DFT study of the dissociative adsorption of HF on an AlN nanotube

We have investigated the adsorption of hydrogen fluoride (HF) on the AlN nanotube surface using density functional theory in terms of energetic, structural and electronic properties. By overcoming energy barriers of 27.90–52.30 kcal/mol, HF molecule is dissociated into H and F species on the tube surface and its molecular structure is not preserved after the adsorption process. Dissociation energies have been calculated to be −52.57 and −70.10 kcal/mol. The process has negligible effect on the electronic and field emission properties of the AlN nanotube. This process may increase the solubility of AlN nanotubes.