title: Comparison between Gaussian-type orbitals and plane wave ab initio density functional theory modeling of layer silicates: talc [Mg3Si4O10(OH)2] as model system.
abstract: The quantum chemical characterization of solid state systems is conducted with many different approaches, among which the adoption of periodic boundary conditions to deal with three-dimensional infinite condensed systems. This method, coupled to the Density Functional Theory (DFT), has been proved successful in simulating a huge variety of solids. Only in relatively recent years this ab initio quantum-mechanic approach has been used for the investigation of layer silicate structures and minerals. In the present work, a systematic comparison of different DFT functionals (GGA-PBEsol and hybrid B3LYP) and basis sets (plane waves and all-electron Gaussian-type orbitals) on the geometry, energy, and phonon properties of a model layer silicate, talc [Mg3Si4O10(OH)2], is presented. Long range dispersion is taken into account by DFT+D method. Results are in agreement with experimental data reported in literature, with minimal deviation given by the GTO∕B3LYP-D* method regarding both axial lattice parameters and interaction energy and by PW/PBE-D for the unit-cell volume and angular values. All the considered methods adequately describe the experimental talc infrared spectrum.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche e Geologico-Ambientali, Centro di Ricerca Interdisciplinare di Biomineralogia, Cristallografia e Biomateriali, Università di Bologna "Alma Mater Studiorum" Piazza di Porta San Donato 1, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianfranco
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ulian
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tosoni
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Valdrè