Unusual bonding and electron affinity of nickel group transition metal oxide clusters

We perform density functional calculations on the ground state geometries of MO_n clusters (M = Ni, Pd, Pt; n = 1–5) in neutral as well as anionic forms. Our calculations reveal that Ni can bind up to three O atoms while Pd and Pt bind with four O atomically indicating the fact that the maximum oxidation state of Ni can take the value of +6 and can go as high as +8 in case of Pd or Pt. The electron affinities of MO_n suggest that these species behave as superhalogens for n ≥ 2. The large electron affinities of MO_n species along with stability of their anions further point towards the synthesis of new class of compounds having unusual oxidising capabilities.     

(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     

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.     

Novel metal-encapsulated caged clusters of silicon and germanium

We report the recent findings of metal (M) encapsulated clusters of silicon from computer experiments based on ab initio total energy calculations and a cage shrinkage and atom removal approach. Our results show that using a guest atom, it is possible to wrap silicon in fullerenelike (f) structures, as sp² bonding is not favorable to produce empty cages unlike for carbon. Transition M atoms have a strong bonding with the silicon cage that are responsible for the compact structures. The size and structure of the cage change from 14 to 20 Si atoms depending upon the size and valence of the M atom. Fewer Si atoms lead to relatively open structures. We find cubic, f, Frank-Kasper (FK) polyheral type, decahedral, icosahedral and hexagonal structures for M@Si_n with n = 12-16 and several different M atoms. The magic behavior of 15 and 16 atom Si cages is in agreement with experiments. The FK polyhedral cluster, M@Si₁₆ has an exceptionally large density functional gap of about 2.35 eV calculated within the generalized gradient approximation. It is likely to give rise to visible luminescence in these clusters. The cluster-cluster interaction is weak that makes such clusters attractive for cluster assembled materials. Further studies to stabilize Si₂₀ cage with M = Zr, Ba, Sr, and Pb show that in all cases there is a distortion of the f cage. Similar studies on M encapsulated germanium clusters show FK polyhedral and decahedral isomers to be more favorable. Also perfect icosahedral M@Ge₁₂ and M@Sn₁₂ clusters have been obtained with large gaps by doping with divalent M atoms. Recent results of the H interaction with these clusters, hydrogenated silicon fullerenes as well as assemblies of clusters such as nanowires and nanotubes are briefly presented.     

Hydrogen adsorption and desorption on the Pt and Pd subnano clusters — a review

In this review, we present our recent first principles studies on the sequential H₂ dissociative chemisorption and H desorption on the Pt _n and Pd _n clusters (n=2–9, 13). Upon full saturation by H atoms, the calculated H2 dissociative chemisorption energy and H desorption energy on Pt₁₃ and Pd₁₃ clusters are similar to the corresponding values on smaller close-packed clusters. Indeed, the catalytic performances of these subnano clusters do not vary significantly with the particle sizes or shapes. Instead, they are dependent on the surface metal atoms which can be accessed by H atoms. In addition to the coverage dependency of the H₂ dissociative chemisorption and H sequential desorption energies, the phase transition of both Pt₁₃ and Pd₁₃ from the icosahedral to fcc-like structures at certain H coverage was also investigated.      

密度泛函理论研究Hg与Auqn(n=1—6, q=0,+1,-1) 团簇的相互作用

采用密度泛函理论中的广义梯度近似对Hg与小团簇Au ^q_n (n=1—6, q=0, +1, -1)的相互作用进行了系统研究. 结果表明,除Au₅^+,-团簇外,前线分子轨道理论可以成功预测大部分Au _n Hg ^q 复合物的最低能量结构. Au_n团簇对Hg的吸附受团簇尺寸大小和团簇所携带电荷的影 关键词： 密度泛函理论 汞 金团簇 吸附能     

Superhalogen properties of ReOn (n = 1–5) species and their interactions with an alkali metal: an ab initio study

