Structure,stability and magnetic properties of (NiAl)n(n≤6) clusters

In this paper, density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) for the exchange-correlation potential has been used to calculate the energetically global-minimum geometries and electronic states of (NiAl)_n(n≤6) clusters. Full structural optimizations, analysis of energy and frequency calculation are performed. The most stable structures of (NiAl)_n clusters are all three-dimensional structures except NiAl. The average bond lengths of (NiAl)_n clusters are larger than that of Ni_2n, and are smaller than that of Al_2n. The binding energy per atom of Ni_2n and (NiAl)_n has the same change trend, and that are larger than that of Al_2n. Stability analysis shows that Ni₈, (NiAl)₂ and Al₁₀ clusters have higher relative stability than other clusters. Mulliken analysis indicates that charges always transfer from Al atoms to Ni atoms, and the average charges of transfer from Al atoms to Ni atoms have a maximum at (NiAl)₆, implying the strong interaction between Al and Ni atoms in (NiAl)₆. The average atomic magnetic moments of (NiAl)_n are smaller than that of true Ni_2n. The analysis of the static polarizability shows that the electronic structures of (NiAl)_n clusters tend to be compact with the increase of atoms.     

Static dipole polarizabilities of Scn （n ≤15） clusters

The static dipole polarizabilities of scandium clusters with up to 15 atoms are determined by using the numerically finite field method in the framework of density functional theory. The electronic effects on the polarizabilities are investigated for the scandium clusters. We examine a large highest occupied molecular orbital --- the lowest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO--LUMO) gap of a scandium cluster usually corresponds to a large dipole moment. The static polarizability per atom decreases slowly and exhibits local minimum with increasing cluster size. The polarizability anisotropy and the ratio of mean static polarizability to the HOMO--LUMO gap can also reflect the cluster stability. The polarizability of the scandium cluster is partially related to the HOMO--LUMO gap and is also dependent on geometrical characteristics. A strong correlation between the polarizability and ionization energy is observed.     

Evolution of structures,stabilities, and electronic properties of anionic [AunRb]− (n = 1–10) clusters: comparison with pure gold clusters

The geometric structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of small size anionic [Au_nRb]^? and Au_n+1^? (n = 1–10) clusters have been systematically investigated by using density functional theory. The optimised geometries show that the structures of [Au_nRb]^? clusters favour the three-dimensional structure at n ≥ 8. The Rb atoms tend to occupy the most highly coordinated position and form the largest probable number of bonds with gold atoms. One Au atom capped on [Au_n-1Rb]^? structures is the dominant growth pattern for n = 2–8 and Rb atom capped on Au_n^? structures for n = 9–10. The averaged atomic bonding energies, fragmentation energies, second-order difference of energies, and highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gaps exhibit a pronounced even–odd alternations phenomenon. The charges in [Au_nRb]^? clusters transfer from the Rb atoms to Au_n host. In addition, it is found that the most favourable dissociation channel of the [Au_nRb]^? clusters is to eject a Rb atom and the highest energy dissociation path is Rb^? anion ejection.     

Structures and its evolution of Ba n ( n =2 ∼ 14) clusters

We have studied the atomic structure and the electronic properties of Ba_n clusters by the ab initio molecular dynamics method. We find that a structural transition to the bulk-like structure begins at Ba₉ cluster, and the structures of the clusters are transferred to be icosahedral-like around n = 13. The relatively high stability for Ba₄, Ba₁₀ and Ba₁₃ clusters are observed. Received 1st December 2000     

First-principles calculations of the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of BnN20−n (n = 6−18) clusters

The structures of B _n N_20 ? n    (n = 6?18), the clusters of boron nitride, are investigated by the density functional theory calculations. The structures of the obtained low-lying isomers can be described by the following six prototypes: single ring, double ring, three-ring, graphitic-like sheet, fullerene and others. B₁₀N₁₀ is demonstrated to be the most stable cluster against the nonstoichiometric ones. Nonzero magnetic moments, 1.999, 1.998, 2.000, 3.999 and 1.999μ _B respectively, are found in five B _n N_20?n (n = 6, 7, 11, 12, 13) clusters. Further analysis indicates that the magnetic moment of the B₆N₁₄ cluster is mainly originated from the N atoms, while those of others are from the B atoms. The magnetic moment are finally attributed to the interesting issues of the 2p electrons due to the breaking of local symmetries, the change of coordination number, charge distribution and orbital hybridization.     

Evolution of geometrical structures,stabilities and electronic properties of neutral and anionic Li n Cu λ (n = 1–9, λ = 0, −1) clusters: compare with pure lithium clusters

The structural evolution, stabilities, and electronic properties of copper-doped lithium Li _n Cu^λ (n?=?1–9, λ?=?0, ?1) clusters have been systematically investigated using a density functional method at PW91PW91 level. Extensive searches for ground-state structures were carried out, and the results showed the copper tends to occupy the most highly coordinated position and form the largest probable number of bonds with lithium atoms. By calculating the binding energies per atom, fragmentation energies and the HOMO-LOMO gaps, we found LiCu, Li₇Cu, LiCu^?, Li₂Cu^? and Li₈Cu^? clusters have the stronger relative stability and enhanced chemical stability. The content and pattern of frontier MOs for the most stable doped isomers were analysed to investigate the bond nature of interaction among Li and Cu atoms. The results show some σ-type and π-type bonds are formed among them, and with small admixture of the Cu d characters. To achieve a deep insight into the electron localization and reliable electronic structure information, the natural population analysis and electron localization function were performed and discussed.     

