps, starting with the oxygen molecule dissociation and finishing with oxygen atom incorporation into vacancies on the surface. However, in re…

Use of site symmetry in supercell models of defective crystals: Polarons in CeO2

The authors thank R. Merkle and G. W. Watson for stimulating discussions. E. K. also acknowledges partial financial support from the Russian Science Foundation for the study of charged defects under the project 14-43-00052. A. C. also acknowledges financial support from the University of Latvia Foundation (Arnis Riekstins's "MikroTik" donation). E. K. and D. G. express their gratitude to the High Performance Computer Centre in Stuttgart (HLRS, project DEFTD 12939) for the provided computer facilities whereas R. A. E. thanks the St. Petersburg State University Computer Center for assistance in high-performance calculations.

Small radius electron and hole polarons in PbX2 (X = F, Cl, Br) crystals: a computational study

First-principles hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed for small radius polarons – self-trapped electrons (STELs) and holes (STHs) in PbX2 (X = F, Cl, Br) crystals, widely used as parent materials for inorganic halide perovskites (CsPbX3) and scintillators. The atomic and electronic structures, spin and charge distributions and formation energies for both types of polarons were predicted for orthorhombic PbF2 and STELs for cubic PbF2. The STH structure was identified in a controversial case of PbCl2. We also confirmed and analyzed in detail experimentally suggested configurations for other cases. It is shown how, due to a delicate balance of ionic and covalent c…

Interdependence of Oxygenation and Hydration in Mixed-Conducting (Ba,Sr)FeO3-δPerovskites Studied by Density Functional Theory

Financial support by the German–Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development (grant I-1342-302.5/2016) and the Latvian Council of Science (grant lzp-2018/1-0147 (D.G., E.A.K.)) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors further thank Guntars Zvejnieks for help with CRYSTAL code calculations.

First Principles Simulations on Surface Properties and Oxidation of Nitride Nuclear Fuels

Dopant solubility in ceria: alloy thermodynamics combined with the DFT+U calculations

This research was partly funded by the Russian Science Foundation (under the project 14-43-0005) and ERA-NET HarvEnPiez project, with the computer resources provided by Stuttgart Supercomputing Centre (Project DEFTD 12939). A. C. also acknowledges financial support from the University of Latvia Foundation (Arnis Riekstins’s ‘‘MikroTik’’ donation). Authors thank R. Merkle, A. Popov for fruitful discussions.

Ab initio calculations of pure and Co+2-doped MgF2 crystals

This research was partly supported by the Kazakhstan Science Project № AP05134367«Synthesis of nanocrystals in track templates of SiO2/Si for sensory, nano- and optoelectronic applications», as well as by Latvian Research Council project lzp-2018/1-0214. Calculations were performed on Super Cluster (LASC) in the Institute of Solid State Physics (ISSP) of the University of Latvia. Authors are indebted to S. Piskunov for stimulating discussions.

Charged oxygen interstitials in corundum: first principles simulations

Combining supercell models and hybrid B3PW exchange-correlation functionals, ab initio simulations on quasi-stable configurations of interstitial ions in α-Al2O3 (corundum) crystals and possible migration trajectories have been modelled. We have studied crystalline distortion around migrating including interatomic distances and the effective atomic charges, as well as redistributions of the electronic density. Unlike neutral interstitial atom Oi studied by us previously, migrating ion does not form dumbbells with the nearest regular oxygen ions, due to the strong Coulomb interaction with the nearest cations as well as stronger repulsion between and adjacent regular ions. We have also estima…

Peculiarities of Phase Formation in Mn-Based Na SuperIonic Conductor (NaSICon) Systems: The Case of Na1+2xMnxTi2–x(PO4)3 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5)

This project has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (Project no. 01.2.2-LMT-K-718-02–0005) under grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT). We thank the High Performance Computing Center “HPC Saulėtekis” at the Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University, for the use of computational resources.

First principles simulations on migration paths of oxygen interstitials in magnesium aluminate spinel

This study has been carried out within the framework of the EURO fusion Consortium and has been provided funding from the Euratom research and training program 2014–2018 under grant agreement No. 633053. The authors are indebted to A.I. Popov, A.C. Lushchik and R. Vila for stimulating discussions. Technical assistance from O. Lisovski is appreciated too. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. Calculations have been performed using Marconi supercomputer system based in Italy at CINECA Supercomputing Centre.

