Molecular dynamics study of A18B lennard-jones clusters

Low temperature structures, melting and evaporation temperatures of A₁₈B clusters with Lennard-Jones interactions have been studied using Molecular Dynamics simulations for different values of the parameters representing (a) the size ratio between A and B atoms, and (b) the ratio between the strengths of the A - B and A - A interactions.This paper was originally submitted in connection with the 2nd. Int. Conference on Atoic and Nuclear Clusters held in Santorini from 28. June–2. July 1993 and is published here as a regular article after an independent refereeing procedure according to the standards of Z. Phys. D     

Effects of the cluster surface on the electronic shell structure: faceting,roughness and softness

Several simple models have been used to study the effects of the surface on the electronic shell structure in metal clusters. The main results are as follows: The icosahedral clusters have the same electronic shell structure as the sphere up to about 1000 atoms. The surface roughness causes the distribution of the level spacings to be a Wigner distribution. By varying the softness of the potential we can obtain potentials where the simplest classical orbits are the five-point star or even the three-point star.This paper was originally submitted in connection with the 2nd. Int. Conference on Atomic and Nuclear Clusters held in Santorini from 28. June–2. July 1993 and is published here as a regular article after an independent refereeing procedure according to the standards of Z. Phys. D     

Electronic Properties of Q-CdS Clusters Stabilized by Adenine

Adenine-capped Q-CdS has been synthesized in an aqueous medium. IR spectroscopy indicates an interaction between Q-CdS and adenine through Cd²⁺. The amount of adenine controls the size of the clusters. A typical 5×10⁻³ mol dm⁻³ of adenine produces nanoclusters having the onset of absorption and an emission band at 2.8 and 2.35 eV, respectively. Adenine binds to the shallower traps and enhances the emission intensity of the 530-nm band without causing any shift in emission. Thermolysis of these colloids leads to the production of larger CdS clusters with changed electronic properties. Relaxation kinetics of charge carriers shows their average lifetime to increase with a decrease in particle size. Illumination of these particles does not lead to their photodissolution. This catalyst is, however, photoactive. The addition of indole causes the quenching of its emission. The photocatalytic oxidation of indole produces indigo with a quantum efficiency of 0.03.     

Characterization of the fluxes of neutral and positively charged clusters (Agn and Agn+; n≤4) produced by argon ion sputtering of silver

The emission of neutral and positively charged silver clusters during sputtering of a polycrystalline silver target by 5 keV Ar⁺ ion bombardment has been studied and the sputter ejected silver flux has been characterized. As a result, the silver flux is found to be strongly dominated byneutral clusters rather than cluster ions. The contribution of neutral clusters in the overall silver flux decreases rapidly and monotonically with increasing cluster size n and decreases, in addition, with decreasing bombarding energy. The well known alternation of the secondary ion intensities of Ag _n ⁺ as a function of cluster size (higher intensities for odd n) is found to be correlated with the effective ionization potentials of the corresponding sputtered neutral clusters.     

A Novel Method for Preparing Nano‐ and Microcomposite Al2O3‐ZrO2 Ceramic Coatings

Nano‐ and microcomposite Al₂O₃‐ZrO₂ coatings were deposited on various substrates in a sol‐gel ceramic paint by a supercentrifugal force and a gradual sintering process. Fine metal oxide powders were dispersed in a sol‐gel solution by superpower ball milling so as to form a uniform stable ceramic paint. High‐resolution microscopy (FE‐SEM) was used to characterize the coating, indicating that the coating is composed of composite particle clusters with an average diameter of ～1 µm. The clusters consisted of larger particles with an average diameter of ～0.5 µm in center and smaller particles of ～100 nm surrounding the larger ones. The coating was relatively dense and increasingly dense toward the substrate surface.     

119Sn electric field gradients in model clusters of chalcogenide glasses

Calculations of ¹¹⁹Sn electric field gradients (EFG) have been performed using the Extended Hückel approximation on characteristic molecular clusters simulating possible types of sites in chalcogenide glasses. The motivation for these calculations derives from theoretical concepts on varying near neighbor relationships in these types of glasses, and from recent ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer experiments on Sn-doped Ge_x(Se or S)_1–x bulk glasses which reveal three types (A, B and C) of chemically inequivalent sites, with distinct values and composition dependences for their isomer shifts and quadrupole splittings. The model clusters chosen for the calculations were the ethane-like (Ge₂Se₃)_n quasi-one-dimensional chains of varying lengths which have been proposed as possible sources of the B site. In addition, calculations were also carried out on several additional types of clusters, in order to help in interpreting the results for the chains. We find that the magnitude of the quadrupole splitting in isolated linear ethane-like chains is very small, and almost independent of the particular site along the chain at which Sn replaces Ge. It therefore seems unlikely that such isolated linear clusters would be the source of the B sites. These sites are more likely to be related to distortions of the ethane-like clusters into non-linear configurations, as well as interactions with neighboring clusters, as forced by the constraints of the packing in the structure of the glass.     

