Optimization of bimetallic Cu–Au and Ag–Au clusters by using a modified adaptive immune optimization algorithm

A modified adaptive immune optimization algorithm (AIOA) is designed for optimization of Cu–Au and Ag–Au bimetallic clusters with Gupta potential. Compared with homoatom clusters, there are homotopic isomers in bimetallic cluster, so atom exchange operation is presented in the modified AIOA. The efficiency of the algorithm is tested by optimization of Cu_nAu_38‐n (0 ≤ n ≤ 38). Results show that all the structures with the putative global minimal energies are successfully located. In the optimization of Ag_nAu_55‐n (0 ≤ n ≤ 55) bimetallic clusters, all the structures with the reported minimal energies are obtained, and 36 structures with even lower potential energies are found. On the other hand, with the optimized structures of Cu_nAu_55‐n, it is shown that all 55‐atom Cu–Au bimetallic clusters are Mackay icosahedra except for Au₅₅, which is a face‐centered cubic (fcc)‐like structure; Cu₅₅, Cu₁₂Au₄₃, and Cu₁Au₅₄ have two‐shell Mackay icosahedral geometries with I_h point group symmetry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2009     

Computer-aided study of oxygen absorption by water clusters. IR spectra of heteroclusters

Spectral characteristics of (H₂O)_n, (O₂)_m(H₂O)_n, and (O)_i(H₂O)_n cluster systems, where m≤2, i≤4, and 10 ≤ n ≤ 50, are studied with the molecular dynamics method using a flexible molecule model. The IR absorption spectra are changed substantially as a result of O₂ molecule dissociation, and in the presence of atomic oxygen in the clusters, the spectra are characterized by a deep minimum at 520 cm^?1. The absorption of oxygen causes a marked reduction in reflection coefficient R of monochromatic IR radiation. The number of peaks in the R(ω) spectra decreases to two in the case of molecular oxygen absorption and is no larger than four in the case of atomic oxygen absorption. The absorption of atomic oxygen by the clusters is also accompanied by a significant increase in the dissipation of energy accumulated by the clusters. This effect weakens when molecular oxygen is absorbed. An increase in atomic oxygen concentration in the clusters renders their radiation harder.     

Adsorption of NO2 on Small Silver Clusters with Copper Impurity: A Density Functional Study

Density functional theory calculations were performed to investigate the structural and energetic properties of NO₂ adsorption on small bimetallic Ag _n Cu _m clusters (n?+?m?≤?5). Generally NO₂ is adsorbed in bridge configuration. The adsorbates prefer Cu sites when both Ag and Cu co-exist in the clusters. The adsorption energies and the dissociation energies of the complex clusters increase as the Cu content increases for the given cluster size. Our calculation suggests that the bimetallic Ag _n Cu _m may react with NO₂ dissociatively by way of Ag atom, Ag₂ or AgCu loss. The N–O vibrational properties of the complex clusters were also discussed and analyzed.     

Decomposition of Copper Formate Clusters: Insight into Elementary Steps of Calcination and Carbon Dioxide Activation

The decomposition of copper formate clusters is investigated in the gas phase by infrared multiple photon dissociation of Cu(II)_n(HCO₂)_2n+1⁻, n≤8. In combination with quantum chemical calculations and reactivity measurements using oxygen, elementary steps of the decomposition of copper formate are characterized, which play a key role during calcination as well as for the function of copper hydride based catalysts. The decomposition of larger clusters (n > 2) takes place exclusively by the sequential loss of neutral copper formate units Cu(II)(HCO₂)₂ or Cu(II)₂(HCO₂)₄, leading to clusters with n=1 or n=2. Only for these small clusters, redox reactions are observed as discussed in detail previously, including the formation of formic acid or loss of hydrogen atoms, leading to a variety of Cu(I) complexes. The stoichiometric monovalent copper formate clusters Cu(I)_m(HCO₂)_m+1⁻, (m=1,2) decompose exclusively by decarboxylation, leading towards copper hydrides in oxidation state +I. Copper oxide centers are obtained via reactions of molecular oxygen with copper hydride centers, species containing carbon dioxide radical anions as ligands or a Cu(0) center. However, stoichiometric copper(I) and copper(II) formate Cu(I)(HCO₂)₂⁻ and Cu(II)(HCO₂)₃⁻, respectively, is unreactive towards oxygen.     