First principle density functional approach is employed to investigate the ground-state geometries and stabilities of ReO_n species (n = 1–5) in neutral as well as anionic forms. It is revealed that Re can bind stably with five O atoms indicating the maximum oxidation state of Re as high as +10. The electron affinities of ReO_n suggest that these species behave as superhalogens for n ≥ 3 which become as large as 7.25 eV for n = 5. The interaction of ReO_n superhalogens with appropriate alkali metals is stronger than that of halogens leading to the synthesis of more stable complex compounds. This idea is illustrated by considering the interaction of ReO_n superhalogens with K atom, forming KReO_n complexes which are relatively more stable than KF molecule. In such complexes, ReO_n unit closely mimics the behaviour of F atom when compared with KF.     

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.     

Defect studies in small CdTe clusters

We study Cd vacancy formation in prototype stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric CdTe clusters with and without passivation. For certain clusters like Cd₁₃Te₁₆, vacancy leads to severe distortion of the geometry due to propagation of defect. Annealing of the vacancy out of the cluster is observed in all unpassivated clusters. Passivated clusters retain their initial geometry and vacancy induced structural distortions are not seen in these clusters since the defect gets localized. Vacancy also induces intragap states. However, it was observed that the passivation of the dangling bonds created by the vacancy removes the intragap states. In an attempt to have CdTe clusters with extrinsic carriers, we substituted a Cd atom by its adjacent atoms Pd/Ag/In/Sn in these CdTe clusters. Substitutional doping of Cd by metal atoms increases the stability of unpassivated clusters. For certain clusters, metal atom doping leads to a half-metallic character. Pd/Ag-doped clusters are p-type semiconductors whereas In-doped clusters are n-type semiconductors. Sn doping in these clusters does not result in n-type semiconductors.     

TiGen-(n=7~12)团簇的光电子能谱及密度泛函理论研究

利用光电子能谱及密度泛函理论计算对TiGe_n^-(n=7~12)团簇的几何结构及电子特性等进行了系统研究. 对于TiGe_n^-负离子及中性TiGe_n,在n=8时出现了钛原子半内嵌的船型结构;在n=9~11时,新增的锗原子加盖到这种船型结构上,逐步形成钛原子完全内嵌的结构. TiGe₁₂^- 团簇具有一种钛原子内嵌的变形六棱柱结构. 自然布居分析结果显示,对于n=8~12的TiGe_n^-/0 团簇,随着内嵌结构的形成,有电子从锗原子转移到钛原子,说明其电荷转移方式与结构演变密切相关.     

Insights into the structures,stabilities, electronic and magnetic properties of X2Aun (X = La,Y, and Sc; n = 1–9) clusters: comparison with pure gold clusters

A systematic study of the X₂Au_n (X = La, Y, Sc; n = 1–9) clusters are performed by using the density functional theory at TPSS level. The structures, stabilities, electronic, and magnetic properties are investigated in comparison with pure gold clusters. The results show that the transition points of the doped clusters from two-dimensional to three-dimensional structure are obviously earlier than gold clusters. The impurity X atoms tend to occupy the most highly coordinated position and form the largest probable number of bonds with gold atoms. In addition, the impurity atoms can strongly enhance the stabilities of gold clusters. It indicates that the impurity atoms dramatically affect the geometries and stabilities of the Au_n clusters. The highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest occupied molecular orbital gap, vertical ionisation potential, and chemical hardness show that the X₂Au₆ clusters have higher stabilities than the others. In La₂Au_1–9, Y₂Au_1–7, and Sc₂Au_1–4 clusters, the charges transfer from X atoms to the Au_n frames. The total magnetic moments of X₂Au_n clusters exist distinctly odd–even alternation behaviours except for La₂Au₄ and Sc₂Au₄ clusters.     

