First principle study of magnetic and electronic properties of single X (X = Al,Si) atom added to small carbon clusters (C<Subscript> <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> </Subscript>X, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 2–10)

In this paper, the magnetic and electronic properties of single aluminum and silicon atom added to small carbon clusters (C_nX; X = Al, Si; n = 2–10) are studied in the framework of generalized-gradient approximation using density functional theory. The calculations were performed for linear, two dimensional and three dimensional clusters based on full-potential local-orbital (FPLO) method. The total energies, HOMO–LUMO energy gap and total magnetic moments of the most stable structures are presented in this work. The calculations show that C_nSi clusters have more stability compared to C_nAl clusters. In addition, our magnetic calculations were shown that the C_nAl isomers are magnetic objects whereas C_nSi clusters are nonmagnetic objects.     

Computational Studies on the Mo-Doped Gold Nanoclusters Au<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>Mo(<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–10): Structures,Stabilities and Magnetic Properties

The geometric structures, relative stabilities, magnetic properties of Mo-doped gold clusters Au _n Mo(n = 1–10) have been investigated at the PBE1PBE/def2TZVP level of theory. The results show that molybdenum doping has a significant effect on the geometric structures and electronic properties of Au _n Mo(n = 1–10) clusters. For the lowest energy structures of Au _n Mo(n = 1–10), the two dimensional to three dimensional transition occurs at cluster size n ≥ 8, and their relative stabilities exhibit odd–even oscillation with the change of Au atom number. It is found that charge in corresponding Au _n Mo clusters transfers from Mo atom to Au _n host in the size range n = 1–7, whereas the charge in opposition direction in the size range n = 8–10. In addition, the magnetic properties of Au _n Mo clusters are enhanced after doping single Mo atom into the corresponding gold clusters. Our results are valuable for the design of magnetic material.     

Electronic Structure and Relative Stabilities of 10- and 12-Vertex. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Closo</Emphasis>and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nido</Emphasis>-Heteroborane Clusters of Ga,Ge, and As Elements

A DFT method with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311++G(d,p) diffuse basis set is used to predict geometries, relative stabilities, electronic structures, and the bonding of closo- and nido-Ga_mB_n–mH _n ^2? , Ge_mB_n–mH _n ^m?2 , and As_mB_n–mH _n ^{2 m?2} (n = 10, 12 and m = 1, 2) Clusters are obtained by replacing BH with isolobal GaH, GeH⁺, and AsH²⁺ fragments, keeping the same skeleton electron pairs (SEP). Based on the polyhedral skeletal electron pairs theory (PSEPT), closo and nido structures are predicted and can be of significant interest for experimentalists working in the field of heteroboranes. Different cluster stabilities are studied according to Gimarc′s and Williams′ rules, where our calculations show that the monosubstituted clusters deviate from these rules, giving rise to open structures. As₂B₈H _n ²⁺ as 10-vertex structures lead to nido-type clusters, however, Ge_mB_n–mH _n ^m?2 (n = 10, 12 and m = 1, 2) give rise to closo isomers with close energies. All optimized structures exhibit large HOMO–LUMO gaps suggesting a good kinetic stability, thus predicting their isolation and characterization.     

Trends in Geometric,Energetic, Electronic,and Magnetic Properties of Vanadium–Copper Clusters Cu<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>V with <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–12: Density Functional Calculations

A systematic quantum chemical investigation on the geometric, energetic, electronic and magnetic properties of vanadium-copper nanoalloy clusters (n = 1–12) is performed by using BPW91/LanL2DZ calculations. The calculated results show that the structural evolution of Cu _n V clusters favors a compact and icosahedral growth pattern and V atom favors occupying the most highly coordinated position. Energetic properties show that doping of one V atom contributes to strengthening the stability of the copper clusters with the growth of the clusters. The stacking mode of clusters apparently has a more important effect on the clusters stability than the electronic structure. However, electronic structures have some contribution to the stability of Cu _n V clusters as well. The electronic properties of Cu _n V are analyzed through vertical ionization potential (VIP), vertical electron affinity (VEA) and chemical hardness (η). The magnetism calculations show that when doping V atom in copper clusters, the cluster system generate a very large magnetic moment and its contribution mainly comes from the 3d orbital of doping-V atom.     

