Computational Surface Chemistry of Tetrahedral Amorphous Carbon by Combining Machine Learning and Density Functional Theory


Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Type
Article
Change log
Abstract

Tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C) is widely used for coatings due to its superior mechanical properties and has been suggested as an electrode material for detecting biomolecules. Despite extensive research, however, the complex atomic-scale structures and chemical reactivity of ta-C surfaces are incompletely understood. Here, we combine machine learning, density-functional tight-binding, and density-functional theory simulations to shed new light on this long-standing problem. We make atomistic models of ta-C surfaces, characterize them by local structural fingerprints, and provide a library of structures at different system sizes. We then move beyond the pure element and exemplify how chemical reactivity (hydrogenation and oxidation) can be modeled at the surfaces. Our work opens up new perspectives for modeling the surfaces and interfaces of amorphous solids, which will advance studies of ta-C and other functional materials.

Publication Date
2018
Online Publication Date
2018-09-10
Acceptance Date
2018-09-10
Keywords
3403 Macromolecular and Materials Chemistry, 40 Engineering, 34 Chemical Sciences
Journal Title
Chemistry of Materials
Journal ISSN
0897-4756
1520-5002
Volume Title
30
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Sponsorship
Isaac Newton Trust (1624(n))
Isaac Newton Trust (17.08(c))
Leverhulme Trust (ECF-2017-278)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/P022596/1)