The first-principles treatment of the electron-correlation and spin-orbital effects in uranium mononitride nuclear fuels.

The DFT+U calculations were employed in a detailed study of the strong electron correlation effects in a promising nuclear fuel-uranium mononitride (UN). A simple method for solving the multiple minima problem in DFT+U simulations and insure obtaining the correct ground state is suggested and applied. The crucial role of spin-orbit interactions in reproduction of the U atom total magnetic moment is demonstrated. Basic material properties (the lattice constants, the spin- and total magnetic moments on U atoms, the magnetic ordering, and the density of states) were calculated varying the Hubbard U-parameter. By varying the tetragonal unit cell distortion, the meta-stable states have been care…

Atomic, electronic and magnetic structure of an oxygen interstitial in neutron-irradiated Al2O3 single crystals

This work has been carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium and has received funding from the Euratom research and training programme 2014-2018 and 2019-2020 under Grant Agreement No. 633053 and Enabling Research project: ENR-MFE19.ISSP-UL-02 “Advanced experimental and theoretical analysis of defect evolution and structural disordering in optical and dielectric materials for fusion application”. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. In addition, the research leading to these results has received funding from the Estonian Research Council grant (PUT PRG619).

Ab initio simulations of oxygen interaction with surfaces and interfaces in uranium mononitride

Abstract The results of DFT supercell calculations of oxygen behavior upon the UN (0 0 1) and (1 1 0) surfaces as well as at the tilt grain boundary are presented. Oxygen adsorption, migration, incorporation into the surface N vacancies on (0 0 1) and (1 1 0) surfaces have been modeled using 2D slabs of different thicknesses and supercell sizes. The temperature dependences of the N vacancy formation energies and oxygen incorporation energies are calculated. We demonstrate that O atoms easily penetrate into UN surfaces and grain boundaries containing N vacancies, due to negative incorporation energies and a small energy barrier. The Gibbs free energies of N vacancy formation and O atom incor…

First-principles calculations of oxygen interstitials in corundum: a site symmetry approach

The authors are indebted to R. Vila, A. Popov and A. Lushchik for stimulating discussions. This work was carried out within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium and received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement 633053. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. Support from Latvian National Research Program IMIS2 (2014–2017) is also appreciated. Calculations were carried out using both the Marconi supercomputer system at the Computational Simulation Centre and the Computer Center of St. Petersburg State University.

Interface-induced enhancement of piezoelectricity in the (SrTiO 3 ) m /(BaTiO 3 ) M−m superlattice for energy harvesting applications

This research is funded by the Latvian Council of Science, project No. lzp-2018/1-0147. The computer resources were provided by Stuttgart Supercomputing Center (project DEFTD 12939) and Latvian Super Cluster (LASC). Many thanks to R. Dovesi, A. Erba, and M. Rérat for numerous stimulating discussions.

Sr Doping and Oxygen Vacancy Formation in La1−xSrxScO3−δ Solid Solutions: Computational Modelling

The study was performed with the financial support from the Latvian Council of Science under the grant agreement LZP-2020/2-0009. Calculations were performed at the HLRS, University of Stuttgart, within the project 12939 DEFTD. The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (Latvia), as the Centre of Excellence has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Frame-work Programme H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017-Teaming Phase2 under grant agreement No. 739508, project CAMART2.

First principles calculations of the vibrational properties of single and dimer F-type centers in corundum crystals

The present paper investigates the F-type centers in α-Al2O3 through their electronic and vibrational properties from first principle calculations using a periodic supercell approach, a hybrid functional, and all-electron Gaussian basis sets as implemented in the CRYSTAL17 code. Single F-type and dimer F2-type centers related to oxygen vacancies in various charge states were considered. The defect-induced vibrational modes were identified and found to appear mainly in the low (up to 300 cm-1) and high (above 700 cm-1) frequency regions, depending on the defect charge. The perturbation introduced by the defects to the thermal nuclear motion in the crystal lattice is discussed in terms of ato…

Density Functional Theory Calculations On Magnetic Properties Of Actinide Compounds

