Relativistic coupled cluster calculations of the electron affinity and ionization potential of Nh(113)

TL;DR

This study uses relativistic coupled cluster calculations to predict the electron affinity and ionization potential of the superheavy element nihonium, providing theoretical values where experimental data is unavailable.

Contribution

First application of relativistic coupled cluster method to predict electronic properties of nihonium, a superheavy element, with comparisons to lighter homologues.

Findings

In and Tl calculations agree with experimental data.

Predicted ionization potential of Nh: 7.569(48) eV.

Predicted electron affinity of Nh: 0.776(30) eV.

Abstract

Theoretical calculations based on the Dirac--Coulomb--Breit relativistic coupled cluster method have been carried out for the electron affinities and ionization potentials of the superheavy element nihonium (Nh) and its lighter homologues In and Tl. The In and Tl calculations are in agreement with measurement within uncertainties. For Nh, where experiment is yet unknown, we predict the ionization potential of 7.569(48) eV and electron affinity of 0.776(30) eV.