Structural,electronic and magnetic properties of gold cluster doped with calcium: Au n Ca (n = 1–8)

The geometrical structures, relative stabilities, electronic and magnetic properties of calcium-doped gold clusters Au _n Ca (n?=?1–8) have been systematically investigated by employing density functional method at the BP86 level. The optimised geometries show that the ground-state structures are planar structures for Au _n Ca (n?=?3–8) clusters. Ca-substituted Au _{n +1} clusters, as well as Au-capped Au _{n ?1}Ca clusters, are dominant growth patterns for the Au _n Ca clusters. The relative stabilities of Au _n Ca clusters for the ground-state structures are analysed based on the averaged binding energies, fragmentation energies and second-order difference of energies. The calculated results reveal that the Au₂Ca isomer is the most stable structure for small size Au _n Ca (n?=?1–8) clusters. The HOMO-LUMO energy gaps as a function of the cluster size exhibit a pronounced even–odd alternation phenomenon. Subsequently, charge transfers and magnetic moment of Au _n Ca (n?=?1–8) clusters have been analysed further.     

Geometrical, electronic, and magnetic properties of small AunSc (n=1-8) clusters

Geometrical, electronic, and magnetic properties of the Sc-doped gold clusters, Au_nSc (n=1-8), have been studied using the density-functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. An extensive structural search shows that the Sc atom in low-energy Au_nSc isomers tends to occupy the most highly coordinated position. The substitution of a Sc atom for an Au atom in the Au_n+1 cluster markedly changes the structure of the host cluster. Moreover, we confirm that the ground-state Au₆Sc cluster has a distortion to a lower D_2h symmetry. The relative stabilities and electronic properties of the lowest-energy Au_nSc clusters are analyzed based on the averaged binding energies, second-order energy differences, fragmentation energies, chemical hardnesses, and HOMO-LUMO gaps. It is found that the magic Au₃Sc cluster can be perceived as a superatom with high chemical stability and its HOMO-LUMO gap is larger than that of the closed-shell Zr@Au₁₄ cluster. The high symmetry and spin multiplicity of the Au₃Sc and Au₆Sc clusters are responsible for their large vertical ionization potential and electron affinity. The magnetism calculations indicate that the magnetic moment of the Sc atom in the ground-state Au_nSc (n=2-8) clusters gradually decreases for even n and is completely quenched for odd n.     

Geometries, stabilities, and electronic properties of Be-doped gold clusters: a density functional theory study

We have systematically investigated the geometrical structures, relative stabilities and electronic properties of small bimetallic AunBe (n = 1, 2, . . . , 8) clusters using a density functional method at BP86 level. The optimized geometries reveal that the impurity beryllium atom dramatically affects the structures of the Aun clusters. The averaged binding energies, fragmentation energies, second-order difference of energies, the highest occupied-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gaps and chemical hardness are investigated. All of them exhibit a pronounced odd-even alternation, manifesting that the clusters with even number of gold atoms possess relatively higher stabilities. Especially, the linear Au2Be cluster is magic cluster with the most stable chemical stability. According to the natural population analysis, it is found that charge-transferring direction between Au atom and Be atom changes at the size of n = 4.     

Ab initio calculation of the geometric,electronic and magnetic properties of neutral and anionic Au n Pd (n = 1–9) clusters

The ab initio method based on density functional theory at the B3PW91 level has been applied to study the geometric, electronic, and magnetic properties of neutral and anionic Au _n Pd (n?=?1–9) clusters. The results show that the most stable geometric structures adopt a three-dimensional structure for neutral Au₇Pd and Au₈Pd clusters, but for anionic clusters, no three-dimensional lowest-energy structures were obtained. The relative stabilities of neutral and anionic Au _n Pd clusters were analysed by means of the dependent relationships between the binding energies per atom, the dissociation energies, the second-order difference of energies, the HOMO–LUMO energy gaps and the cluster size n, and a local odd–even alternation phenomenon was found. Natural population analysis indicates the sequential transfer from the Pd atom to the Au _n frame in Au_1,2,3,5Pd and Au_2,3Pd^? clusters, and from the Au _n frame to the Pd atom in other clusters. Much to our surprise, irrespective of whether it is the total magnetic moment or the local magnetic moment, the magnetic moment presents an odd–even alternation phenomenon as a function of the cluster size n. The magnetic effects are mainly localized on the various atoms (Au or Pd) for different cluster size n.     