UV/Vis Spectroscopy of Copper Formate Clusters: Insight into Metal-Ligand Photochemistry

The electronic structure and photochemistry of copper formate clusters, Cu^I₂(HCO₂)₃⁻ and Cu^II_n(HCO₂)_2n+1⁻, n≤8, are investigated in the gas phase by using UV/Vis spectroscopy in combination with quantum chemical calculations. A clear difference in the spectra of clusters with Cu^I and Cu^II copper ions is observed. For the Cu^I species, transitions between copper d and s/p orbitals are recorded. For stoichiometric Cu^II formate clusters, the spectra are dominated by copper d–d transitions and charge-transfer excitations from formate to the vacant copper d orbital. Calculations reveal the existence of several energetically low-lying isomers, and the energetic position of the electronic transitions depends strongly on the specific isomer. The oxidation state of the copper centers governs the photochemistry. In Cu^II(HCO₂)₃⁻, fast internal conversion into the electronic ground state is observed, leading to statistical dissociation; for charge-transfer excitations, specific excited-state reaction channels are observed in addition, such as formyloxyl radical loss. In Cu^I₂(HCO₂)₃⁻, the system relaxes to a local minimum on an excited-state potential-energy surface and might undergo fluorescence or reach a conical intersection to the ground state; in both cases, this provides substantial energy for statistical decomposition. Alternatively, a Cu^II(HCO₂)₃Cu⁰⁻ biradical structure is formed in the excited state, which gives rise to the photochemical loss of a neutral copper atom.     

All-electron relativistic calculations on hydrogen atom adsorption onto small copper clusters

An all-electron scalar relativistic calculation on Cu _n H (n = 1–13) clusters has been performed by using density functional theory with the generalized gradient approximation at the PW91 level. Our results reveal that the hydrogen atom prefers to occupy the two fold coordination site for Cu _n H (n = 2, 4–6, 8, 10–13) clusters, the single fold coordination site for Cu _n H (n = 1, 3, 7) and the three fold coordination site for Cu₉H cluster. For all Cu _n H clusters, only the Cu₁₁ structure in Cu₁₁H is distorted obviously. After adsorption, the Cu–Cu bond is strengthened and the Cu–H bond of odd-numbered Cu _n H clusters is relatively stronger than that of adjacent even-numbered Cu _n H clusters. The Cu–Cu bond-length and Cu–H bond-length for all Cu _n H clusters of our work are significantly shorter than those of previous work. This discrepancy can be explained in terms of the scalar relativistic effect. The most favorable adsorption between small copper clusters and hydrogen atom takes place in the case that hydrogen atom is adsorbed onto an odd-numbered pure Cu _n cluster and becomes Cu _n H cluster with even number of valence electrons. The odd–even alteration of magnetic moments is observed in Cu _n H clusters and may provide the material with tunable code capacity of “0” and “1” by adsorbing a hydrogen atom onto odd- or even-numbered copper clusters.     

Density functional study of ethylene oxidation on an Ag(111) surface

The mechanism of ethylene epoxidation on Ag surfaces has been investigated using the density functional method and Ag _n clusters (n = 3 to 10) modeling the Ag(111) surface. The adsorption energy of O₂ to the Ag clusters was strongly dependent on the HOMO level of the cluster, and the clusters with higher HOMO levels afforded larger O₂ adsorption energies. The energetics was investigated for both the molecular and atomic oxygen epoxidation mechanisms. For the atomic oxygen mechanism, epoxidation was found to proceed without an activation energy, whereas a small amount of activation energy (about 5 kcal/mol) was calculated for the molecular oxygen mechanism. Received: 2 July 1998 / Accepted: 9 September 1998 / Published online: 8 February 1999     

Electronic structure of small copper clusters

An all-electron ab initio LCAO -MO SCF calculation has been carried out for the electronic structure of small copper clusters (Cu_n, n = 2–6). The basis set superposition error occurring in the calculation, the equilibrium configuration of Cu₃, the bond energy in the clusters, and the localized d-hole in excited and ionized states of Cu₂ are closely examined.     

