Titanium-boron(Ti-B)compounds exhibit great promise as superhard materials due to titanium's low atomic mass and abundant valence electrons.In this work,we systematically investigated the crystal structures of TiB...Titanium-boron(Ti-B)compounds exhibit great promise as superhard materials due to titanium's low atomic mass and abundant valence electrons.In this work,we systematically investigated the crystal structures of TiB6under pressures ranging from 0-100 GPa using the CALYPSO algorithm combined with first-principles calculations.Phonon dispersion analysis and elastic-constant evaluations confirm the dynamic and mechanical stability of five predicted TiB6structures.Notably,theα-Amm2-TiB6structure was predicted to have a remarkable Vickers hardness of 56 GPa,as estimated by Chen's empirical model.All five structures are thermodynamically stable under ambient conditions,suggesting viable synthetic pathways.Their outstanding bulk moduli and ultrahigh hardness further classify them as potential incompressible and superhard materials.These theoretical insights lay a robust foundation for future experimental synthesis efforts.展开更多
Structure prediction methods have been widely used as a state-of-the-art tool for structure searches and materials discovery, leading to many theory-driven breakthroughs on discoveries of new materials. These methods ...Structure prediction methods have been widely used as a state-of-the-art tool for structure searches and materials discovery, leading to many theory-driven breakthroughs on discoveries of new materials. These methods generally involve the exploration of the potential energy surfaces of materials through various structure sampling techniques and optimization algorithms in conjunction with quantum mechanical calculations. By taking advantage of the general feature of materials potential energy surface and swarm-intelligence-based global optimization algorithms, we have developed the CALYPSO method for structure prediction, which has been widely used in fields as diverse as computational physics, chemistry, and materials science. In this review, we provide the basic theory of the CALYPSO method, placing particular emphasis on the principles of its various structure dealing methods. We also survey the current challenges faced by structure prediction methods and include an outlook on the future developments of CALYPSO in the conclusions.展开更多
In recent years,structure design and predictions based on global optimization approach as implemented in CALYPSO software have gained great success in accelerating the discovery of novel two-dimensional(2D)materials.H...In recent years,structure design and predictions based on global optimization approach as implemented in CALYPSO software have gained great success in accelerating the discovery of novel two-dimensional(2D)materials.Here we highlight some most recent research progress on the prediction of novel 2D structures,involving elements,metal-free and metal-containing compounds using CALYPSO package.Particular emphasis will be given to those 2D materials that exhibit unique electronic and magnetic properties with great potentials for applications in novel electronics,optoelectronics,magnetronics,spintronics,and photovoltaics.Finally,we also comment on the challenges and perspectives for future discovery of multi-functional 2D materials.展开更多
Cluster science as a bridge linking atomic molecular physics and condensed matter inspired the nanomaterials development in the past decades, ranging from the single-atom catalysis to ligand-protected noble metal clus...Cluster science as a bridge linking atomic molecular physics and condensed matter inspired the nanomaterials development in the past decades, ranging from the single-atom catalysis to ligand-protected noble metal clusters. The corresponding studies not only have been restricted to the search for the geometrical structures of clusters, but also have promoted the development of cluster-assembled materials as the building blocks. The CALYPSO cluster prediction method combined with other computational techniques have significantly stimulated the development of the cluster-based nanomaterials. In this review, we will summarize some good cases of cluster structure by CALYPSO method, which have also been successfully identified by the photoelectron spectra experiments. Beginning with the alkali-metal clusters, which serve as benchmarks, a series of studies are performed on the size-dependent elemental clusters which possess relatively high stability and interesting chemical physical properties. Special attentions are paid to the boron-based clusters because of their promising applications. The NbSi12 and BeB16 clusters, for example, are two classic representatives of the silicon-and boron-based clusters, which can be viewed as building blocks of nanotubes and borophene. This review offers a detailed description of the structural evolutions and electronic properties of medium-sized pure and doped clusters, which will advance fundamental knowledge of cluster-based nanomaterials and provide valuable information for further theoretical and experimental studies.展开更多
