Computational and Theoretical Chemistry, vol.1253, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Density functional theory (DFT) was used to probe phosgene (COCl2) adsorption and sensing on metal–porphyrin-functionalized carbon nanocones (M-PCNCs; M = Ti, Fe, Mg). O-end binding yields strong chemisorption on Ti- and Fe-PCNCs (Eads = −23.51 and −17.18 kcal/mol), whereas Mg-PCNC favors physisorption. Significant charge transfer from COCl₂ to M-PCNCs, as evidenced by natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis, along with notable changes in energy gaps (%ΔEg up to 16.19 %) and UV-vis spectral features, especially in the Ti-PCNC system, highlight its potential as a highly responsive platform for both electrical and optical detection of COCl₂. Topological (AIM) and non-covalent interaction (RDG) analyses further support the stability and interaction strength of the resulting complexes. These findings not only identify Ti-porphyrin nanocones as promising candidates for COCl₂ sensing but also pave the way for their experimental realization and future application in multi-analyte gas sensors under diverse environmental conditions.