First-principles insights into the structural and electronic properties of polytetrafluoroethylene in its high-pressure phase (form III)
File(s)
Author(s)
Fatti, Gulio
Righi, Maria Clelia
Dini, Daniele
Ciniero, Alessandra
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commercially known as Teflon, is one the most effective insulating polymers for a wide range of applications because of its peculiar electronic, mechanical, and thermal properties. Several studies have attempted to elucidate the structural and electronic properties of PTFE; however, some important aspects of its structural and electronic characteristics are still under debate. To shed light on these fundamental features, we have employed a first-principles approach to optimize the two coexisting PTFE structures (monoclinic and orthorhombic) at high pressure by using the characteristic zigzag planar chain configuration. Our electronic analysis of the optimized structures shows charge transfer from carbons to fluorines, supporting the PTFE electronegative character. In addition, band structure calculations show that the band gap is estimated to be around 5 eV, which correlates with previous studies. Moreover, the analysis of the valence and conduction states reveals an intrachain and an interchain character of the charge distribution, suggesting additional insights into the PTFE electronic properties.
Date Issued
2019-03-14
Date Acceptance
2019-02-21
Citation
Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2019, 123 (10), pp.6250-6255
ISSN
1932-7447
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
6250
End Page
6255
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume
123
Issue
10
Copyright Statement
© 2019 American Chemical Society. This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Journal of Physical Chemistry C, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b11631
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Grant Number
EP/N025954/1
Subjects
09 Engineering
03 Chemical Sciences
10 Technology
Physical Chemistry
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2019-02-21