第一性原理计算ZrnFe(n=2—13)团簇的基态结构及其磁性

从第一性原理出发，利用密度泛函理论中的广义梯度近似对Zr_nFe(n=2—13)团簇进行了结构优化、能量和频率计算.在充分考虑自旋多重度的前提下，对每一具体尺寸的团簇，得到了多个平衡构型，并根据能量高低确定了团簇的基态结构.综合团簇的结合能、二阶能量差分以及团簇的最高占据轨道和最低未占据轨道间的能隙可知Zr₅Fe，Zr₇Fe和Zr₁₂Fe团簇的稳定性相对较高，Zr₁₂Fe团簇的结构是具有I_h对称性的正二十面体，而且Zr₁₂Fe的稳定性在所有团簇中是最高的.另外，不仅Zr₅Fe，Zr₇Fe和Zr₁₂Fe团簇的稳定性相对较高，而且它们均为磁性团簇(而Zr_n团簇的磁矩在n≥5时已经发生了淬灭)，由此可知通过选择合适的掺杂元素可能得到高稳定的磁性团簇.从Mulliken布居分析结果可知，除了在Zr₁₂Fe团簇中Fe原子失去少量电荷外，其他团簇中Fe原子均从Zr原子那里得到了一定量电荷，即Fe原子在Zr_nFe(n=2—13，n≠12)团簇中是电子受体.     

Ab initio study of Ba+Arn (n = 1–4) clusters: spectroscopic constants and vibrational energy levels

This study is interested in the illustration of ab initio potential energy curves for Ba⁺Ar_n (n = 1–4) clusters. The electronic structures of these molecules are calculated using [Ba²⁺] and [Ar] non-empirical core pseudo-potentials complemented by the core polarisation operators for both atoms, which allow the consideration of core valence correlation effects. The structure and stabilities of Ba⁺Ar_n (n = 1–4) clusters are investigated. These molecules are treated as one-electron active system. Spectroscopic constants and vibrational energy levels have been derived from their potentials. The analysis of the geometric forms, basing on the potential energy curves and the spectroscopic constants, clearly shows the importance of rare gas induced dipole. We also show that the dipolar interactions can influence the coupling between atoms.     

第一性原理对XMgn(X=B,Al, n=1—12)团簇的几何结构和电子性质的研究

利用密度泛函理论(DFT)的B3PW91方法,在6-311G水平上对BMg_n,AlMg_n(n=1—12)团簇进行了几何结构优化和电子性质分析. 发现随着原子个数的增加, B原子进入镁团簇的内部, 而AlMg_n和镁团簇有相似的生长模式. B,Al原子的掺杂均能使镁团簇的平均结合能增大,稳定性增强, BMg_n,AlMg_n关键词： 密度泛函理论 最低能量结构 n和AlMg_n团簇')" href="#">BMg_n和AlMg_n团簇 NBO电荷布居     

Tight-binding study of structural and electronic properties of silver clusters

Tight-binding model is developed to study the structural and electronic properties of silver clusters. The ground state structures of Ag clusters up to 21 atoms are optimized by molecular dynamics-based genetic algorithm. The results on small Ag_n clusters (n = 3-9) are comparable to ab initio calculations. The size dependence of electronic properties such as density of states, s-d band separation, HOMO-LUMO gap, and ionization potentials are discussed. Magic number behavior at Ag₂, Ag₈, Ag₁₄, Ag₁₈, Ag₂₀ is obtained, in agreement with the prediction of electronic ellipsoid shell model. We suggest that both the electronic and geometrical effect play significant role in the coinage metal clusters. Received 7 August 2000     

Intracluster electron transfer from a metal atom/cluster followed by anionic oligomerization of vinyl molecules

Intracluster electron transfer and oligomerization reaction were investigated by mass spectrometry of clusters of alkali metal atom (M) with acrylonitrile (AN; CH₂=CHCN). In the photoionization mass spectra of M(AN)_n, magic numbers were clearly observed at n = 3k (k = 1-4 for M = Na and K, k = 1 for M = Li). The results of photodissociation of neutral K(AN)_n indicate that the n = 3 cluster has an anomalous stability relative to other sizes of clusters. The C=C bond in vinyl molecules is also found to be necessary to form the magic numbers by measuring the photoionization mass spectrum of K atom with propionitrile. These results strongly support the intracluster anionic oligomerization reaction initiated by electron transfer from the alkali atom. The quantum chemical calculations have revealed that the evaporation induced by excess energy generated by intracluster oligomerization is important to form the magic numbers in the present clusters. Received 29 November 2000     