Spectral characteristics of aqueous dispersions enriched in oxygen

The IR absorption and reflection spectra of aqueous dispersions consisting of (H₂O)_n, O₂(H₂O)_n, and (O₂)₂(H₂O)_n clusters (10 ≤ n ≤ 50) were calculated by the method of molecular dynamics using a flexible model of molecules. The frequency distribution of the power scattered by the cluster systems was obtained in the range 0 ≤ ω ≤ 3000 cm^?1. The capture of one oxygen molecule by the clusters is accompanied by a decrease in the absorption of the low-frequency IR radiation and by a peak of the absorption intensity in the vicinity of ω 2704 cm^?1. This is also accompanied by a decrease in the reflection coefficient throughout the frequency range and a decrease in the emission power at ω < 1030 and ω > 1700 cm^?1. Addition of two oxygen molecules to the clusters decreases the capability of the dispersions for the absorption, reflection, and scattering of IR radiation.     

Adsorption of carbon oxide on tetrahedral bimetallic gold–copper clusters

The interaction between carbon oxide and [Au_20–nCu_n]_q clusters (n = 0, 1, 19, 20 and q = 0, ±1) is studied by means of DFT/PBE in the scalar relativistic approximation. To establish the composition and structure of an adsorption site, isomers of bimetallic Au₁₉Cu and AuCu₁₉ particles with different positions of the heteroatom at an apex, edge, and face of the tetrahedral framework are considered. The optimized structures are used as the basis to determine the electronic properties of clusters (average bond energy per atom, difference of energies between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), ionization potential, electron affinity energy). The calculated parameters shrink as the copper content in clusters grows. Among the uncharged models, the highest CO adsorption energy is typical of Au₁₉Cu, the heteroatom of which lies at a cluster’s apex. The CO adsorption energy for cationic and anionic clusters grows in comparison to neutral clusters.     

Reaction mechanism of the preferential oxidation of the CO reaction in an H<Subscript>2</Subscript> stream over Cu–Ni bimetallic catalysts: A computational study

The preferential oxidation (PROX, CO + H₂ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O) of the CO reaction in an H₂ stream is the simplest and most cost-effective method to remove CO gas to less than 10 ppm in reformed fuel gas. We study the mechanism of PROX of the CO reaction in the H₂ stream catalyzed by Cu _n Ni (n = 3-12) clusters using a density functional theory (DFT) calculation to investigate bimetallic effects on the catalytic activation. Our results indicate that the Cu₁₂Ni cluster is the most efficient catalyst for H₂ dissociation and the Cu₆Ni cluster is the most efficient catalyst for CO-PROX in excess hydrogen among Cu _n Ni (n = 3-12) clusters. To gain insight into the adsorption and dissociation of the H₂ molecule effect in the catalytic activity over the Cu₁₂Ni cluster and the potential energy surfaces about PROX of CO oxidation on the Cu₆Ni cluster, the nature of the interaction between the adsorbate and substrate is analyzed by detailed electron local densities of states (LDOS) as well as molecular structures.     

Threshold photoionization behaviour of (Li2O)Lin clusters produced by a laser vaporization source

We report on the production of small and medium size lithium and lithium oxide clusters by a laser vaporization cluster source. The isotopomeric distribution of natural lithium allowed to identify Li_kO clusters as the most abundant components in the mass spectrum. Photoionization efficiency curves of Li_kO clusters with photon energies from 3.4 to 4.7 eV were measured for 8 ≤ k ≤ 27. Using linear extrapolation of the increase in photoionization efficiency with photon energy, ionization potentials were extracted. With the chemical bond of the O^2- anion to two Li atoms, leaving n = k-2 valence electrons in the (Li₂O)Li_n clusters, clear shell closure effects are present at n = 8 and n = 20.     

