A density functional theory study on size-dependent structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of the bimetallic MnAgm (M=Na, Li; n+m ≤ 7) clusters

The equilibrium geometries, relative stabilities, and electronic properties of M_nAg_m (M=Na, Li; n+m≤ 7) as well as pure Ag_n, Na_n, Li_n (n≤ 7) clusters are systematically investigated by means of density functional theory. The optimized geometries reveal that for 2≤ n ≤ 7, there are significant similarities in geometry among pure Ag_n, Na_n, and Li_n clusters, and the transitions from planar to three-dimensional configurations occur at n=7, 7, and 6, respectively. In contrast, the first three-dimensional (3D) structures are observed at n+m=5 for both Na_nAg_m and Li_nAg_m cluters. When n+m ≥ 5, a striking feature is that the trigonal bipyramid becomes the main subunit of Li_nAg_m. Furthermore, dramatic odd-even alternative behaviours are obtained in the fragmentation energies, second-order difference energies, highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gaps, and chemical hardness for both pure and doped clusters. The analytic results exhibit that clusters with even electronic configuration (2, 4, 6) possess weakest chemical reactivity and more enhanced stability.