Electronic and geometric structures of Co2Cn− and V2Cn−: Initial growth mechanisms of late and early 3d transition-metal carbide clusters

Stability of the V and Co atomic wires: a first-principles study

We employ density-functional theory calculations plus pseudopotentials with the projector-augmented wave method to investigate the structural stability and electromagnetic characteristics of two infinite atomic wires made of vanadium (V) and cobalt (Co). We identify five stable V atomic wires and four stable Co atomic wires. The H structure of the V atomic wire shows semiconductor characteristics, and the other four structures show metallic properties. None of the V chains has magnetism. On the other hand, the four stable Co atomic wires have metal properties. The dimerized Co atomic chain is shown to be ferromagnetic with a maximum spin magnetic moment.

We employ DFT calculations with the PAW method to investigate the structural stability and electromagnetic characteristics of two infinite atomic wires made of vanadium (V) and cobalt (Co).

Adsorption of C2H radical on cobalt clusters: anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations

We investigated the adsorption of C(2)H radical on small cobalt clusters by mass spectrometry and by measuring the photoelectron spectra of Co(n)C(2)H(-) (n = 1-5) cluster anions. The most stable structures of Co(n)C(2)H(-) (n = 1-5) and their neutrals were determined by comparing the experimental results with theoretical calculations. Our studies show that C(2)H radical still maintains its integrity as a structural unit in Co(n)C(2)H(-) clusters, rather than being divided by Co(n) clusters. The most stable isomers of Co(1-2)C(2)H(-) clusters are linear with the C(2)H interacting with only one Co atom, while those of Co(3-5)C(2)H(-) cluster anions are quasi-planar structures with the carbon-carbon bonds bending slightly toward the Co(3-5) clusters. The carbon-carbon bond of C(2)H is lengthened more in Co(3-5)C(2)H(-) clusters than in Co(1-2)C(2)H(-).

Fourier transform infrared observation of the nu3(sigmau) vibration of NiC3Ni in solid Ar

The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of linear NiC(3)Ni was observed by trapping the vapor produced from the dual ablation of nickel and carbon rods with Nd:YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers in solid Ar at approximately 10 K. Measurements of (13)C isotopic shifts have enabled the identification of the nu(3)(sigma(u)) vibrational fundamental at 1950.8+/-0.2 cm(-1), an asymmetric carbon stretching mode. Experimental results are in good agreement with the predictions of density functional theory at the B3LYP6-311G(*) level. Theoretical results suggest that the molecule is slightly floppy. Although other nickel carbide clusters have been studied theoretically or observed by photoelectron spectroscopy or mass spectrometry, this is the first report on the structure of NiC(3)Ni and its vibrational spectrum.

A theoretical study of the TiC5 cluster

The geometric and electronic properties of the titanium carbide TiC(5) cluster in its neutral and anionic charge states have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP level. The nonplanar six-membered ring-type or "butterflylike" structures are found to be the equilibrium geometric structures of TiC(5) and TiC(5) (-). Time-dependent DFT is used in the calculation of the excited states. The theoretical assignment at the B3LYP level for the features in the photoelectron spectrum is given. All results obtained are in good agreement with the available experimental data.

Fourier transform infrared observation of the nu1(sigma) mode of linear CoC3 trapped in solid Ar

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and density functional theory (DFT) isotopic studies on cobalt-carbon species have resulted in the detection of linear CoC3. Dual laser ablation of carbon and cobalt rods, followed by trapping the products in solid Ar at approximately 10 K, produced the CoC3 chain. FTIR measurements of 13C isotopic shifts are in good agreement with the predictions of DFT calculations using the B3LYP and BPW91 functionals and the 6-311+G(3df) basis set, confirming the assignment of the nu1(sigma) fundamental of linear CoC3 at 1918.2 cm(-1).

Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Density Functional Investigation of Vanadium Carbide Clusters

The influence of source conditions on vanadium-carbon cluster formation in a methane-vanadium plasma is explored and analyzed by photoelectron spectroscopy, revealing that the metal-carbon ratio has substantial influence over the cluster products. Experiments that employ large methane content produce carbon-rich mono- and divanadium carbides. The carbon-rich clusters show a preference for the formation of cyclic neutral and linear ionic structures. When the methane concentration is decreased, VmCn clusters are formed with m = 1-4 and n = 2-8. The photoelectron spectra of clusters formed under these conditions are indicative of a three-dimensional network. We have measured a significantly lower vertical electron affinity for the VC2, V2C3, and V4C6 clusters compared with proximate species. Interestingly, the VC2 species is a proposed building block of the M8C12 Met-Car cluster, and the 2,3 and 4,6 clusters correspond to the 1/4 and 1/2 Met-Car cages, respectively. This correlation is taken as evidence of their importance in the formation of the larger Met-Car species. These results are supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations carried out at the PBE/GGA level.

Vibrational spectrum of cyclic TiC3 in solid Ar

The Fourier transform infrared spectrum of TiC3 was observed by trapping the vapor produced during dual Nd:YAG laser ablation of Ti and C rods in solid Ar at approximately 9 K. Measurements of frequencies and 13C isotopic shifts have enabled the identification of the fanlike (C(2v)) isomer of TiC3 with fundamental vibrations nu3(a1) = 624.3 and nu5(b2) = 1484.2 cm(-1). A third fundamental nu4(b1) has been tentatively identified at 573.8 cm(-1). The results are in good agreement with the predictions of density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP6-311G(3df,3pd) level. The observed C(2v) structure and the observed nu3 metal-carbon stretching mode are also consistent with earlier results from photoelectron spectroscopy.

Chemical control of magnetism: oxidation-induced ferromagnetic spin coupling in the chromium dimer evidenced by photoelectron spectroscopy

The photoelectron spectrum of the dichromium oxide cluster anion, Cr2O-, and the analysis by the density-functional theory revealed that the spins of the two Cr atoms in Cr2O- are ferromagnetically coupled, and that its total spin magnetic moment is as large as 9 mu(B). This ferromagnetic spin coupling is induced by oxidation; the mixing of Cr 3d with O 2p orbitals plays an important role in a spin coupling between the localized electrons at the two Cr sites bridged by the O atom. The present finding is in marked contrast to the pure chromium dimer, which is known to be antiferromagnetic due to the strong sextuple Cr-Cr bond.