Geometries, Stabilities, and Growth Patterns of the Bimetal Mo2-doped Sin (n = 9−16) Clusters: A Density Functional Investigation

Making Sense of the Growth Behavior of Ultra-High Magnetic Gd2-Doped Silicon Clusters

The growth behavior, stability, electronic and magnetic properties of the Gd₂Si_n^- (n = 3-12) clusters are reported, which are investigated using density functional theory calculations combined with the Saunders 'Kick' and the Artificial Bee Colony algorithm. The lowest-lying structures of Gd₂Si_n^- (n = 3-12) are all exohedral structures with two Gd atoms face-capping the Si_n frameworks. Results show that the pentagonal bipyramid (PB) shape is the basic framework for the nascent growth process of the present clusters, and forming the PB structure begins with n = 5. The Gd₂Si₅^- is the potential magic cluster due to significantly higher average binding energies and second order difference energies, which can also be further verified by localized orbital locator and adaptive natural density partitioning methods. Moreover, the localized f-electron can be observed by natural atomic orbital analysis, implying that these electrons are not affected by the pure silicon atoms and scarcely participate in bonding. Hence, the implantation of these elements into a silicon substrate could present a potential alternative strategy for designing and synthesizing rare earth magnetic silicon-based materials.

Evolution of Vibrational Spectra in the Manganese-Silicon Clusters Mn2Sin, n = 10, 12, and 13, and Cationic [Mn2Si13]. J Phys Chem A 2022;126:1617-1626. [PMID: 35238570 PMCID: PMC9084549 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpca.1c10027]

A comparison of DFT-computed and measured infrared spectra reveals the ground state structures of a series of gas-phase silicon clusters containing a common Mn₂ unit. Mn₂Si₁₂ and [Mn₂Si₁₃]⁺ are both axially symmetric, allowing for a clean separation of the vibrational modes into parallel (a₁) and perpendicular (e₁) components. Information about the Mn–Mn and Mn–Si bonding can be extracted by tracing the evolution of these modes as the cluster increases in size. In [Mn₂Si₁₃]⁺, where the antiprismatic core is capped on both hexagonal faces, a relatively simple spectrum emerges that reflects a pseudo-D_6d geometry. In cases where the cluster is more polar, either because there is no capping atom in the lower face (Mn₂Si₁₂) or the capping atom is present but displaced off the principal axis (Mn₂Si₁₃), the spectra include additional features derived from vibrational modes that are forbidden in the parent antiprism.

Structural and Electronic Properties of LaSin-/0 (n = 2-6) Clusters: Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Density Functional Calculations

The structures and electronic properties of LaSi_n^- (n = 2-6) anions and their neutral counterparts were investigated by anion photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The vertical detachment energies of the most stable structures of LaSi_n^- (n = 2-6) were measured to be 1.28, 1.58, 2.30, 2.05, and 2.91 eV, respectively. The lowest-energy isomer of LaSi₂^- is an isosceles triangle with a C_2v symmetry. For LaSi_3-6^- clusters, the most stable isomers are polyhedrons with La atom face-capping the Si_n frameworks. The lowest-energy structures of neutral LaSi_2,4,5 clusters are similar to their anionic counterparts. The most stable isomer of neutral LaSi₃ is a planar structure with C_2v symmetry, which is different from the triangular pyramid structure of LaSi₃^- anion. The lowest-energy isomer of LaSi₆^- is a C_5v symmetric pentagonal bipyramid structure, while for neutral LaSi₆ cluster, the C_5v structure is not the most stable one. The natural population analysis showed that there is electron transfer from La atoms to Si atoms in LaSi_n^-/0 (n = 2-6). The ZZ tensor component in isochemical shielding surfaces and the anisotropy of the induced current density analyses indicate that the most stable isomer of LaSi₆^- has aromaticity.

Open Shells in Endohedral Clusters: Structure and Bonding in the [Fe2@Ge16]4- Anion and Comparison to Isostructural [Co2@Ge16]4

The anionic cluster [Fe₂@Ge₁₆]^4- has been characterized and shown to be isostructural to the known D_2h-symmetric α isomer of the cobalt analogue [Co₂@Ge₁₆]^4-. Together with the known pair of compounds [Co@Ge₁₀]^3- and [Fe@Ge₁₀]^3-, the title compound completes a set of four closely related germanium clusters that allow us to explore how the metal-metal and metal-cage interactions evolve as a function of size and of the identity of the metal. The results of spin-unrestricted density functional theory (DFT) and multiconfigurational self-consistent field (MC-SCF) calculations present a consistent picture of the electronic structure where transfer of electron density from the metal to the cage is significant, particularly in the Fe clusters where the exchange stabilization of unpaired spin density is an important driving force.

Structural evolution and electronic properties of CoSin− (n = 3–12) clusters: mass-selected anion photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations

Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations show that CoSi₁₀⁻ has the highest vertical detachment energy among all the CoSi_n⁻ (n = 3–12) clusters, implying CoSi₁₀⁻ has special stability.