Ionization potential measurements of hydrogenated lithium clusters

Ionization Potentials of Li_nH_m clusters have been measured by photoionization. As in Li_n, odd-even alternations and shell closing effects are observed. In a first approximation, we find that Li_nH clusters behave like Li_n–1 and Li_nH₂ like Li_n–2. The results may be interpreted by assuming that the bonding of one hydrogen localizes one electron and that the other electrons remain delocalized.     

Is nucleus-independent chemical shift scan a reliable aromaticity index for planar and neutral A2B2 clusters?

Nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) scan has been employed in order to explain the aromaticity in eleven planar, neutral and tetrameric mixed clusters of trans-A₂B₂ type. The results suggest that for seven A₂B₂ clusters, although very high negative NICS values are obtained while performing the NICS scan, yet the typical minimum is not present in the scanning curve. The NICS scanning procedure thus fails to account for the aromatic behavior in those four-membered A₂B₂ clusters. Amongst them, interestingly it has been observed that for four such clusters the scan shape looks like the mirror image of a typical scan of an antiaromatic system. Based on the NICS scan, at the most, those four clusters can be said to possess nonaromatic behavior. In case of the remaining four clusters, the NICS scan shape passes through a distinct minimum and successfully explains their aromatic behavior. Hence, the overall investigation indicates that NICS scan alone cannot be used as a reliable aromaticity index for planar and neutral A₂B₂ clusters.     

Comparison of small metal clusters: Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au

Structures of small clusters of Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, and Au with n=2–34 and n=55 atoms are calculated as functions of number of atoms and temperature by the simulated annealing Monte Carlo method using an embedded atom potential.     

Photoionization,Structures, and Energetics of Na-Doped Formic Acid–Water Clusters

The influence of formic acid on water cluster aggregation has been investigated experimentally by mass spectrometry and tunable UV laser ionization applied to Na-doped clusters formed in the supersonic expansion of water vapors seeded with formic acid (FA) as well as theoretically using high level quantum chemistry methods. The mass spectra of Na−FA(H₂O)_n clusters show an enlarging of mass distribution toward heavier clusters with respect to the Na−(H₂O)_n clusters, suggesting similar mass distribution in neutral clusters and an influence of formic acid in water aggregation. Density functional theory and coupled-cluster type (DLPNO-CCSD(T)) calculations have been used to calculate structures and energetics of neutral and ionized Na−FA(H₂O)_n as well as neutral FA(H₂O)_n. Na-doped clusters are characterized by very stable geometries. The theoretical adiabatic ionization potential values match pretty well the measured appearance energies and the calculated first six electronic excited states show Rydberg-type characters, indicating possible autoionization contributions in the mass spectra. Finally, theoretical calculations on neutral FA(H₂O)_n clusters show the possibility of similarly stable structures in small clusters containing up to n=4–5 water molecules, where FA interacts significantly with waters. This suggests that FA can compete with water molecules in the starting stage of the aggregation process, by forming stable nucleation seed.     

The defect structure of anion excess CaF2

Neutron scattering and computer simulation techniques have been used to investigate the defect cluster structure of CaF₂ doped with 5% La^3?. The results strongly support the formation of small discrete clusters rather than the superstructures that have been suggested in recent studies of anion excess fluorites. The type of cluster that emerges as dominant comprises an interstitial-dopant dimer (of the 2:2:2 type) which has captured an additional F^? interstitial. The formation of such clusters is supported by recent ITC studies.     

铝酸钠熔体Monte Carlo法计算机模拟研究

用计算机Monte Carlo法研究铝酸钠熔体结构. 计算了径向分布函数和局部结构. 表明NaAlO_2熔体是由畸变的共隅AlO_4四面体离子集团、Na~+离子和xNa~+·yO~(2-)离子集团所组成.     

New Transition Metal Clusters with Ligands from Main Groups Five and Six

In both physics and chemistry, increased attention is being paid to metal clusters. One reason for this attitude is furnished by the surprising results that have been obtained from studies of the preparation, structural characterization and physical and chemical properties of the clusters. Whereas investigations of cluster reactivity are at present generally limited to three- or four-membered clusters, successful syntheses of clusters with many more metal atoms have recently been designed. These substances occupy an intermediate position between solid state chemistry and the chemistry of metal complexes. This review presents a versatile method for synthesizing metal clusters: the reaction of complexes of transition metal halides with silylated compounds such as E(SiMe₃)₂ (E = S, Se, Te) and E′R(SiMe₃)₂ (R = Ph, Me, Et; E′ = P, As, Sb). Although some of the compounds thus formed have already been prepared by other routes, the method affords ready access to both small and large transition metal clusters with unusual structures and valence electron concentrations; a variety of reactions in the ligand sphere are also possible.     