The study of superhard materials plays a critical role in modern industrial applications due to their widespread applications as cutting tools, abrasives, exploitation drills, and coatings. The search for new superhar...The study of superhard materials plays a critical role in modern industrial applications due to their widespread applications as cutting tools, abrasives, exploitation drills, and coatings. The search for new superhard materials with superior performance remains a hot topic and is mainly considered as two classes of materials:(i) the light-element compounds in the B-C-N-O(-Si) system with strong and short covalent bonds, and(ii) the transition-element light-element compounds with strong covalent bonds frameworks and high valence electron density. In this paper, we review the recent achievements in the prediction of superhard materials mostly using the advanced CALYPSO methodology. A number of novel, superhard crystals of light-element compounds and transition-metal borides, carbides, and nitrides have been theoretically identified and some of them account well for the experimentally mysterious phases. To design superhard materials via CALYPSO methodology is independent of any known structural and experimental data, resulting in many remarkable structures accelerating the development of new superhard materials.展开更多
Hydrogen-rich compounds are promising candidates for high-Tc or even room-temperature superconductors. The search for high-Tc hydrides poses a major experimental challenge because there are many known hydrides and eve...Hydrogen-rich compounds are promising candidates for high-Tc or even room-temperature superconductors. The search for high-Tc hydrides poses a major experimental challenge because there are many known hydrides and even more unknown hydrides with unusual stoichiometries under high pressure. The combination of crystal structure prediction and first-principles calculations has played an important role in the search for high-Tc hydrides, especially in guiding experimental synthesis. Crystal structure AnaLYsis by Particle Swarm Optimization(CALYPSO) is one of the most efficient methods for predicting stable or metastable structures from the chemical composition alone. This review summarizes the superconducting hydrides predicted using CALYPSO. We focus on two breakthroughs toward room-temperature superconductors initiated by CALYPSO: the prediction of high-Tc superconductivity in compressed hydrogen sulfide and lanthanum hydrides, both of which have been confirmed experimentally and have set new record Tc values. We also address the challenges and outlook in this field.展开更多
The dimensionality of structures allows materials to be classified into zero-, one-, two-, and threedimensional systems. Two-dimensional (2D) systems have attracted a great deal of attention andtypically include surfa...The dimensionality of structures allows materials to be classified into zero-, one-, two-, and threedimensional systems. Two-dimensional (2D) systems have attracted a great deal of attention andtypically include surfaces, interfaces, and layered materials. Due to their varied properties, 2D systemshold promise for applications such as electronics, optoelectronics, magnetronics, and valleytronics.The design of 2D systems is an area of intensive research because of the rapid development of abinitio structure-searching methods. In this paper, we highlight recent research progress on acceleratingthe design of 2D systems using the CALYPSO methodology. Challenges and perspectives for futuredevelopments in 2D structure prediction methods are also presented.展开更多
Transition metal nitrides have attracted significant attention due to their outstanding properties;however,studies on ternary systems under high pressure remain limited.In this work,we systematically investigated the ...Transition metal nitrides have attracted significant attention due to their outstanding properties;however,studies on ternary systems under high pressure remain limited.In this work,we systematically investigated the structures and properties of NiMoN compounds in the pressure range of 0-100 GPa by combining crystal structure analysis by particle swarm optimization(CALYPSO)structure prediction with first-principles calculations.To explore more structural possibilities,a large number of candidate