Abstract: The determination of the layer number ${\cal N}$ in nanoscale thin layered crystals is a challenging problem of technological relevance. In addition to innovative experimental techniques, a thorough knowledge of the underlying lattice dynamics is required. Starting from phenomenological atomic interaction potentials we have carried out an analytical study of the low-frequency optical phonon dispersions in layered crystals. At the gamma point of the two-dimensional Brillouin zone the optical phonon frequencies correspond to rigid-plane shearing and compression modes. We have investigated graphene multilayers (GML) and hexagonal boron-nitride multilayers (BNML). The frequencies show a characteristic dependence on ${\cal N}$. The results which are represented in the form of fan diagrams are very similar for both materials. Due to charge neutrality within layers Coulomb forces play no role, only van der Waals forces between nearest neighbor layers are relevant. The theoretical results agree with recent low-frequency Raman results on rigid-layer modes [Tan et al., Nature Mater. 11, 294 (2012)] in GML and double-resonant Raman scattering data on rigid-layer compression modes [Herziger et al., Phys. Rev. B 85, 235447 (2012)] in GML. (C) 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH Co. KGaA, Weinheim

Abstract: In principle, transport of charged carriers in nanometer sized solid-state devices can be fully characterized once the non-equilibrium distribution function describing the carrier ensemble is known. In this light, we have revisited the Boltzmann and the Wigner distribution functions and the framework in which they emerge from the classical respectively quantum mechanical Liouville equation. We have assessed the method of the characteristic curves as a potential workhorse to solve the time dependent Boltzmann equation for carriers propagating through spatially non-uniform systems, such as nanodevices. In order to validate the proposed solution strategy, we numerically solve the Boltzmann equation for a one-dimensional conductor mimicking the basic features of a biased low-dimensional transistor operating in the on-state. Finally, we propose a computational scheme capable of extending the benefits of the above mentioned solution strategy when it comes to solve the Wigner-Liouville equation.

Abstract: Born's long wave method is used to study the elastic properties of graphite and graphene. Starting from an empirical force constant model derived from full inplane phonon dispersions of graphite [Mohr et al., Phys. Rev. B 76, 035439 (2007)] we calculate the tension coefficients of graphene. Extending the model by interplanar interactions, we calculate the elastic constants of graphite. The agreement of our theoretical values with inelastic x-ray scattering results on elastic constants of graphite [Bosak et al., Phys. Rev. B 75, 153408 (2007)] is very satisfactory.

Abstract: We point out that the predicted strong spin-injection effect by Jiang and Jalil [phys. stat. sol. (b) 235, 157 (2003)] for a double magnetic barrier structure is based on a wrong calculation of the transmission probability. We corrected the result and found no significant spin-injection.

Abstract: Oxocarbons, known for over two centuries, have recently revealed a long-awaited facet: two-dimensional crystalline structures. Employing an intelligent global optimization algorithm (IGOA) alongside densityfunctional calculations, we unearthed a quasi -flat oxocarbon (C 6 0 6 ), featuring an oxygen -decorated hole, and a novel 3D-borocarbon. Comparative analyses with recently synthesized isostructures, such as 2D -porous carbon nitride (C 6 N 6 ) and 2D -porous boroxine (B 6 0 6 ), highlight the unique attributes of these compounds. All structures share a common stoichiometry of X 6 Y 6 (which we call COF-66), where X = B, C, and Y = B, N, O (with X not equal Y), exhibiting a 2D -crystalline structure, except for borocarbon C 6 B 6 , which forms a 3D crystal. In our comprehensive study, we conducted a detailed exploration of the electronic structure of X 6 Y 6 compounds, scrutinizing their thermodynamic properties and systematically evaluating phonon stability criteria. With expansive surface areas, diverse pore sizes, biocompatibility, pi-conjugation, and distinctive photoelectric properties, these structures, belonging to the covalent organic framework (COF) family, present enticing prospects for fundamental research and hold potential for biosensing applications.

Abstract: The influence of decoration with impurities and the composition dependent band gap in 2D materials has been the subject of debate for a long time. Here, by using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, we systematically disclose physical properties of chlorinated phosphorene having the stoichiometry of PmCln. By analyzing the adsorption energy, charge density, migration energy barrier, structural, vibrational, and electronic properties of chlorinated phosphorene, we found that (I) the Cl-P bonds are strong with binding energy Eb =-1.61 eV, decreases with increasing n. (II) Cl atoms on phosphorene have anionic feature, (III) the migration path of Cl on phosphorene is anisotropic with an energy barrier of 0.38 eV, (IV) the phonon band dispersion reveal that chlorinated phosphorenes are stable when r <= 0.25 where r = m/n, (V) chlorinated phosphorenes is found to be a photonic crystal in the frequency range of 280 cm-1 to 325 cm-1, (VI) electronic band structure of chlorinated phosphorenes exhibits quasi-flat bands emerging around the Fermi level with widths in the range of 22 meV to 580 meV, and (VII) Cl adsorption causes a semiconducting to metallic/semi-metallic transition which makes it suitable for application as an electroactive material. To elucidate this application, we investigated the change in binding energy (Eb), specific capacity, and open-circuit voltage as a function of the density of adsorbed Cl. The theoretical storage capacity of the chlorinated phosphorene is found to be 168.19 mA h g-1with a large average voltage (similar to 2.08 V) which is ideal number as a cathode in chloride-ion batteries.

Abstract: Recently, a process has been proposed for generating negatively-curved carbon schwarzites via zeolite-templating (Braun et al., 2018). However, the proposed process leads to atomistic models which are not very symmetric and often rather defective. In the present work, an improved generation approach is developed, by imposing symmetry constraints, which systematically leads to defect-free, hence more stable, schwarzites. The stability of the newly predicted symmetric schwarzites is also compared to that of other carbon nanostructures (in particular carbon nanotubes – CNTs), which could also be accommodated within the same templates. Our results suggest that only a few of these (such as FAU, SBT and SBS) can fit schwarzites more stable than CNTs. Our predictions could help experimentalists in the crucial choice of the template for the challenging synthesis of schwarzites. Furthermore, being highly symmetric and stable phases, the models could also be synthesized by means of other experimental procedures.

Abstract: Cyclotron resonance (CR) of the electrons accumulated at sheets with heavy Si doping in InSb were observed using far infrared radiation. The angular dependence of the CR follows closely the 1/cos theta behaviour with some small deviations at high angles attributed to coupling between subbands. From the effective mass of the lowest subband, which is found to be 0.027m(o), the bottom of the lowest subband was determined to lie 125 meV below the Fermi level.