Structural evolution and magnetic properties of anionic clusters Cr2Ge n (n = 3-14): photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory computation

The structural, electronic and magnetic properties of dual Cr atoms doped germanium anionic clusters, [Formula: see text] (n  =  3-14), have been investigated by using photoelectron spectroscopy in combination with density-functional theory calculations. The low-lying structures of [Formula: see text] are determined by DFT based genetic algorithm optimization. For [Formula: see text] with n  ⩽  8, the structures are bipyramid-based geometries, while [Formula: see text] cluster has an opening cage-like structure, and the half-encapsulated structure is gradually covered by the additional Ge atoms to form closed-cage configuration with one Cr atom interior for n  =  10 to 14. Meanwhile, the two Cr atoms in [Formula: see text] clusters tend to form a Cr-Cr bond rather than be separated. Interestingly, the magnetic moment of all the anionic clusters considered is 1 μ _B. Almost all clusters exhibit antiferromagnetic Cr-Cr coupling, except for two clusters, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. To our knowledge, the [Formula: see text] cluster is the first kind of transition-metal doped semiconductor clusters that exhibit relatively stable antiferromagnetism within a wide size range. The experimental/theoretical results suggest high potential to modify the magnetic behavior of semiconductor clusters through introducing different transition-metal dopant atoms.

Mechanistic Study on Water Splitting Reactions by Small Silicon Clusters Si3X, X = Si, Be, Mg, Ca

Interaction, dissociation, and dehydrogenation reactions of water monomer and dimer with pure and mixed tetrameric silicon clusters Si₃X with X = Si, Be, Mg, Ca were investigated using high accuracy quantum chemical calculations. While geometries were optimized using the DFT/B3LYP functional with the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set, reaction energy profiles were constructed making use of the coupled-cluster theory with extrapolation to complete basis set, CCSD(T)/CBS. Cleavage of the O-H bond in water dimer is found to be more favored than that of water monomer in the reaction with Si₄. The water acceptor monomer in water dimer performs as an internal catalyst facilitating H atom transfer to form H₂. Adsorption of water dimer on Si₃X clusters mostly takes place upon interaction of the donor water molecule with Si cluster. Water dimer adsorbs more strongly on Si₃M than on Si₄. The most stable complexes obtained upon interaction of water dimer with Si₃M mainly arise from M-O interaction in preference over a Si-O connection. Substitution of a Si atom in Si₄ by an earth alkaline metal induces a substantial reduction of the energy barrier for the (rate-limiting) first O-H bond cleavage of water dimer. The most remarkable achievement upon doping is a disappearance of the overall energy barrier for the initial O-H bond cleavage in water dimer. Of the three binary Si₃M clusters considered, dehydrogenation of water dimer driven by Si₃Be is the most kinetically and thermodynamically favorable pathway. In comparison to another cluster such as Al₆ and nanoparticles Ru₅₅, energy barriers for water dimer dissociation on Si₃M are much lower. The mixed clusters Si₃M turn out to be as efficient alternative reagents for O-H dissociation and hydrogen production from water dimer. This study proposes further searches for other mixed silicon clusters as realistic gas phase reagents for crucial dehydrogenation processes in such a way they can be prepared and conducted in experiment.

Comparative Study of Methanol Activation by Different Small Mixed Silicon Clusters Si2M with M = H, Li, Na, Cu, and Ag

High-accuracy quantum chemical calculations were carried out to study the mechanisms and catalytic abilities of various mixed silicon species Si2M with M = H, Li, Na, Cu, and Ag toward the first step of methanol activation reaction. Standard heats of formation of these small triatomic Si clusters were determined. Potential-energy profiles were constructed using the coupled-cluster theory with extrapolation to complete basis set CCSD(T)/CBS, and CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ-PP for Si2Cu and Si2Ag. The most stable complexes generated by the interaction of methanol with the mixed clusters Si2M possess low-spin states and mainly stem from an M-O connection in preference to Si-O interaction, except for the Si2H case. In two competitive pathways including O-H and C-H bond breakings, the cleavage of the O-H bond in the presence of all clusters studied becomes predominant. Of the mixed clusters Si2M considered, the dissociation pathways of both O-H and C-H bonds with Si2Li turns out to have the lowest energy barriers. The most remarkable finding is the absence of the overall energy barrier for the O-H cleavage with the assistance of Si2Li. The breaking of O-H and C-H bonds with the assistance of Si2H, Si2Li, and Si2Na is kinetically preferred with respect to the Si2Cu and Si2Ag cases, apart from the case of Si2Na for O-H cleavage. In comparison with other transition-metal clusters with the same size, such as Cu3, Pt3, and PtAu2, the energy barriers for the O-H bond activation in the presence of small Si species, especially Si2H and Si2Li, are found to be lower. Consequently, these small mixed silicon clusters can be regarded as promising alternatives for the expensive metal-based catalysts currently used for methanol activation particularly and other dehydrogenation processes of organic compounds. The present study also suggests a further extensive search for other doped silicon clusters as efficient and more realistic gas-phase catalysts for important dehydrogenation processes in such a way that they can be experimentally prepared and implemented.