Phosphane Copper(I) Dicarboxylates: Synthesis and Their Potential Use as Precursors for the Spin‐coating Process in the Deposition of Copper

Dicopper dicarboxylates [(R₃P)_mCuXCu(PR₃)_m] ( 5a , X = O₂CCO₂, R = Ph, m = 2; 5b , X = O₂CCO₂, R = nBu, m = 3) were prepared by treatment of [Cu₂O] ( 1a ) with HO₂CCO₂H ( 2a ) in presence of PR₃ ( 4a , R = Ph; 4b , R = nBu). A further synthesis approach to mono‐ and dicopper dicarboxylates is given using an electrolysis cell equipped with Cu electrodes and charged with acids H₂X and phosphanes R₃P. Without addition of a base mononuclear [(nBu₃P)_mCuXH] ( 6a , m = 3, XH = O₂CCO₂H, 6b , m = 3, XH = O₂CCH₂CO₂H, 6c , m = 3, XH = O₂CCH₂CH₂CO₂H, 6d , m = 2, XH = O₂C‐2‐C₅H₄N‐6‐CO₂H) was formed, whereas in presence of NEt₃ ( 3 ), the dicopper systems [(R₃P)_mCuXCu(PR₃)_m] ( 5a , X = O₂CCO₂, R = Ph, m = 2; 5b , X = O₂CCO₂, R = nBu, m = 3; 5c , X = O₂CCH₂CO₂, R = nBu, m = 3; 5d , X = O₂CCH₂CH₂CO₂, R = nBu, m = 3; 5e , X = O₂C‐2‐C₅H₄N‐6‐CO₂, R = nBu, m = 3) were produced. When 6a reacted with [(tmeda)Zn(nBu)₂] ( 7 ), trimetallic [(tmeda)Zn((nBu₃P)₃CuO₂CCO₂)₂] ( 8 ) was accessible. In this heterobimetallic complex the Zn(tmeda) unit spans two CuO₂CCO₂ entities. The molecular structures of 5a , 6a and 6d in the solid state were determined by single X‐ray structure analysis. Complexes 5a and 6a are monomers, whereas 6d creates in the solid state a linear open chain coordination polymer by hydrogen bridge formation. Characteristic for 6d is the somewhat distorted trigonal bipyrimidal arrangement around the copper atom with the nBu₃P ligands in axial and the C₅H₃NCO₂H oxygen and nitrogen atoms in equatorial positions. In 5a the oxalate connectivity binds in a μ‐1,2,3,4 fashion being part of a planar Cu₂(oxalate) core. TG studies of several mono‐ and dicopper dicarboxylates were carried out. Release of the PR₃ ligands is recognized and the remaining Cu‐(di)carboxylate unit decomposes to afford elemental copper and CO₂. The deposition of copper onto pieces of PVD‐Cu oxidized silicon wafers by applying the spin‐coating process and using 5c and 5d as precursors is discussed.     

ESR and TPD Study of the Interaction of Nitromethane and Ammonia with HZSM-5 and CuZSM-5 Zeolites

The properties of complexes formed on HZSM-5 and CuZSM-5 zeolites in the course of ammonia and nitromethane adsorption are studied. Ammonia adsorbs on CuZSM-5 and forms two species, which decompose at different temperatures T _dec. One is due to the formation of the Cu²⁺(NH₃)₄ complex (T _dec = 450 K), and the other is assigned to ammonia adsorbed on copper(II) compounds, Cu²⁺O^– and Cu²⁺–O^2––Cu²⁺, or CuO clusters (T _dec = 650–750 K). Ammonia adsorption on Cu⁺ and Cu⁰ is negligible compared with that on the Brönsted acid sites and copper(II). Nitromethane adsorbed on HZSM-5 and CuZSM-5 at 400–500 K transforms into a series of products including ammonia. Ammonia also forms complexes with the Brönsted acid sites and copper(II) similar to those formed in the course of adsorption from the gas phase, but the Cu²⁺(NH₃)₄ complexes on CuZSM-5 are not observed. Possible structures of ammonia and nitromethane complexes on Brönsted acid sites and the Cu²⁺ cations in zeolite channels are discussed. The role of these complexes in selective NO _x reduction by hydrocarbons over the zeolites is considered in connection with their thermal stability.     