A Systematic Search for Structures and Stabilities of Asymmetric Clusters (HfInN<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1-6)

In order to find single source precursors (SSP), the structures, relative stabilities, and IR spectra of small asymmetric clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 1–6) are systematically investigated by means of the density functional theory at the B3LYP level. The obtained geometries show that the frameworks of clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 2–6) prefer to be 2n-membered ring with alternating indium and α-nitrogen atoms. The averaged binding energies reveal that all of asymmetric clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 1–6) can continue to gain energy as the cluster size n increasing. The second-order difference of energy (Δ₂E) and the HOMO-LUMO energy gap (E_gap) as a function of the cluster size n both exhibit a pronounced even-odd alternation phenomenon. The influences of cluster size n and temperature T on the thermodynamic properties of clusters are discussed. Judged by enthalpies and Gibbs free energies, the formations of the most stable clusters (HFInN₃) _n (n = 2–6) from the monomer are thermodynamically favorable in the range of 200–800 K.     

Geometries,stabilities, electronic and magnetic properties of small aluminum cluster anions doped with cobalt: A density functional theory study

The geometrical structures, relative electronic and magnetic properties of small Al_nCo^– (1 ≤ n ≤ 9) clusters are systematically investigated within the framework of density functional theory at the BPW91 level. The single Co doping can dramatically affect the ground state geometries of the 1 Al_n+1^- clusters. At the same time, the resulting geometries show that the lowest energy Al_nCo^– clusters prefer to be three dimensional structures. Here, the relative stabilities are investigated in terms of the calculated average binding energies, fragmentation energies, and second-order energy differences. Moreover, the result of the highest occupiedlowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gaps indicates that Al₆Co^– clusters have the highest chemical stability for Al_nCo^– (1 ≤ n ≤ 9) clusters. Furthermore, the natural population analysis reveals that the charges in Al_nCo^– clusters transfer from the Al frames to the Co atom. Additionally, the analyses of the local and total magnetic moments of the Al_nCo^– clusters show that the magnetic effect mainly comes from the Co atom.     

Theoretical investigation on the geometries and electronic properties of cesium–silicon CsSi<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 2–12) clusters

The structures, relative stabilities, and electronic properties of pure Si _n and Cs-doped silicon clusters (n = 2–12) are systematically investigated using the density functional theory at the B3LYP level. The optimized structures indicated that the lowest-energy structures of CsSi _n are similar to those of pure Si _n clusters and prefer the 3-dimensional configuration for n = 3–12. The relative stabilities of CsSi _n clusters are analyzed based on the averaged binding energy, fragmentation energy, second-order energy difference, and HOMO–LUMO energy gap. It is found that CsSi₆ and CsSi₉ are the magic clusters, and the doping of Cs atom reduces the chemical stabilities of Si _n frame. The Mulliken population analysis pointed out that the charges in the corresponding CsSi _n clusters always transfer from Cs atom to Si _n host in the range of 0.80–0.91 electron. In addition, the partial density of states, infrared, and Raman spectra is discussed.     

DFT study of small aluminum and boron hydrides: isomeric composition and physical properties

The structure, energetics, and physical properties, including rotational constants, characteristic vibrational temperatures, dipole moment, static polarizability, HOMO-LUMO gap, formation enthalpy and collision diameter of different isomeric forms of atomic Al _n H _m and B _n H _m clusters with n = 1..4 and all feasible m numbers are studied within the density functional theory framework. The search of isomer structures has been accomplished using multistep hierarchical algorithm. Temperature dependences of thermodynamic functions (enthalpy, entropy and specific heat capacity) have been calculated both for the individual isomers and for the ensemble of isomers with equilibrium composition for each class of clusters, taking into account the anharmonicity of cluster vibrations and the contribution of excited electronic states. The prospects of the application of small atomic Al _n H _m and B _n H _m clusters as the components of energetic and hydrogen storage materials are also discussed.     