structures were predicted and those with potential stability were selected.Among the newly predicted structures,a stable phase P213-NiMo4N and a low-energy metastable phase I4132-NiMo3N are proposed for the first time.The metastable structure I4132-NiMo3N lies 0.007 eV/atom above the convex hull,whereas the energy of the experimentally synthesized structure Fa3m-Ni3Mo3N is 0.036 eV/atom above the convex hull.Therefore,I4132-NiMo3N can likely be obtained through experimental synthesis.Phonon and elastic constant calculations confirm the stability of P213-NiMo4N and I4132-NiMo3N,while electronic structure calculations indicate that both exhibit metallic behavior,with Mo-4d orbitals making the primary contribution at the Fermi level.Mechanical property evaluations reveal that P213-NiMo4N exhibits high hardness,whereas I4132-NiMo3N shows relatively lower hardness but enhanced ductility.Under different pressures,both structures exhibit comparable ideal tensile strengths,but their failure mechanisms differ.This study broadens the known structural diversity of NiMoN ternary nitrides and provides theoretical insights into the exploration of high-pressure ternary nitrides.展开更多
Molybdenum nitride,renowned for its exceptional physical and chemical properties,has garnered extensive attention and research interest.In this study,we employed first-principles calculations and the CALYPSO structure...Molybdenum nitride,renowned for its exceptional physical and chemical properties,has garnered extensive attention and research interest.In this study,we employed first-principles calculations and the CALYPSO structure prediction method to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the crystal structures and electronic properties of molybdenum nitride(MoxN1-x)under high pressure.We discovered two novel high-pressure phases:Imm2-MoN3 and Cmmm-MoN4,and confirmed their stability through the analysis of elastic constants and phonon dispersion curves.Notably,the MoN4 phase,with its high Vickers hardness of 36.9 GPa,demonstrates potential as a hard material.The results of this study have broadened the range of known high-pressure phases of molybdenum nitride,providing the groundwork for future theoretical and experimental researches.展开更多
基金supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Project of the Jilin Provincial Education Department(Grant No.JJKH20240077KJ)the Jilin Provincial Science and Technology Development Joint Fund Project(Grant No.YDZJ202201ZYTS581)。
摘要Titanium-boron(Ti-B)compounds exhibit great promise as superhard materials due to titanium's low atomic mass and abundant valence electrons.In this work,we systematically investigated the crystal structures of TiB6under pressures ranging from 0-100 GPa using the CALYPSO algorithm combined with first-principles calculations.Phonon dispersion analysis and elastic-constant evaluations confirm the dynamic and mechanical stability of five predicted TiB6structures.Notably,theα-Amm2-TiB6structure was predicted to have a remarkable Vickers hardness of 56 GPa,as estimated by Chen's empirical model.All five structures are thermodynamically stable under ambient conditions,suggesting viable synthetic pathways.Their outstanding bulk moduli and ultrahigh hardness further classify them as potential incompressible and superhard materials.These theoretical insights lay a robust foundation for future experimental synthesis efforts.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11534003 and 11604117)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2016YFB0201201)+1 种基金the Program for JLU Science and Technology Innovative Research Team(JLUSTIRT)of Chinathe Science Challenge Project of China(Grant No.TZ2016001)
摘要Structure prediction methods have been widely used as a state-of-the-art tool for structure searches and materials discovery, leading to many theory-driven breakthroughs on discoveries of new materials. These methods generally involve the exploration of the potential energy surfaces of materials through various structure sampling techniques and optimization algorithms in conjunction with quantum mechanical calculations. By taking advantage of the general feature of materials potential energy surface and swarm-intelligence-based global optimization algorithms, we have developed the CALYPSO method for structure prediction, which has been widely used in fields as diverse as computational physics, chemistry, and materials science. In this review, we provide the basic theory of the CALYPSO method, placing particular emphasis on the principles of its various structure dealing methods. We also survey the current challenges faced by structure prediction methods and include an outlook on the future developments of CALYPSO in the conclusions.
