Efficient Linear-Scaling Density Functional Theory for Molecular Systems
Despite recent progress in linear scaling (LS) density function theory (DFT), the computational cost of the existing LS methods remains too high for a widespread adoption at present. In this work, we exploit nonorthogonal localized molecular orbitals to develop a series of LS methods for molecular systems with a low computational overhead. High efficiency of the proposed methods is achieved with a new robust two-stage variational procedure or by replacing the optimization altogether with an accurate nonself-consistent approach. We demonstrate that, even for challenging condensed-phase systems, the implemented LS methods are capable of extending the range of accurate DFT simulations to molec…
Redox potentials and acidity constants from density functional theory based molecular dynamics.
CONSPECTUS: All-atom methods treat solute and solvent at the same level of electronic structure theory and statistical mechanics. All-atom computation of acidity constants (pKa) and redox potentials is still a challenge. In this Account, we review such a method combining density functional theory based molecular dynamics (DFTMD) and free energy perturbation (FEP) methods. The key computational tool is a FEP based method for reversible insertion of a proton or electron in a periodic DFTMD model system. The free energy of insertion (work function) is computed by thermodynamic integration of vertical energy gaps obtained from total energy differences. The problem of the loss of a physical refe…