ABSTRACTWe have performed a detailed analysis of the magnetic (collinear and noncollinear) order and atomic and electron structures of UO2, PuO2 and UN on the basis of density functional theory with the Hubbard electron correlation correction (DFT+U). We have shown that the 3-k magnetic structure of UO2 is stabilized for the Hubbard parameter value of U=4.6 eV (while J=0.5 eV) when Dudarev’s formalism is used. UO2 keeps cubic shape in this structure. Two O atoms nearest to each U atom in direction of its magnetic moment move toward this U atom. Neither UN nor PuO2 shows the energetical preference for the rhombohedral distortion, in contrast to UO2, and, thus, no complex 3-k magnetic structu…

First principles calculations on CeO2 doped with Tb3+ ions

This research was funded by the Latvian Council of Science (under the grant project lzp-2018/1-0147). Authors thank W. Chueh, J. Serra, R. Merkle, A. Popov for fruitful discussions.

Oxygen Vacancy Formation and Migration within the Antiphase Boundaries in Lanthanum Scandate-Based Oxides: Computational Study.

The study was performed with the financial support from the Latvian Council of Science under the grant agreement LZP-2020/2-0009. Calculations were performed at the HLRS, University of Stuttgart, within the project 12939 DEFTD. The Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (Latvia), as the Centre of Excellence has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Frame-work Programme H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017-Teaming Phase2 under grant agreement No. 739508, project CAMART2.

Ab initio DFT+U study of He atom incorporation into UO(2) crystals.

We present and discuss results of a density functional theory (DFT) study of a perfect UO2 crystals and He atoms in octahedral interstitial positions. We have calculated basic bulk crystal properties and He incorporation energies into the low temperature anti-ferromagnetic UO2 phase using several exchange-correlation functionals within the spin-polarized local density (LDA) and generalized gradient (GGA) approximations. In all these DFT calculations we included the on-site correlation corrections using the Hubbard model (DFT+U approach). We analysed a potential crystalline symmetry reduction and confirmed the presence of the Jahn-Teller effect in a perfect UO2. We discuss also the problem o…

Hybrid density functional theoretical study of NASICON-type NaxTi2(PO4)3 (x = 1–4)

Sodium Super Ionic Conductor (NASICON) structured phosphate framework compounds represent a very attractive class of materials for their use as Na-ion battery electrodes. A series of NASICON-structured NaxTi2(PO4)3 compounds corresponding to varying degrees of sodiation (x = 1–4) have been investigated using high-level hybrid density functional theory calculations using the Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals and Gaussian-type basis set formalism together with hybrid B1WC and HSE06 exchange–correlation functionals. Using primitive cells of NaxTi2(PO4)3 compounds with different stoichiometry, sodium sublattice structure and titanium oxidation states are constructed and analyzed using group…

The local atomic structure and thermoelectric properties of Ir-doped ZnO: hybrid DFT calculations and XAS experiments

We greatly acknowledge the financial support via the ERAF Project No. 1.1.1.1/18/A/073. Calculations have been performed under the Project HPC-EUROPA3 (INFRAIA-2016-1-730897), with the support of the EC Research Innovation Action under the H2020 Programme. A. C. gratefully acknowledges the technical support received from KTH-PDC. Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia as the Center of Excellence has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme H2020-WIDESPREAD-01-2016-2017-TeamingPhase2 under grant agreement No. 739508, project CAMART2

Ab initio modelling of oxygen vacancies and protonic defects in La1−xSrxFeO3−δ perovskite solid solutions

Using hybrid density functionals, detailed ab initio calculations were performed for oxygen vacancies and protons in La1−xSrxFeO3−δ perovskite solid solutions which may serve as a cathode material in protonic ceramic fuel cells. The atomic and electronic structures of different configurations of defects and the role of Fe oxidation state are analyzed in detail. The energetics of the reduction and hydration reactions are investigated. The hydration energy is found to be significantly smaller than for Ba(Zr1−xYx)O3−x/2 electrolyte materials, and the role of basicity as one decisive factor is discussed.

Ab initio simulations on charged interstitial oxygen migration in corundum

We have performed this work within the framework of the EUROfusion Consortium receiving funding from the European grant agreement 633053. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. Authors thank R. Vila, A.I. Popov, A. Luchshik and R.A. Evarestov for fruitful discussions. To carry out large-scale calculations, we have used the HPC supercomputer at Stuttgart University (Germany)

Density functional theory calculations on magnetic properties of actinide compounds

We have performed a detailed analysis of the magnetic (collinear and noncollinear) order and atomic and the electron structures of UO2, PuO2 and UN on the basis of density functional theory with the Hubbard electron correlation correction (DFT+U). We have shown that the 3-k magnetic structure of UO2 is the lowest in energy for the Hubbard parameter value of U=4.6 eV (and J=0.5 eV) consistent with experiments when Dudarev's formalism is used. In contrast to UO2, UN and PuO2 show no trend for a distortion towards rhombohedral structure and, thus, no complex 3-k magnetic structure is to be anticipated in these materials.