4d and 5d bimetal doped tubular silicon clusters Si12M2 with M = Nb, Ta, Mo and W: a bimetallic configuration model

M₂Si₁₂ clusters are found in a bimetallic tubular structure where one metal atom is located in the central region of a (6/6) tube, and the other is capped outside to a hexagonal face. A bimetallic configuration containing 11 MOs, partially or fully occupied by up to 22 electrons, was established to interpret their stability.

Structural assignment, and electronic and magnetic properties of lanthanide metal doped silicon heptamers Si7M0/− with M = Pr, Gd and Ho

The ground state geometries of neutral and anionic lanthanide-metal-doped silicon clusters Si₇M^0/− with M = Pr, Gd and Ho were determined by quantum chemical (DFT) computations and the previous experimental photoelectron spectra were assigned.

Structures, Stabilities, and Electronic Properties of Small-Sized Zr2Si n (n=1–11) Clusters: A Density Functional Study

Ab initio methods based on density functional theory at B3LYP level have been applied in investigating the equilibrium geometries, growth patterns, relative stabilities, and electronic properties of Zr2-doped Si n clusters. The optimisation results shown that the lowest-energy configurations for Zr2Si n clusters do not keep the corresponding silicon framework unchanged, which reflects that the doped Zr atoms dramatically affect the most stable structures of the Si n clusters. By analysing the relative stabilities, it is found that the doping of zirconium atoms reduces the chemical stabilities of silicon host. The Zr2Si4 and Zr2Si7 clusters are the magic numbers. The natural population and natural electronic configuration analyses indicated that the Zr atoms possess positive charge for n=1–6 and negative charge for n=7–11. In addition, the chemical hardness, chemical potential, infrared, and Raman spectra are also discussed.

Mn2@Si15: the smallest triple ring tubular silicon cluster

The smallest triple ring tubular silicon cluster Mn₂@Si₁₅ is reported for the first time.

Transition metal Mo-doped boron clusters: A computational investigation

Geometries associated with relative stabilities and energy gaps of the Mo -doped boron clusters have been investigated systematically by using density functional theory. The critical size of Mo -encapsulated B n structures emerges as n = 10, the evaluated relative stabilities in term of the calculated fragmentation energies reveal that the MoB 6 has enhanced stabilities over their neighboring clusters. Furthermore, the calculated polarities of the MoB n reveal that the hypercoordinated planar MoB 10 wheel is a weakened polar molecule and MoB 11 ring is a nonpolar molecule, and aromatic properties are discussed. Additionally, the MoB 10 cluster with smaller highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) gap is supposed to be stronger chemical activity and smaller chemical hardness. Moreover, the recorded natural populations show that the charges transfer from boron framework to Mo atom. It should be pointed out that the remarkable charge-transfer features of MoB n clusters are distinctly similar to those of transitional metal (TM)-doped Si n clusters; growth-pattern of the TMBn depends on the doped TM impurity.

Geometries, stabilities and electronic properties of beryllium-silicon Be₂Si(n) clusters

The equilibrium geometries, growth patterns, stabilities, and electronic properties of bimetallic Be₂Si(n) (n = 1-11) clusters are systematically investigated at the B3LYP/6-311G(d) level of theory. Harmonic vibrational analysis has been performed to assure that the optimized geometries are stable. The optimized results suggest that the three-dimensional structures are observed for the most stable isomers of Be₂Si(n) clusters when n > 2. The calculated vertical ionization potential for the lowest-energy isomers are comparable to the experimental values of Si(n+2). According to the averaged binding energy, fragmentation energy, second-order energy difference and HOMO-LUMO gaps calculations, we identify that the Be₂Si₂ and Be₂Si₅ clusters are more stable, and Be atoms doping enhance the chemical reactivity of the Si n host. The natural population and natural electron configuration analyses indicate that the Be atoms possess positive charge at n = 1-5 but negative charge at n = 6-11. The chemical hardness of Be₂Si(n) clusters show three local maxima at n = 2, 5, and 9, whereas three local minima are found for the corresponding chemical potential, meaning these clusters are more stable than their neighboring cluster sizes.

Actinide elements and germanium: a first-principles density functional theory investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of ApGe (Ap = Ac–Lr) diatoms

The geometry and electronic and magnetic properties of ApGe (Ap = Ac–Lr) diatoms have been studied using first-principles density functional theory, with relativistic effects being taken into account.

Geometries and stabilities of the carbon clusters with the rhodium impurity: a computational investigation

A density functional study of the RhCn(n = 1-6) clusters with different spin states has been carried out systematically by using the B3LYP/Lan2DZ method. The equilibrium geometries associated with total energies and natural populations of RhCn (n = 1-6) clusters are calculated and presented. Stabilities and electronic properties are discussed in detail. The relative stabilities in term of the calculated fragmentation energies show that the lowest-energy RhCn clusters with rhodium atom being located at terminal of carbon chain are the linear geometries and the ground states of the RhCn clusters alternate between doublet (for n-odd members) and quartet (for n-even members) states. Furthermore, the calculated fragmentation energies of the RhCn show strong even-odd alternations: the RhCn clusters with an odd number of carbon atoms are more stable than those with an even number ones. In addition, we comment on the charge transfer and chemical bonding properties within the clusters.