Density-functional theory study of the geometries,stabilities, and electronic properties of Au n Rb (n = 1–10) clusters: comparison with pure gold clusters

The density functional method with the relativistic effective core potential has been employed to investigate systematically the geometric structures, relative stabilities, growth-pattern behavior, and electronic properties of small bimetallic Au _n Rb (n?=?1–10) and pure gold Au _n (n?≤?11) clusters. For the geometric structures of the Au _n Rb (n?=?1–10) clusters, the dominant growth pattern is for a Rb-substituted Au _{n +1} cluster or one Au atom capped on a Au _{n –1}Rb cluster, and the turnover point from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional structure occurs at n?=?4. Moreover, the stability of the ground-state structures of these clusters has been examined via an analysis of the average atomic binding energies, fragmentation energies, and the second-order difference of energies as a function of cluster size. The results exhibit a pronounced even–odd alternation phenomenon. The same pronounced even–odd alternations are found for the HOMO–LUMO gap, VIPs, VEAs, and the chemical hardness. In addition, about one electron charge transfers from the Au _n host to the Rb atom in each corresponding Au _n Rb cluster.     

Density functional theory study of MgnNi2 (n=1-6) clusters

The geometries of Mg_nNi₂ (n=1-6) clusters are studied by using the hybrid density functional theory (B3LYP) with LANL2DZ basis sets. For the ground-state structures of Mg_nNi₂ clusters, the stabilities and the electronic properties are investigated. The results show that the groundstate structures and symmetries of Mg clusters change greatly due to the Ni atoms. The average binding energies have a growing tendency while the energy gaps have a declining tendency. In addition, the ionization energies exhibit an odd-even oscillation feature. We also conclude that n=3, 5 are the magic numbers of the Mg_nNi₂ clusters. The Mg₃ Ni₂ and Mg₅Ni₂ clusters are more stable than neighbouring clusters, and the Mg₄Ni₂ cluster exhibits a higher chemical activity.     

Structures, stabilities and electronic properties of FePbn (n=1-14) clusters: Density-functional theory investigations

The structures, stabilities and electronic properties of FePb_n (n=1-14) clusters have been studied using the density-functional theory (DFT). Extensive search of the ground-state structures has been carried out by considering a larger number of structural isomers for each cluster size. The Fe atom gradually falls into the interior of the Pb framework as the number of Pb atom increases from 1 to 14. The FePb_n clusters at n=3, 5, 10, 12 have relatively higher stability by analyzing the averaged binding energy and the second-order energy difference. Especially, FePb₁₂ is more stable, owing to its highest symmetrical icosahedron structure. The magnetic moments of FePb_n clusters do not quench when Fe atom is encapsulated in the Pb framework and mostly originate from 3d state of Fe atom.     

Geometries, stabilities and electronic properties of small Nb-doped gallium clusters: A density functional theory study

The host Ga_n+1 and doped Ga_nNb (n=1-9) clusters with several spin configurations have been systematically investigated by a relativistic density functional theory (DFT) with the generalized gradient approximation. The optimized equilibrium geometries tend to prefer the close-packed configurations for small Nb-doped gallium clusters up to n=9. The average binding energies per atom (E_b/atom), second-order differences of total energies (Δ₂E), fragmentation energies (E_f) and HOMO-LUMO gaps of Ga_n+1 and Ga_nNb (n=1-9) clusters are studied. The results indicate the doping of Nb atom in gallium clusters improves the chemical activities. In particular, the clusters with sizes of Ga₄Nb and Ga₇Nb are found to be more stable with respect to their respective neighbors. Our calculated vertical ionization potentials (VIPs) exhibit an obvious oscillating behavior with the cluster size increasing, except for Ga₃ and Ga₄Nb, suggesting the Ga₃, Ga₅, Ga₇, GaNb, Ga₃Nb, Ga₆Nb and Ga₈Nb clusters corresponding to the high VIPs. In the case of vertical electron affinities (VEAs) and chemical hardness η, VEAs are slightly increasing whereas chemical hardness η decreasing as Ga_nNb cluster size increases. Besides, the doping of Nb atom also brings the decrease as the cluster sizes increases for atomic spin magnetic moments (μ_b).     