Oxygen vacancy formation energies in Sr-doped complex perovskites: ab initio thermodynamic study

Abstract La 1 − x Sr x Co 0.25 Fe 0.75 O 3 − δ is known as one of the best cathode materials for permeation membranes and solid oxide fuel cells. Optimization of its chemical composition is a challenging problem. One of the key properties is concentration of oxygen vacancies, which is controlled by their formation energies. Ab initio calculations were employed in order to study the formation of oxygen vacancies in La 1 − x Sr x Co 0.25 Fe 0.75 O 3 − δ perovskites by varying the Sr content from x = 12.5% to 50%. The formation energies were obtained for different stoichiometries as functions of temperature and oxygen partial pressure. For this purpose we calculated the phonon frequencies in t…

Density functional theory calculations on magnetic properties of actinide compounds

We have performed a detailed analysis of the magnetic (collinear and noncollinear) order and atomic and the electron structures of UO2, PuO2 and UN on the basis of density functional theory with the Hubbard electron correlation correction (DFT+U). We have shown that the 3-k magnetic structure of UO2 is the lowest in energy for the Hubbard parameter value of U=4.6 eV (and J=0.5 eV) consistent with experiments when Dudarev's formalism is used. In contrast to UO2, UN and PuO2 show no trend for a distortion towards rhombohedral structure and, thus, no complex 3-k magnetic structure is to be anticipated in these materials.

Thermodynamic properties of neutral and charged oxygen vacancies in BaZrO3 based on first principles phonon calculations.

The structural, electronic and thermodynamic properties of neutral and positively doubly charged oxygen vacancies in BaZrO3 are addressed by first principles phonon calculations. The calculations are performed using two complementary first principles approaches and functionals; the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) within the hybrid Hartree–Fock and density functional theory formalism (HF-DFT), and the projector augmented plane wave approach (PAW) within DFT. Phonons are shown to contribute significantly to the formation energy of the charged oxygen vacancy at high temperatures (∼1 eV at 1000 K), due to both its large distortion of the local structure, and its large negative form…

Hybrid density functional calculations of hyperfine coupling tensor for hole-type defects in MgAl2O4

This work has been performed within the framework of the EUROfusion Enabling Research project: ENR-MFE19.ISSP-UL-02 “Advanced experimental and theoretical analysis of defect evolution and structural disordering in optical and dielectric materials for fusion application”. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the European Commission.

Comparison of Permeation Measurements and Hybrid Density Functional Calculations on Oxygen Vacancy Transport in Complex Perovskite Oxides

The oxygen vacancy (VO••) formation enthalpy (ΔHF) was determined from the effective activation energies obtained in the permeation measurements on a series of solid solutions La0.98–xSrxCo0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (x = 0.125–0.8) and compared with the results of ab initio calculations at finite temperatures based on the hybrid (PBE0) and GGA+U calculations, as well as previous thermogravimetric experiments. The Mulliken atomic charges, magnetic moments, and the Fe-VO•• and Sr-VO•• distances are analyzed. The strong dependence of formation enthalpy of VO•• on the Fe oxidation state due to variation in Sr and VO•• concentrations is discussed.

BaCoO3 monoclinic structure and chemical bonding analysis: hybrid DFT calculations

Cobalt based perovskites have great potential for numerous applications. Contrary to a generally assumed hexagonal space group (SG P63/mmc) model as the ground state of BaCoO3 (BCO), our hybrid DFT calculations with B1WC density functional and the symmetry group–subgroup derived crystal structure model support the ground state of BCO to be indeed monoclinic, in agreement with recent experimental predictions [Chin et al., Phys. Rev. B, 2019, 100, 205139]. We found for the monoclinic BCO that the C-type anti-ferromagnetic low-spin (AFM LS) state (SG P2/c) is energetically only slightly more preferential at 0 K than the ferromagnetic (FM) LS state (SG C2/c). In turn, these monoclinic structure…