Density functional theory study of the adsorption of NO on CunX (n = 2–8; X = Cu,K) clusters

Density functional theory calculations are performed to analyze the structure and stability of Cu and Cu-K clusters with 3 to 9 atoms. The results indicate that the stability of the clusters decreases after doping with a K atom. With the increase of cluster size, the stability of the clusters shows odd-even alternation. Cu₈ and Cu₇K clusters exhibit the highest stability. Next, different adsorption sites are considered to investigate the geometry of Cu_nNO and Cu_n−1KNO clusters. By calculating the adsorption energy and the HOMO-LUMO energy gap, it is determined that both types of reactions are exothermic processes, indicating stable adsorption of NO. Notably, the Cu_nK clusters are more active (stronger adsorption) for NO than the Cu_n clusters. The most chemically active clusters among Cu_nNO and Cu_n−1KNO clusters are Cu₈NO and Cu₇KNO clusters. Finally, electron transfer and Mayer bond order analysis of Cu₈NO and Cu₇KNO clusters reveal that the N O bond order decreases due to electron transfer when Cu/Cu-K clusters adsorb NO. In this process, the N atom is the electron donor and the Cu atom is the electron acceptor. Fundamental insights obtained in this study can be useful in the design of Cu/Cu-K catalysts.     

Aggregation and Cooperative Effects in the Aldol Reactions of Lithium Enolates

Density functional theory and Car–Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations have been carried out for model aldol reactions involving aggregates of lithium enolates derived from acetaldehyde and acetone. Formaldehyde and acetone have been used as electrophiles. It is found that the geometries of the enolate aggregates are in general determined by the most favorable arrangements of the point charges within the respective Li_nO_n clusters. The reactivity of the enolates follows the sequence monomer?dimer>tetramer. In lithium aggregates, the initially formed aldol adducts must rearrange to form more stable structures in which the enolate and alkoxide oxygen atoms are within the respective Li_nO_n clusters. Positive cooperative effects, similar to allosteric effects found in several proteins, are found for the successive aldol reactions in aggregates. The corresponding transition structures show in general sofa geometries.     

Structural Interconversion of Bimetallic Carbonyl Clusters ­Induced by a NHC Ligand and Its Selectivity on Fragments

The reactions of IMes‐HCl with bimetallic iron‐copper clusters were investigated and it showed that interconversions among bimetallic Fe_xCu_y(CO)_z^n– clusters were induced by IMes‐HCl. The reaction priority of IMes‐HCl with fragments in Fe_xCu_y(CO)_z^n– was also investigated and the reaction behaviors of zero valent Fe(CO)₄ and divalent Fe(CO)₄ with IMes‐HCl were discussed.     

Cluster ions ejected from an Li-Mg alloy liquid metal ion source: Observation of MG 2 2+ and MG 3 2+

Ions ejected from a liquid metal ion source of an Li-Mg (10 atom %) alloy have been investigated by using a magnetic mass analyzer. In addition to singly charged homonuclear Li _n ⁺ (n ≤ 9) and Mg _n ⁺ (n ≤ 4) and heteronuclear Mg_mLi _n ⁺ (m, n ≤ 2) clusters, doubly charged diatomic and triatomic Mg clusters are observed. Discussion is focused on the observability and the formation mechanism of the doubly charged small Mg clusters. A postionization process is suggested for the formation of the doubly charged clusters.     

Evolution of the metallicity in the Li n H m clusters as a function of m: evidence for a segregation

The unimolecular decomposition of metal rich Li _n H _m ⁺ clusters (1 ≤ m ≤ 6, n ≤ 22 and (n ? m) > 3) is studied. The evaporative rates of the mixed clusters display features characteristic of metallic clusters. This confirms and extends to a larger size range the previous results obtained by photoionization and absorption cross section measurements. The evaporative rates are simulated by considering that there is a segregation between a metallic Li _n-m ⁺ part and an insulating (LiH)_m part in the mixed cluster.