Ab initio study on the kinetics and mechanisms of the formation of Agn (n = 2–6) clusters

The CCSD(T)/11e-RECP//MP2/11e-RECP method was used to explore the potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the formation of Ag_n (n = 2–6) clusters. Two kinds of reaction mechanisms were revealed in the formation of Ag_n clusters, the association mechanism for the formation of Ag₂, Ag₅, and Ag₆ clusters and the association–isomerization mechanism for the formation of Ag₃ and Ag₄ clusters. Based on the canonical transition state theory, the calculated rate constants of the formation of Ag_n clusters displayed an odd–even effect: the rate constants of formation of Ag_n clusters with odd number were larger than those with even number. The rate constant of formation of Ag₄ was the lowest, whereas that of Ag₅ was the highest among Ag_n (n = 2–6) clusters. The formation of Ag₄ was the most difficult step in the aggregation process of the silver clusters. The formation of Ag₄ may be related with the critical point in the silver aggregation process.