基金support by Australian Research Council under Discovery Project(Grant No.DP170103598)the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre through the National Computational Merit Allocation Scheme supported by the Australian Government and the Government of Western Australia
摘要In recent years,structure design and predictions based on global optimization approach as implemented in CALYPSO software have gained great success in accelerating the discovery of novel two-dimensional(2D)materials.Here we highlight some most recent research progress on the prediction of novel 2D structures,involving elements,metal-free and metal-containing compounds using CALYPSO package.Particular emphasis will be given to those 2D materials that exhibit unique electronic and magnetic properties with great potentials for applications in novel electronics,optoelectronics,magnetronics,spintronics,and photovoltaics.Finally,we also comment on the challenges and perspectives for future discovery of multi-functional 2D materials.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U1804121 and 11304167)
摘要Cluster science as a bridge linking atomic molecular physics and condensed matter inspired the nanomaterials development in the past decades, ranging from the single-atom catalysis to ligand-protected noble metal clusters. The corresponding studies not only have been restricted to the search for the geometrical structures of clusters, but also have promoted the development of cluster-assembled materials as the building blocks. The CALYPSO cluster prediction method combined with other computational techniques have significantly stimulated the development of the cluster-based nanomaterials. In this review, we will summarize some good cases of cluster structure by CALYPSO method, which have also been successfully identified by the photoelectron spectra experiments. Beginning with the alkali-metal clusters, which serve as benchmarks, a series of studies are performed on the size-dependent elemental clusters which possess relatively high stability and interesting chemical physical properties. Special attentions are paid to the boron-based clusters because of their promising applications. The NbSi12 and BeB16 clusters, for example, are two classic representatives of the silicon-and boron-based clusters, which can be viewed as building blocks of nanotubes and borophene. This review offers a detailed description of the structural evolutions and electronic properties of medium-sized pure and doped clusters, which will advance fundamental knowledge of cluster-based nanomaterials and provide valuable information for further theoretical and experimental studies.
基金Project supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2018YFA0703400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.51722209,51572235,and 51672238)+2 种基金the 100 Talents Plan of Hebei Province of China(Grant No.E2016100013)the NSF for Distinguished Young Scholars of Hebei Province of China(Grant No.E2018203349)the Key Research and Development Program of Hebei Province of China(Grant No.17211110D)
摘要The study of superhard materials plays a critical role in modern industrial applications due to their widespread applications as cutting tools, abrasives, exploitation drills, and coatings. The search for new superhard materials with superior performance remains a hot topic and is mainly considered as two classes of materials:(i) the light-element compounds in the B-C-N-O(-Si) system with strong and short covalent bonds, and(ii) the transition-element light-element compounds with strong covalent bonds frameworks and high valence electron density. In this paper, we review the recent achievements in the prediction of superhard materials mostly using the advanced CALYPSO methodology. A number of novel, superhard crystals of light-element compounds and transition-metal borides, carbides, and nitrides have been theoretically identified and some of them account well for the experimentally mysterious phases. To design superhard materials via CALYPSO methodology is independent of any known structural and experimental data, resulting in many remarkable structures accelerating the development of new superhard materials.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11804128 and 11722433)the Qing Lan Project of Jiangsu Province,Chinathe Six Talent Peaks Project of Jiangsu Province,China
摘要Hydrogen-rich compounds are promising candidates for high-Tc or even room-temperature superconductors. The search for high-Tc hydrides poses a major experimental challenge because there are many known hydrides and even more unknown hydrides with unusual stoichiometries under high pressure. The combination of crystal structure prediction and first-principles calculations has played an important role in the search for high-Tc hydrides, especially in guiding experimental synthesis. Crystal structure AnaLYsis by Particle Swarm Optimization(CALYPSO) is one of the most efficient methods for predicting stable or metastable structures from the chemical composition alone. This review summarizes the superconducting hydrides predicted using CALYPSO. We focus on two breakthroughs toward room-temperature superconductors initiated by CALYPSO: the prediction of high-Tc superconductivity in compressed hydrogen sulfide and lanthanum hydrides, both of which have been confirmed experimentally and have set new record Tc values. We also address the challenges and outlook in this field.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12034009,91961204,11874175,11874176,11974134,and 12074138)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.XDB33000000)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(Jilin University,JLU)the Program for JLU Science and Technology Innovative Research Team(JLUSTIRT)Jilin Province Outstanding Young Talents Project No.20190103040JH.