Structures and electronic properties of Mo2nNn（n=1-5）:a density functional study

The lowest-energy structures and the electronic properties of Mo2nNn(n=1-5) clusters have been studied by using the density functional theory(DFT) simulating package DMol 3 in the generalized gradient approximation(GGA).The resulting equilibrium geometries show that the lowest-energy structures are dominated by central cores which correspond to the ground states of Mo n(n = 2,4,6,8,10) clusters and nitrogen atoms which surround these cores.The average binding energy,the adiabatic electron affinity(AEA),the vertical electron affinity(VEA),the adiabatic ionization potential(AIP) and the vertical ionization potential(VIP) of Mo2nNn(n=1-5) clusters have been estimated.The HOMO-LUMO gaps reveal that the clusters have strong chemical activities.An analysis of Mulliken charge distribution shows that charge-transfer moves from Mo atoms to N atoms and increases with cluster size.     

密度泛函理论研究Run和RunAu(n=1-12)团簇的结构和电子性质

采用密度泛函理论中的广义梯度近似(GGA) 对 Ru_n Au和Ru_n 团簇的几何构型进行优化,并对能量、频率、电子性质和磁性质进行了计算. 结果表明,Ru_n Au团簇的最低能量结构可以通过Au原子代替Ru_n+1团簇中的Ru原子生长而成.除了局域的结构畸变,Ru_n Au和Ru_n+1团簇具有相似的几何结构.二阶能量差分、电离势、亲和势和分裂能表明Ru₅, Ru₈, Ru₅Au, Ru₈Au 是稳定的团簇,Au的掺杂没有改变Ru_n 的相对稳定性.通过电子性质的分析发现,当Au原子掺杂在Ru_n 中,团簇的化学活性增加,且团簇的能隙主要由电子的配对效应决定;对于大多数团簇来说,Au原子掺杂提高了Ru_n Au的磁矩. 关键词： n Au和Ru_n 团簇')" href="#">Ru_n Au和Ru_n 团簇 几何结构 电子性质     

Stability and electronic properties of Rh-doped ruthenium clusters and their interaction with NH3 molecule

The stability and electronic properties of the Rh-doped ruthenium clusters and their reactivity towards NH₃ molecule have been studied using DFT calculations with the BLYP-D3/SDD level of theory. The results show that the doping of Ru clusters with Rh atom improves the catalytic performances of pure Ru clusters, and the Ru₅Rh and Ru₇Rh clusters are assumed to be less reactive than their neighbours. The interaction of NH₃ with clusters exhibits that the Ru atoms are preferred adsorption sites for the NH₃ molecule, and the adsorption takes place between the Ru atom of clusters and the N atom of NH₃ molecule. The adsorption energies of NH₃ on Ru_nRh clusters are in the range of ?101.5 to ?218.4?kJ?mol^?1, suggesting a strong adsorption between both species. Upon adsorption process, the electronic properties of the Ru_nRh clusters were substantially changed. The variation of E_g (ΔE_g) for the Ru_nRh (n?≥?7) clusters is very important (ΔE_g?≥?55%), suggesting that these clusters are very sensitive to the NH₃ molecule. Hence, these clusters can be employed as nanosensors for the detection of the NH₃ gas.     

砷化镓离子团簇的稳定性研究

采用全势能线性糕模轨道分子动力学方法，详细研究了砷化镓离子团簇Ga_nAs_n(n=4，5，6)的几何结构和稳定性.分别找到了这些离子团簇的最低能量结构，通过计算发现这些结构明显不同于中性团簇的基态结构.还发现离子团簇的其他稳定结构与对应的中性结构相比也有较大的结构畸变.在这些砷化镓离子团簇中，相对于砷原子而言，镓原子更容易处在帽原子的位置上. 关键词： 离子团簇 基态结构 稳定性