Doping
γ-Al2O3 has commonly been employed
to adjust the electronic, mechanical, and optical properties of alumina.
Our study aims to elucidate the arrangement and local atom-level structure
of P atoms on γ-Al2O3 surfaces. We also
seek to establish structure–function relationships in particular
regarding the surface’s electronic properties. Utilizing a
previously established surface template [Phys. Chem. Chem.
Phys., 2019, 21, 15080], we present pseudopotential-based
periodic density functional theory (DFT) simulations, exploring 72
distinct surface models encompassing various P positions, as well
as O- and OH-terminated structures. These simulations yield comprehensive
atom-level characterization of the doped surfaces. In order to mimic
real-world systems that align with synthesized P-doped γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles, our surface models encompass
several concentrations of P atoms and various P–O–P
chain motifs. Our computational analyses reveal that the electronic
properties of the surface are profoundly influenced by the spatial
arrangement and coordination of P dopant atoms and are less sensitive
to the concentration of P atoms on the surface.