(HMgN3)n(n=1–5)团簇结构与性质的密度泛函理论研究

利用密度泛函理论在B3LYP/6-311G^*水平上对叠氮化合物(HMgN₃)_n(n=1–5)团簇各种可能构型进行了几何优化,预测了各团簇的最稳定结构. 并对最稳定结构的成键特性、电荷分布、振动特性及稳定性进行理论研究. 结果表明:HMgN₃团簇最稳定结构为直线型;(HMgN₃)_n(n=2,5)团簇最稳定结构为叠氮基中N原子和金属原子相连构成Mg–N–Mg结构;(HMgN₃)_n(n=3,4)团簇最稳定结构为叠氮基与Mg原子相互链接形成的环状结构. 团簇最稳定结构中金属Mg原子均显示正电性,H原子均显示负电性,叠氮基中间的N原子显示正电性、两端的N原子显示负电性,且与Mg原子直接作用的N原子负电性更强. Mg–N键和Mg–H键为典型的离子键,叠氮基内N原子之间是共价键. 团簇最稳定结构的红外光谱分为三部分,其最强振动峰均位于2258–2347 cm^-1,振动模式为叠氮基中N–N键的反对称伸缩振动. 叠氮基在团簇和晶体中结构不变,始终以直线型存在. 稳定性分析显示,(HMgN₃)₃团簇相对于其他团簇更为稳定. 关键词： 3)_n(n=1–5)团簇')" href="#">(HMgN₃)_n(n=1–5)团簇 叠氮基 密度泛函理论 结构与性质     

Density functional theory study of AunMn(n=1-8) clusters

Equilibrium geometries, relative stabilities, and magnetic properties of small Au_nMn (n=1-8) clusters have been investigated using density functional theory at the PW91P86 level. It is found that Mn atoms in the ground state Au_nMn isomers tend to occupy the most highly coordinated position and the lowest energy structure of Au_nMn clusters with even n is similar to that of pure Au_n+1 clusters, except for n=2. The substitution of Au atom in Au_n+1 cluster by a Mn atom improves the stability of the host clusters. Maximum peaks are observed for Au_nMn clusters at n=2, 4 on the size dependence of second-order energy differences and fragmentation energies, implying that the two clusters possess relatively higher stability. The HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of the ground state Au_nMn clusters show a pronounced odd-even oscillation with the number of Au atoms, and the energy gap of Au₂Mn cluster is the biggest among all the clusters. The magnetism calculations indicate that the total magnetic moment of Au_nMn cluster, which has a very large magnetic moment in comparison to the pure Au_n+1 cluster, is mainly localized on Mn atom.     

Planar nano-block structures Tin+1Al0.5Cn and Tin+1Cn (n = 1, and 2) from MAX phases: Structural,electronic properties and relative stability from first principles calculations

Structural, electronic properties and relative stability of quasi-two-dimensional (2D) free-standing planar nano-block (NBs) structures Ti_n+1Al_0.5C_n and Ti_n+1C_n (n = 1 and 2), which can be prepared using the recently developed procedure of exfoliation of corresponding NBs from MAX phases, were examined within first principles calculations in comparison with parent MAX phases Ti₃AlC₂ and Ti₂AlC. We found that in general Ti_n+1C_n and Ti_n+1Al_0.5C_n NBs retain the atomic geometries of the corresponding blocks of the MAX phases, but some structural distortions for the NBs occur owing to the lowering of the coordination number for atoms in the external Ti sheets of the nano-block structures. Our analysis based on their cohesive and formation energies reveals that the stability of the nano-block structures increases with index n (or, in other words, with a growth of the number of Ti–C bonds), the Al-containing NBs becoming more stable than the “pure” Ti–C NBs. Our data show that the magnetization of the simulated planar nano-block structures can be expected; so, for the Ti₃C₂ nano-block the most stable will be the spin configuration, where within each external Ti sheet the spins are coupled ferromagnetically together with antiferromagnetic ordering between opposite external titanium sheets of this nano-block.     

Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of ConRh (n=1-8) clusters from density functional calculations

The geometries, stabilities, electronic and magnetic properties of Co_nRh (n=1-8) clusters have been investigated systematically within the framework of the generalized gradient approximation density-functional theory. The results indicate that the most stable structures of Co_nRh (n=1-8) clusters are all similar to those of corresponding Co_n+1 clusters. Maximum peaks of second-order energy difference are found at n=2, 4 and 7, indicating that these clusters possess relatively higher stability than their respective neighbors. The magnetism of the ground state of alloy clusters all displays ferromagnetic coupling except for Co₃Rh. In addition, the doped Rh atom exhibits an important influence on the magnetism of alloy clusters, e.g., compared with corresponding pure Co_n clusters, the local moment of Co atom is noticeably enhanced in Co_nRh alloy clusters at n=1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8, while reduced at n=3 and 4. Further analysis based on the average bond length, the charge transfer and the spin polarization has been made to clarify the different magnetic responses to Rh doping.     

密度泛函理论对AunSc3(n=1—7)团簇结构和性质的研究

采用密度泛函理论中的广义梯度近似(GGA)对Au _{n Sc3(n=1—7)团簇的几何构型进行优化,并对能量、频率和电子性质进行了计算.结果表明,与纯金团簇相比,AunSc3 较早出现了立体结构,三角双锥结构的Au2Sc3是AunSc3(n>2)团簇生长的基元;Sc原子的掺杂提高了增强了Au 关键词： n} Sc₃团簇')" href="#">Au_n Sc₃团簇 几何结构 电子性质     

First-principles calculations on the role of Ni-doping in Cun clusters: From geometric and electronic structures to chemical activities towards CO2

First-principles calculations have been applied to investigate the role of Ni-doping in modifying the geometric and electronic structures of Cu_n clusters (n=1-12), and the chemical activity of clusters towards CO₂. The results reveal that Ni-doping introduces a significant modulation of the electronic structures, such as the density of states, HOMO-LUMO gaps and the d-band centers, which dominate their chemical activities towards CO₂ adsorption. Our findings contribute valuable information for high efficient Cu-Ni alloy nano-catalyst design.     

Geometric,stable and electronic properties of Aun-2Y2（n=3-8） clusters

Employing first-principles methods,based on the density function theory,and using the LANL2DZ basis sets,the ground-state geometric,the stable and the electronic properties of Aun-2Y2 clusters are investigated in this paper.Meanwhile,the differences in property among pure gold clusters,pure yttrium clusters,gold clusters doped with one yttrium atom,and gold clusters doped with two yttrium atoms are studied.We find that when gold clusters are doped by two yttrium atoms,the odd-even oscillatory behaviours of Aun-1Y and Aun disappear.The properties of Aun-2Y2 clusters are close to those of pure yttrium clusters.     

［Mg(NH2)2］n(n=1—5)团簇的密度泛函理论研究

用密度泛函理论的杂化密度泛函B3LYP方法在6-31G^*基组水平上对［Mg(NH₂)₂］_n(n=1—5)团簇各种可能的构型进行几何结构优化,预测了各团簇的最稳定结构.对最稳定结构的振动特性、成键特性、电荷特性等进行了理论研究.结果表明：团簇易形成链状结构,Mg—N键长为0.190—0.234 nm,N—H键长为0.101—0.103 nm,H—N—H键角为100.2°—107.5°;团簇中M 关键词： 2)₂］_n(n=1—5)团簇')" href="#">［Mg(NH₂)₂］_n(n=1—5)团簇 密度泛函理论 结构与性质 储氢材料     

Density functional study of AunCu (n=1-7) clusters

The possible stable geometrical configurations and the relative stabilities of the lowest-lying isomers of copper-doped gold clusters,Au n Cu (n=1-7),are investigated using the density functional theory.Several low-lying isomers are determined.The results indicate that the ground-state Au n Cu clusters have planar structures for n=1-7.The stability trend of the Au n Cu clusters (n=1-7),shows that odd-numbered Au n Cu clusters are more stable than the neighbouring even-numbered ones,thereby indicating the Au 5 Cu clusters are magic cluster with high chemical stability.     

