Double-hybrid density functionals

Abstract

Double-hybrid density functionals (DHDFs) are reviewed in this study. In DHDFs parts of conventional density functional theory (DFT) exchange and correlation are replaced by contributions from nonlocal Fock-exchange and second-order perturbative correlation. The latter portion is based on the well-known MP2 wave-function approach in which, however, Kohn-Sham orbitals are used to calculate its contribution. First, related methods preceding this idea are reviewed, followed by a thorough discussion of the first modern double-hybrid B2-PLYP. Parallels and differences between B2-PLYP and its various successors are then outlined. This discussion is rounded off with representative thermochemical ex..