Abstract In this work we have carried out extensive Density Functional Theory (DFT) and ab-initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD) simulations to study the structural and electronic properties, thermal stability, and the… Click to show full abstract
Abstract In this work we have carried out extensive Density Functional Theory (DFT) and ab-initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD) simulations to study the structural and electronic properties, thermal stability, and the adsorption/desorption processes of hydrogen H2 molecules on Lithium (Li) functionalized one-dimensional boron phosphide nanotubes (BPNTs), for possible use as materials of H2-storage media. Our results show that Li atoms can be adsorbed on the hollow sites of (7,7)-BPNT with binding energy ranging from 1.69 eV, for one Li, to 1.65 eV/Li for 14 Li atoms adsorbed on (7,7)-BPNT. These large energies of Li prevent the formation of clusters on the nanotube sidewall. The investigation of the electronic behavior showed that (7.7)-BPNT semiconductor turns metallic upon the Li-adsorption. Furthermore, the average binding energy of H2-molecules adsorbed on nLi@BPNT(mH2) systems (with n = 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 14 and m = 1, 2, 3, 4, with m the number of H2 for each Li) lies within a range of 0.13–0.20 eV/H2 which is compatible to the required range for adsorption/desorption of H2-molecules at room conditions. A H2-storage gravimetric capacity up to 4.63% was found for 14Li@BPNT(4H2) system. In addition, AIMD simulation strongly indicates that given adequate monitoring of the temperature, the charge/release process of H2-molecules can be controlled. Our findings suggest that Li-functionalized (7,7) boron phosphide nanotubes can provide a valuable underlying material for H2-storage technologies and therefore must certainly be the subject of further experimental exploration.
               
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