Search results for "atomistic thermodynamics"

Understanding Structure and Stability of Monoclinic Zirconia Surfaces from First-Principles Calculations

2017

Under the water-rich pre-treatment and/or reaction conditions, structure and chemistry of the monoclinic zirconia surfaces are strongly influenced by oxygen vacancies and incorporated water. Here, we report a combined first-principles and atomistic thermodynamics study on the structure and stability of selected surfaces of the monoclinic zirconia. Our results indicate that among the studied surfaces, the most stable (111) surface is the least vulnerable towards oxygen vacancies in contrast to the less stable (011) and (101) surfaces, where formation of oxygen vacancies is energetically more favorable. Furthermore, we present a vigorous, systematic screening of water incorporation onto the s…