摘要The dimensionality of structures allows materials to be classified into zero-, one-, two-, and threedimensional systems. Two-dimensional (2D) systems have attracted a great deal of attention andtypically include surfaces, interfaces, and layered materials. Due to their varied properties, 2D systemshold promise for applications such as electronics, optoelectronics, magnetronics, and valleytronics.The design of 2D systems is an area of intensive research because of the rapid development of abinitio structure-searching methods. In this paper, we highlight recent research progress on acceleratingthe design of 2D systems using the CALYPSO methodology. Challenges and perspectives for futuredevelopments in 2D structure prediction methods are also presented.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11964026)the Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China(Grant Nos.2019MS01010 and 2023LHMS01014)+4 种基金the Higher Educational Scientific Research Projects of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China(Grant Nos.NJZZ19145 and NJZZ22470)the Doctoral Starting-up Foundation of Inner Mongolia Minzu University of Science and Technology(Grant No.BSZ023)the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Youth Capacity Improvement Project(Grant No.GXKY22157)the Higher Physics Major Teaching Steering Committee of the Ministry of Education Project(Grant No.JZW-23-GT-21)the Scientific Research Fund of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China(Grant No.GXKY25Z050)。
摘要Transition metal nitrides have attracted significant attention due to their outstanding properties;however,studies on ternary systems under high pressure remain limited.In this work,we systematically investigated the structures and properties of NiMoN compounds in the pressure range of 0-100 GPa by combining crystal structure analysis by particle swarm optimization(CALYPSO)structure prediction with first-principles calculations.To explore more structural possibilities,a large number of candidate structures were predicted and those with potential stability were selected.Among the newly predicted structures,a stable phase P213-NiMo4N and a low-energy metastable phase I4132-NiMo3N are proposed for the first time.The metastable structure I4132-NiMo3N lies 0.007 eV/atom above the convex hull,whereas the energy of the experimentally synthesized structure Fa3m-Ni3Mo3N is 0.036 eV/atom above the convex hull.Therefore,I4132-NiMo3N can likely be obtained through experimental synthesis.Phonon and elastic constant calculations confirm the stability of P213-NiMo4N and I4132-NiMo3N,while electronic structure calculations indicate that both exhibit metallic behavior,with Mo-4d orbitals making the primary contribution at the Fermi level.Mechanical property evaluations reveal that P213-NiMo4N exhibits high hardness,whereas I4132-NiMo3N shows relatively lower hardness but enhanced ductility.Under different pressures,both structures exhibit comparable ideal tensile strengths,but their failure mechanisms differ.This study broadens the known structural diversity of NiMoN ternary nitrides and provides theoretical insights into the exploration of high-pressure ternary nitrides.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.11964026)the Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia,China(Grant Nos.2019MS01010 and 2023LHMS01014)+4 种基金Higher Educational Scientific Research Projects of Inner Mongolia(Grant Nos.NJZZ19145 and NJZZ22470)the Educational Scientific Research Project of Liaoning Province(Grant No.LJKZ0452)the Doctoral Starting up Foundation of Inner Mongolia Minzu University of Science and Technology(Grant No.BSZ023)Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Youth Capacity Improvement Project(Grant No.GXKY22157)Higher Physics Major Teaching Steering Committee of the Ministry of Education Project(Grant No.JZW-23-GT-21)。
摘要Molybdenum nitride,renowned for its exceptional physical and chemical properties,has garnered extensive attention and research interest.In this study,we employed first-principles calculations and the CALYPSO structure prediction method to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the crystal structures and electronic properties of molybdenum nitride(MoxN1-x)under high pressure.We discovered two novel high-pressure phases:Imm2-MoN3 and Cmmm-MoN4,and confirmed their stability through the analysis of elastic constants and phonon dispersion curves.Notably,the MoN4 phase,with its high Vickers hardness of 36.9 GPa,demonstrates potential as a hard material.The results of this study have broadened the range of known high-pressure phases of molybdenum nitride,providing the groundwork for future theoretical and experimental researches.