Spatial Structure,Electron Energy Spectrum,and Growth of HfSi<Stack><Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> Clusters (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 6–20)

The optimized spatial structure and calculated electronic spectra of anionic clusters HfSi _n ^? (n = 6–20) are presented. The calculations have been performed by the density functional theory method. By comparing the calculated and available experimental data, the spatial structures of the clusters detected in the experiment have been determined. It has been established that the formation of endohedral structures begins with n = 12, when a stable structure of a prism encapsulating a hafnium atom is formed. Clusters with n = 12 and 16 have increased stability and are basic for the construction of clusters with a close number of silicon atoms.     

Matrix Assisted and/or Laser Desorption Ionization Quadrupole Ion Trap Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry of WO<Subscript>3</Subscript> Clusters Formation in Gas Phase. Nanodiamonds,Fullerene, and Graphene Oxide Matrices

The formation of W _x O _y ^+●/-● clusters in the gas phase was studied by laser desorption ionization (LDI) and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) of solid WO₃. LDI produced (WO₃) _n ^{+ ●/- ●} (n = 1-7) clusters. In MALDI, when using nano-diamonds (NDs), graphene oxide (GO), or fullerene (C₆₀) matrices, higher mass clusters were generated. In addition to (WO₃) _n ^-● clusters, oxygen-rich or -deficient species were found in both LDI and MALDI (with the total number of clusters exceeding one hundred ≈ 137). This is the first time that such matrices have been used for the generation of(WO₃) _n ^+●/-● clusters in the gas phase, while new high mass clusters (WO₃) _n ^-● (n = 12-19) were also detected.

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Graphical Abstract

     

Theoretical studies of the structures and properties of (Br<Subscript>2</Subscript>InN<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–6) clusters

In an attempt to find single-source precursors, a series of small clusters of inorganic azides of indium (Br₂InN₃) _n (n = 1–6) were studied using the dispersion correction density functional theory (wB97XD). The obtained (Br₂InN₃) _n (n = 2–6) clusters have the core structures of 2n-membered ring with alternating indium and α-nitrogen atoms. The influences of cluster size (oligomerization degree n) on the structures, energies, IR spectra, and thermodynamic properties of clusters were discussed. The computed binding energies indicate the stability: 3A > 3B, 4B > 4C > 4A > 4D, 5E > 5D > 5B = 5C > 5A and 6I > 6C > 6D > 6G ≥ 6H > 6F > 6E > 6B > 6A. It is also found that (Br₂InN₃)₂ and (Br₂InN₃)₄ clusters possess higher stability than their neighbor sizes judged by the calculated second-order difference of energies (Δ₂ E). Meanwhile, thermodynamic properties for (Br₂InN₃) _n (n = 1–6) clusters increase with the increasing temperature and oligomerization degree n, and the oligomerizations are thermodynamically favorable at temperatures up to 800 K.     

Probing Structure,Thermochemistry, Electron Affinity and Magnetic Moment of Erbium-Doped Silicon Clusters ErSi<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 3–10) and Their Anions with Density Functional Theory

The lowest energy structures and electronic properties of ErSi _n (n = 3–10) and their anions were probed using the ABCluster global search technique combined with the PBE, TPSSh and B3LYP schemes. The lowest energy energies of neutral ErSi _n (n = 3–10) can be regarded as substituting a Si atom of the lowest energy structure of Si_n+1 with a Er atom. The additional electron effects on the geometries are very strong, resulting the lowest energy structures of ErSi _n ^? with n > 6 are different from their neutral counterparts. Starting from n = 7, the potential energy surfaces of ErSi _n ^? are very flat, resulting isomeric arrangements occur and functional dependence of the predicted most stable structures exist. The AEAs, VDEs and simulated PES of ErSi _n (n = 3–10) are reported. Introducing Er to Si cluster can significantly improve photochemical reactivity of the cluster. The 4f electron of Er atom in ErSi₄, ErSi _n ^? (n = 4, 7–10) prefers to take part in bonding. The total magnetic moments of ErSi _n and their anions are mainly provided by the 4f electrons of Er atom. The dissociation energies of Er from ErSi _n and their anions were evaluated to inspect relative stability.     