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.     

First principles calculations of the structural and electronic properties of(CdSe)n clusters

The structural and electronic properties of (CdSe)n(1≤n≤5) clusters are calculated using density functional theory within the pseudopotential and generalized gradient approximations. The calculated binding energies and highest occupied molecular orbital lowest unoccupied molecular orbital gaps are compared with those obtained within local density approximation.     

Geometric structure and electron spectrum of YSi n − clusters (n = 6–17)

Results of the optimization of the geometric structure of YSi _n ^? anion clusters (n = 6–17) have been presented and their electron spectra have been calculated. Calculations have been performed by the density functional theory method. Actual geometric structures of clusters have been established by comparing the calculated and known experimental data.     

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.     

Structure,stability and electronic properties of SrSin （n ： 1-12） clusters： Density-functional theory investigationStructure,stability and electronic properties of SrSin （n ： 1-12） clusters： Density-functional theory investigation

Geometric structures, stabilities, and electronic properties of SrSin （n = 1-12） clusters have been investigated using the density-functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation. The optimized geometries indicate that one Si atom capped on SrSin_ 1 structure and Sr atom capped Sin structure for difference SrSin clusters in size are two dominant growth patterns. The calculated average binding energy, fragmentation energy, second-order energy difference, the highest occupied molecular orbital, and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital （HOMO-LUMO） gaps show that the doping of Sr atom can enhance the chemical activity of the silicon framework. The relative stability of SrSi9 is the strongest among the SrSin clusters. According to the mulliken population and natural population analysis, it is found that the charge in SrSin clusters transfer from Sr atom to the Sin host. In addition, the vertical ionization potential, vertical electron affinity, and chemical hardness are also discussed and compared.     

Spatial and electronic structures of the germanium-tantalum clusters TaGe n − (n = 8–17)

The results of optimizing the spatial structure and calculated electronic spectra of the TaGe _n ^? anion clusters (n = 8–17) have been presented. The calculations have been performed in terms of the density functional theory. The most probable spatial structures of clusters detected in the experiment have been determined by comparing the calculated and available experimental data.     

Structure and magnetic properties of Osn （n=11～22） clusters

The structure and magnetic properties of Osn （n=11～22） clusters are systematically studied by using density functional theory （DFT）. For each size, the average binding energy per atom, the second-order differences of total energies and the highest occupied molecular orbital （HOMO）–the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital （LUMO） gaps are calculated to analyze the stability of the cluster. The structures of Os14 and Os18 clusters are based on a close-packed hexagonal structure, and they have maximum stabilities, so n=14, 18 are the magic numbers. The 5d electrons play a dominant role in the chemical reaction of Osn clusters. The magnetic moments of Osn clusters are quenched around n=12, and when n=18～22 the value approximates to zero, due to the difference of electron transfer.     

Geometries,stabilities, electronic and magnetic properties of small PdnIr (n = 1–8) clusters from first-principles calculations

The geometrical structures, relative stabilities, electronic and magnetic properties of small Pd_nIr (n = 1–8) clusters have been systematically investigated using density functional theory at the B3PW91 level. The optimised geometries show that the lowest-energy structures of Pd_nIr clusters prefer a three-dimensional configuration. The relative stability of these clusters was examined by analysis of the binding energies per atom, fragmentation energies, the second-order difference of energies and the HOMO–LUMO energy gaps as a function of cluster size. The obtained results exhibit that the Pd₂Ir, Pd₃Ir and Pd₅Ir clusters are more stable than their neighbouring clusters. The energy gap of the Pd₂Ir cluster is the largest of all the clusters (2.258 eV). In addition, the charge transfers, vertical ionisation potentials, vertical electron affinities and chemical hardness were calculated and discussed. The magnetism calculations indicate that the total magnetic moment of Pd_nIr clusters is mainly localised on the iridium atom for Pd_1–6Ir clusters. Meanwhile, the 5d orbital plays the key role in the magnetic moment of the iridium atom.     

Structures,stabilities and adsorption mechanisms of nitrogen adsorbed on Mon (n = 1–8) clusters

Configurations, stabilities and adsorption mechanisms of ground-state Mo_nN and Mo_nN₂ (n?=?1–8) clusters are calculated by using the density functional method within the PBE level. Evidently, N atoms tend to approach more Mo atoms. Doping with two N impurity prefers to occupy symmetrical position of the host Mo_n (n?=?1–8) cluster except for Mo₂N₂ clusters. Mo₄N, Mo₆N, Mo₂N₂, Mo₄N₂ and Mo₆N₂ clusters have higher structural stabilities than their neighbors by the second derivative of total binding energy. Mo₂N, Mo₄N and Mo₇N, Mo₂N₂, Mo₅N₂ and Mo₇N₂ clusters have higher kinetic reactivity than their neighbors by the HOMO–LUMO gaps. The adsorption capacity of a N atom to Mo₄ cluster is stronger than the other Mo–N clusters.