TiO2 nanoparticles incorporated with CuInS2 clusters: preparation and photocatalytic activity for degradation of 4-nitrophenol

TiO₂ nanoparticles incorporated with CuInS₂ clusters were prepared in a solvothermal process and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersion X-ray analysis (EDX). Compared with pure TiO₂ nanoparticles, the TiO₂ nanoparticles incorporated with CuInS₂ clusters display higher photocatalytic activity with 99.9% of degradation ratio of 4-nitrophenol after 2 h irradiation. In order to investigate the effect of the CuInS₂ clusters on the photocatalytic activity of TiO₂ nanoparticles, diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectra (DRS), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and photocurrent action spectra were measured. The results indicate that the enhanced photocatalytic activity is probably due to the interface between TiO₂ and CuInS₂ as a trap of the photogenerated electrons to decrease the recombination of electrons and holes.     

SCF-α Scattered wave model cluster calculations for the adsorption systems CO/Ni and N2/Ni

SCF-α-SW calculations have been performed on model clusters which can be taken as representations of chemisorbed CO and N₂ on Ni(100). As a check of the influence of the cluster size, NiCO/NiN₂ and Ni₉N₂ clusters have been studied as well as the isolated molecules CO and N₂ . In order to recognize and eliminate errors due to the differing muffintin geometries, other reference molecular clusters (CO/N₂ in an enlarge outer sphere, and on 9 empty spheres corresponding in size to Ni₉) have also been calculated. The discussion of results is based on (Xα ground state and transition state) energy shifts and on charge distributions. The main conclusions reached about the surface bond in the two cases (dative 5 σ bond and π backbond for CO; for N₂ main dative bond through 4σ with a smaller 5σ contribution, and a weaker π backbond than for CO) agree with those reached by other methods. Additional information (e.g σ backbond contribution for the large clusters; a strong localization of the adsorbate bond for N₂, but noticeable delocalization for CO) is derived.     

129Xe NMR study of the localization of PdCl2 supported on carbon nanotubes

Localization of PdCl₂ clusters supported on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) has been investigated using ¹²⁹Xe NMR of adsorbed xenon. As-made MWCNTs with channels initially inaccessible for adsorption and ball-milled MWCNTs with the totally accessible internal surface were used as supports. The observed ¹²⁹Xe NMR spectra were determined by the dynamics of xenon exchange between the aggregate pores and nanotube channels. No considerable changes of the ¹²⁹Xe NMR spectrum with the concentration of supported PdCl₂ were observed for the as-made MWCNT, while an additional resonance appeared for the ball-milled nanotubes. The ¹²⁹Xe NMR experiments evidenced the supported species to be localized on the internal surface of the ball-milled MWCNT.     

Nucleation and growth of Cu onto polycrystalline Pt electrode from acidic CuSO4 solution in the presence of H2SeO3

The early stages of Cu electrodeposition onto Pt(poly) have been investigated in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ + 0.01 M CuSO₄ solution without or with H₂SeO₃ when a molar concentration ratio [Cu(II)]/[Se(IV)] ≥ 2×10² using electrochemical and ex situ AFM techniques. The overpotential deposition of Cu has been performed onto a Pt surface precovered independently with Cu in amount close to an equivalent monolayer. Chronoamperometric results have been shown to follow an instantaneous 3D nucleation and diffusion-controlled growth model. The values of diffusion coefficient D for Cu²⁺, number of nuclei N and average nuclei radius r _av have been calculated. In the local regions of the surface, the separate large agglomerates composed of the different diameter clusters have been revealed in both cases, but, in the presence of the H₂SeO₃, they attained a distinct chain-like configuration. Some morphological characteristics have been reported.     

Synthesis of D2 receptor ligand analogs incorporating one dicarba-closo-dodecaborane unit

Boron clusters, and especially dicarba-closo-dodecaboranes, can be used as hydrophobic pharmacophores in the design of new drugs and radiotracers. In the current Letter, analogs of enantiomeric substituted benzamides (Raclopride and FLB-457) in which the phenyl ring has been substituted by a carborane cage (either orto- or meta-carborane) have been developed as potential D₂ receptor antagonists. The formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds (in solution) and the stability of the new chemical entities have been evaluated by means of ¹H NMR and HPLC-MS, respectively.     

Cluster self-organization of Na,Ti-silicate systems: Suprapolyhedral precursors and self-assembly of crystal structures of Na2Ti2Si2O9 (Ramzaite) and Na2TiSiO5 (paranatisite)

The initial stages of formation of precursor clusters are considered in an evolving system containing various types of polyhedra: T tetrahedra and M polyhedra (pyramids, octahedra, and others). A graph topological representation of the precursor clusters of different self-organization levels of a chemical system is given. The model has been applied to find precursor clusters for Na,Ti-silicates that crystallize in the Na-Ti-Si-O(H) systems. For ramzaite Na₂Ti₂Si₂O₉ (RAM) and a dimorph of natisite (NAT), namely, paranatisite Na₂TiSiO₅ (PNAT), computer techniques (the TOPOS 4.0 program package) have been used to perform the full 3D reconstruction of structure self-assembly: precursor cluster-primary chain-microlayer-microframework (supraprecursor). New types of eight-polyhedral ring precursor clusters have been identified. The packing specifics of precursor clusters in crystal-forming microlayers determine the platy habit of Na,Ti-silicate single crystals.