Study on the Geometric and Electronic Structures of Al<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript>Si<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis></Subscript> (n = 3, 4, 5; m = 1, 2, 3, 4) Clusters

Genetic algorithm combined with the semi-empirical Hamitonian AM1/PM3 is used to search the low energy isomers of Al _n Si _m (n = 3, 5, m ≤ 3 and n = 4, m ≤ 4) and the charged clusters with 20 and 28 valence electrons. The candidate structures were optimized by the density functional theory PBE0 and B3LYP models with the triply split basis sets including polarization functions. The electronic structures show that Al–Si binary clusters behave like metal clusters. The molecular orbitals accord with that predicted by the jellium model, and the electron localization function shows the valence electrons are delocalized over the entire clusters. The clusters having 20 and 28 valence electrons exhibit pronounced stabilities and large energy gaps. The 20 valence electrons of Al₄Si₂ and Al₃Si₃ ⁺, Al₅Si^? form closed shells 1S ²1P ⁶2S ²1D ¹⁰. Al₄Si₄ and Al₅Si₃ ^? have oblate structures and the P, D, F levels spilt considerably in these clusters. The electron density distributions suggest that doping silicon in the aluminum clusters enhances the stability considerably.     

Study on the Mixed ZnO Clusters and Ring-Like ZnO Ions

The pure Zn_m (m?=?2–10), mixed Zn_mO_m (m?=?1–10), Zn_mO_10??m (m?=?1–9) clusters and the univalent and divalent ring-like Zn_mO_m (m?=?2–10) cluster ions are systematically investigated by using Amsterdam density functional (ADF) program with Triple-zeta with two polarization functions basis set in conjunction with self-consistent field. Our calculated results show that the Zn₄ and Zn₇ clusters are the magic clusters. The structures of the Zn_mO_m (m?=?1–10) clusters evolve from two-dimension to three-dimension after m?=?8. For the Zn_mO_10??m (m?=?1–9) clusters, the Zn-rich structures evolve gradually from three-dimension to plane with an increase in the O ratios. The Zn₅O₅ cluster with equal ratio has a two dimensional structure. In the O-rich clusters, the O dimers can be easily detached from them. The O and Zn atoms partly adopt sp² and sp hybridization, respectively, in the ring-like Zn_mO_m (m?=?2–10) clusters and their ions. Gain and loss charge would affect the degree of hybridization and change their geometries. Their structural changes can be explained by valence bond theory.     

Search for the structures,stabilities, IR spectra,and thermodynamic properties of the asymmetric clusters (HClBN<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript> <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> </Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 1–6)

The density functional theory (DFT) method has been employed to systematically investigate the geometrical structures, stabilities, IR spectrum and thermodynamic properties of small asymmetric clusters (HClBN₃)_n (n = 1–6). When n ≥ 2, the optimized results suggest that the (BN_α)_2n cyclic structures with alternating boron and α-nitrogen atoms are observed in clusters. The influences of cluster size on the structures of clusters were discussed. The second-order difference in energies show that the (HClBN₃)₃ isomer is the most stable among the asymmetric clusters (HClBN₃)_n. Four main characteristic regions are obtained and assigned for the calculated IR spectra. A study of their thermodynamic properties suggests that monomer 1 forms clusters (2–6) thermodynamically favorable by the enthalpies at 298.2 K.     

