A comprehensive dataset on two-dimensional noble metals: Theoretical insights into physical properties and metal-support interactions

Abstract

This paper presents a dataset offering profound insights into the formation and physical properties of two-dimensional (2D) noble metals under various configurations, with a primary focus on their role as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). These data are of significant value to catalysis researchers, materials scientists, and computational chemists, providing them with a detailed understanding of 2D noble metals' behavior as catalysts and enabling advancements in their respective studies. The dataset, thoughtfully structured and meticulously documented, comprises five primary sections, each housing distinct content and analyses. It offers a comprehensive view of the substrate-mediated stabilization and physical properties of 2D noble metals, including silver (Ag), gold (Au), iridium (Ir), osmium (Os), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), rhodium (Rh), and ruthenium (Ru). The substrates utilized include bare Si-face 4H-SiC, buffer layer (BuL), and monolayer epitaxial graphene (MEG). The data collection process involves the use of the SIESTA code for density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The vdW-BH functional is consistently applied in conjunction with a double-ζ polarized (DZP) basis set, known for its reliability in capturing nuanced interactions with noble metals. Parameters such as an energy shift of 200 meV and a force tolerance of 0.02 eV/Å are meticulously configured for accurate results. In-depth structural information, including optimized structures in top and side views and Cartesian coordinates for various substrate-metal configurations, is a central component of the dataset. These structural details are pivotal for comprehending the physical properties of 2D noble metals. Furthermore, the dataset encompasses results from charge density difference (CDD) analyses, including cube files, planar-averaged CDD curves, and 3D CDD maps. These analyses provide essential data for understanding the electronic properties of these materials. The dataset also includes outcomes from charge population analyses utilizing Hirshfeld and Voronoi schemes. These analyses offer insights into structural parameters, Hirshfeld charge magnitudes on 2D metal layers, and various energy-related metrics, further enhancing the dataset's richness. In addition to structural data, the dataset presents atomic structures in top and side views of free-standing and substrate-supported 2D noble metals after hydrogen adsorption, along with corresponding Cartesian coordinates. Gibbs free energy (ΔG_H*) data for hydrogen adsorption on both free-standing and substrate-supported 2D noble metals contribute to the dataset's depth. This meticulously curated dataset not only serves as a valuable resource for researchers exploring the properties and behaviors of 2D noble metals but also holds significant reuse potential. Researchers can employ this dataset to validate their computational methods and models in catalysis research, enhancing the quality and reliability of their simulations. Furthermore, it serves as a possible educational tool, fostering hands-on learning for students and emerging researchers in the field of computational materials science and catalysis, thereby promoting methodological consistency within the scientific community.

Keywords: 2D noble metals; Charge transfer; Density functional theory; Epitaxial graphene; Hydrogen adsorption; Silicon carbide; Surface reconstruction.