Structures, energetics, vibrational spectra of NH4+ (H2O)(n=4,6) clusters: Ab initio calculations and first principles molecular dynamics simulations

J Chem Phys. 2008 Jun 28;128(24):244304. doi: 10.1063/1.2943671.

Abstract

Important structural isomers of NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(n=4,6) have been studied by using density functional theory, Moller-Plesset second order perturbation theory, and coupled-cluster theory with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations [CCSD(T)]. The zero-point energy (ZPE) correction to the complete basis set limit of the CCSD(T) binding energies and free energies is necessary to identify the low energy structures for NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(n=4,6) because otherwise wrong structures could be assigned for the most probable structures. For NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(6), the cage-type structure, which is more stable than the previously reported open structure before the ZPE correction, turns out to be less stable after the ZPE correction. In first principles Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations around 100 K, the combined power spectrum of three lowest energy isomers of NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(4) and two lowest energy isomers of NH(4) (+)(H(2)O)(6) explains each experimental IR spectrum.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Isomerism
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared
  • Thermodynamics
  • Vibration
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Water