Structural Evolution and Superatoms in Molybdenum Atom Stabilized Boron Clusters: MoB<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n </Emphasis>= 10–24)

Doping transition metal atom is known as an effective approach to stabilize an atomic cluster and modify its structure and electronic properties. We herein report the effect of molybdenum doping on the structural evolution of medium-sized boron clusters. The lowest-energy structures of MoB_n (n?=?10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) clusters are globally searched using genetic algorithm combined with density functional theory calculations. We found that Mo doping has significantly affected the grow behaviors of B_n clusters, leading to a structural evolution from bowl-like to tubular and finally endohedral cage. The size-dependent binding energy, HOMO–LUMO gap, vertical ionization potential and vertical electron affinity show that MoB₁₂, MoB₂₂ and MoB₂₄ clusters have relatively higher stability and enhanced chemical inertness. More interestingly, the endohedral MoB₂₂ cage is identified as an elegant superatom, which satisfies 18-electron closed shell configuration well.     

Mass Spectrometric Detection of Charged Silver Nanoclusters with Hydrogen Inclusions Formed by the Reduction of AgNO<Subscript>3</Subscript> in Ethylene Glycol

In the problem of the production silver nanoparticles, mass spectrometry allows one to identify nanoclusters as nuclei or intermediates in the synthesis of nanoparticles and to understand the mechanisms of their formation. Using low-temperature secondary emission mass spectrometry, we determined the cluster composition of a system formed in the microwave treatment of a solution of AgNO₃ in ethylene glycol (M). Along with silver ion–ethylene glycol associates М _m ? Ag⁺ (m = 1–5) and small silver clusters AgM _n ⁺ (n = 1–9), unusual silver clusters with one hydrogen atom [Ag _n H]⁺ (n = 2, 4) were observed. Possible pathways for the formation of silver nanoparticles taking into account hydrogen-containing cluster intermediates are discussed.     

Synthesis,characterization, antimicrobial activity and ultrastructure of the affected bacteria of new quinoline compounds

The reaction on 8-hydroxy quinoline-7-aldehyde azo compounds (HL _n ) (where n = 1–5) with 4-amino-1,2-dihydro-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-one to obtain HL _n (where n = 6–10) have been characterized by means of TLC, melting point and spectral data, such as IR, ¹H NMR, mass spectra and thermal studies. The X-ray diffraction patterns of two starting materials 8-hydroxy quinoline-7-aldehyde (start 1), 4-amino-1,2-dihydro-2,3-dimethyl-1-phenylpyrazol-5-one (start 2) and the ligands (HL_5,10) are investigated in powder form. All the ligands have been screened for their antimicrobial activity against four local bacterial species, two Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) as well as against four local fungi; Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Penicillium italicum and Fusarium oxysporium. The results show that the azo ligands (HL _n ) (where n = 1–5) have no antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi while most azomethine ligands (HL _n ) (where n = 6–10) are good antibacterial agents against E. coli and K. pneumoniae as well as antifungal agents against P. italicum and A. alternata. The results were compared to standard substances (start 1) and (start 2). Among the azomethine ligands, HL₁₀ was the most effective against the most microorganisms tested. The size of clear zone was ordered as p-(OCH₃ < CH₃ < H < Cl < NO₂) as expected from Hammett’s constant (σ ^R ). Also, the ultrastructure study of the affected bacteria confirmed that HL₈ is good antibacterial agent against E. coli and S. aureus.     

Phase Diagrams of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Decane–<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Hexadecane–Cyclododecane, <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Decane–Cyclododecane,and <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-Hexadecane–Cyclododecane Systems

The n-decane–n-hexadecane–cyclododecane, n-decane–cyclododecane, and n-hexadecane–cyclododecane systems are studied by means of low-temperature differential thermal analysis using a differential scanning heat flow calorimeter. It is noted that all studied systems belong to the eutectic type. It is concluded that in the n-decane–n-hexadecane–cyclododecane system, the eutectic composition contains 85.0 wt % n-С₁₀Н₂₂, 4.0 wt % n-С₁₆Н₃₄, and 11.0 wt % С₁₂Н₂₄. It has a melting point of ?35.0°C.