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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics
Published on: April 12, 2019
Unravelling the origin of the high-catalytic activity of supported Au: a density-functional theory-based
Norge Cruz Hernandez1, Javier Fdez Sanz, José A Rodriguez
1Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Sevilla, E-41012 Sevilla, Spain.
Abstract:
Using first principles DF calculations we have studied the structural and catalytic properties of Au supported on TiOx-Mo(112) films. Our theoretical models are consistent with an initial (8 x 2) Mo(112)-Ti2O3 pattern which after Au deposition gives rise to ordered Au films that completely wet the surface. The oxidation of CO on model surfaces at coverage 1, 4/3, and 5/2 ML has been analyzed. The oxidation proceeds through a peroxo-like complex in which molecular oxygen is simultaneously bound to the CO and the surface. The energy barrier computed for a Au coverage of 4/3 ML is found significantly lower in agreement with the unusual high activity observed for this catalyst. The detailed analysis of the geometry and electronic structure provides a fundamental understanding of the reaction.
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To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...