A comparative study on geometries,stabilities, and electronic properties between bimetallic AgnX（X=Au,Cu;n=1-8）and pure silver clusters

Using the meta-generalized gradient approximation (meta-GGA) exchange correlation TPSS functional, the geo- metric structures, the relative stabilities, and the electronic properties of bimetallic Ag n X (X=Au, Cu; n=1–8) clusters are systematically investigated and compared with those of pure silver clusters. The optimized structures show that the transition point from preferentially planar to three-dimensional structure occurs at n = 6 for the Ag n Au clusters, and at n = 5 for Ag n Cu clusters. For different-sized Ag n X clusters, one X (X=Au or Cu) atom substituted Ag n+1 structure is a dominant growth pattern. The calculated fragmentation energies, second-order differences in energies, and the highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) energy gaps show interesting odd–even oscillation behaviours, indicating that Ag 2,4,6,8 and Ag 1,3,5,7 X (X=Au, Cu) clusters keep high stabilities in comparison with their neighbouring clusters. The natural population analysis reveals that the charges transfer from the Ag n host to the impurity atom except for the Ag 2 Cu cluster. Moreover, vertical ionization potential (VIP), vertical electronic affinity (VEA), and chemical hardness (η) are discussed and compared in depth. The same odd–even oscillations are found for the VIP and η of the Ag n X (X=Au, Cu; n=1–8) clusters.     

Geometrical,electronic, and magnetic properties of Au n V (n = 1–8) clusters: A density functional study

The geometrical, electronic, and magnetic properties of small Au _n V (n?=?1–8) clusters have been investigated using density functional theory at the PW91 level. An extensive structural search indicates that the V atom in low-energy Au _n V isomers tends to occupy the most highly coordinated position and the ground-state configuration of Au _n V clusters favors a planar structure. The substitution of a V atom for an Au atom in the Au _{n +1} cluster transforms the structure of the host cluster. Maximum peaks are observed for the ground-state Au _n V clusters at n?=?2 and 4 for the size dependence of the second-order energy differences, implying that the Au₂V and Au₄V clusters possess relatively higher stability. The energy gap of the Au₃V cluster is the largest of all the clusters. This may be ascribed to its highly symmetrical geometry and closed eight-electron shell. For ground-state clusters with the same spin multiplicity, as the clusters size increases, the vertical ionization potential decreases and the electron affinity increases. Magnetism calculations for the most stable Au _n V clusters demonstrate that the V atom enhances the magnetic moment of the host clusters and carries most of the total magnetic moment.     

Additivity and non-additivity of dissociation energies in intermolecular interactions. Theoretical studies on (H2)n,n = 2-8, (CO2)n,n = 2-6 and (HF)n,n = 2-8

CCSD(T) and MP2 results using the aug-cc-pV5Z basis set are reported for chain, cyclic and other structures of the clusters (H₂)_n, n?=?2-8, (CO₂)_n, n?=?2-6 and (HF)_n, n?=?2-8. In chain-like structures of (H₂)_n and (CO₂)_n, with the bonding type of the dimer maintained, the dissociation energy D_e of the dimer doubles for the trimer, triples for the tetramer, and so on. Due to these systems being dominated by short-range forces, interactions are essentially restricted to neighbouring monomers. For other types of (H₂)_n and (CO₂)_n structures, the multipliers relative to the dimerisation energy can be much higher. Dissociation energies for the hexamers in S₆ symmetry of both H₂ (379?cm^?1) and CO₂ (4925?cm^?1) are over ten times the respective dimerisation energies. For the chain-like trimer of HF, however, D_e is in excess of double the dimer value. Mainly due to longer-range dipolar forces, the interactions reach beyond the neighbouring monomers. The interaction energy between HF monomers in chains follows an approximate R^?2 (R being the F–F distance) relationship, The calculated dissociation energies of the HF octamer are 15,985?cm^?1 (factor of 10.4) for the chain, and 21,003?cm^?1 (factor of 13.7) for the C_6h cyclic structure.