Photophysical Properties of Silver Clusters in Faujasite Zeolites: Does the Crystal Size Matter?

Electrostatic interactions between the zeolite cavity and confined noble-metal nanoparticles govern the photophysical properties of these materials. A better understanding of these interactions can afford new perspectives in optoelectronics applications. We investigated this interplay by revealing the peculiar photophysical properties of Ag clusters embedded in nanosized faujasite zeolite structures. Crystal size and steady state optical properties were characterized via integrated light and electron microscopy (ILEM) and steady state spectroscopy. Extensive time-resolved spectroscopy experiments performed on femtosecond to millisecond time scales revealed excited state dynamics that are intriguingly different from those observed for their micrometer sized counterpart. Multiscale modeling investigations were performed to rationalize the effect of the crystal size on the photophysical properties. Our results indicate that for the nanosized crystals, the emissive properties as well as the radiative and nonradiative processes involving the Ag clusters are dramatically dependent on the surface charge density and surface charge balance.

Formation of the quasi-planar B56 boron cluster: topological path from B12 and disk aromaticity.

Formation and stability of the B56 boron cluster were investigated using a topological approach and the disk aromaticity model. An extensive global energy minimum search for the B56 system which was carried out by means of the Mexican Enhanced Genetic Algorithm (MEGA) in conjunction with density functional theory computations, confirms a quasi-planar structure as its energetically most stable isomer. Such a structural motif is derived by applying a topological leapfrog operation to a B12 form. Its high thermodynamic stability can be explained by the disk aromaticity model in which the delocalization of its π orbitals can be assigned to the levels of a particle in a circular box with the [(1σ)2 (1π)4 (1δ)4 (1φ)4 (2σ)2 (1γ)4 (2π)4 (2δ)4 (1η)4 (2φ)4 (1θ)2] electronic configuration. This π delocalization is confirmed by other delocalization indices. While the B56 has a similar electron delocalization to that of the quasi-planar B50, they have opposite magnetic ring current properties because of the symmetry selection rules of their HOMO-LUMO electronic transitions. The π delocalization in the boron clusters is larger at long distances as compared to carbon clusters at similar sizes, but such a trend is reversed at shorter distances.

Unexpected structures of the Au17 gold cluster: the stars are shining.

The Au17 gold cluster was experimentally produced in the gas phase and characterized by its vibrational spectrum recorded using far-IR multiple photon dissociation (FIR-MPD) of Au17Kr. DFT and coupled-cluster theory PNO-LCCSD(T)-F12 computations reveal that, at odds with most previous reports, Au17 prefers two star-like forms derived from a pentaprism added by two extra Au atoms on both top and bottom surfaces of the pentaprism, along with five other Au atoms each attached on a lateral face. A good agreement between calculated and FIR-MPD spectra indicates a predominant presence of these star-like isomers. Stabilization of a star form arises from strong orbital interactions of an Au12 core with a five-Au-atom string.

An octacoordinated Nb atom in the NbAl8H8+ cluster.

The NbAl8H8+ cluster was formed in a molecular beam and characterized by mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations show the lowest-energy isomer is a high symmetry singlet with the Nb atom placed at the center of a distorted hexagonal Al ring and coordinated by two AlH moieties, therefore exhibiting octacoordination. The unprecedented high-symmetric geometry is attributed to the 20 valence electrons; the central Nb atom adheres to the 18-electron rule and two additional delocalized electrons stabilize the hexagonal ring.

A remarkable mixture of germanium with phosphorus and arsenic atoms making stable pentagonal hetero-prisms [M@Ge5E5]+, E = P, As and M = Fe, Ru, Os.

A pentagonal hetero-prismatic structural motif was found for singly transition metal doped M@Ge5E5 + clusters, where the transition metal atom is located at the centre of a (5/5) Ge5E5 prism in which Ge is mixed with either P or As atoms. Structural characterization indicates that each (5/5) Ge5E5 prism is established by joining of two Ge3E2 and Ge2E3 strings in a prismatic fashion rather than two Ge5 and E5 strings. Each string results from a remarkable mixture of Ge and E atoms and contains only one E-E connection due to the fact that Ge-E bonds are much stronger than E-E connections. From the donor-acceptor perspective, the Ge5E5 tube donates electrons to the M center, which behaves as an acceptor. NBO atomic charge and ELI_D analyses demonstrate such electrostatic interactions of the M dopant with a Ge5E5 + tube which likely induce thermodynamic stability for the resulting M@Ge5E5 + cluster. CMO analysis illustrates that the conventional 18 electron count is recovered in the M@Ge5E5 + cations.

Transformation between Hexagonal Prism and Antiprism of the Singly and Doubly Cr-Doped Ge12 Clusters.

Structural transformation is a unique characteristic of atomic clusters, but it turns out very different from cluster to cluster. This theoretical study proves that the isomeric transformation between hexagonal prism and hexagonal antiprism is found for the doubly doped Cr2Ge12 cluster but not for singly doped CrGe12 cluster. We confirm that the ground state of CrGe12 is the distorted hexagonal prism C2h at the 3Bg triplet state instead of various shapes predicted in the previous studies. Upon comparison between the estimation at the B3P86/6-311+G(d) level of theory and the detachment energies measured by photoelectron spectroscopy, hexagonal antiprismatic shape is identified as the most stable isomer of the Cr2Ge12 cluster and it is easy to transform to the hexagonal prism-a less stable isomer by the rotation of the hexagonal rings. That is the first evidence for the structural transformation between a hexagonal prism and an antiprism of the germanium clusters, referring to the ability of Ge-based clusters in the formation of tubular geometry by doping Cr atoms. All the low-energy isomers of both Cr-doped germanium clusters have high magnetic moments. Interestingly, there is a tuning in magnetic properties of Cr2Ge12 from the ferromagnetism of the lowest-lying hexagonal antiprism to the ferrimagnetism of the higher-energy hexagonal prism. The stronger Cr-Cr bond and stronger interaction between the Cr2 moiety and the antiprism cage are accounted for by the higher stability of the hexagonal antiprismatic isomer.

Effects of single and double nickel doping on boron clusters: stabilization of tubular structures in BnNim, n = 2-22, m = 1, 2.

A systematic investigation on structure, relative stabilities, dissociation behavior and bonding of the singly and doubly Ni doped boron clusters BnNim with n = 2-22 and m = 1-2, was carried out using density functional theory (TPSSh functional) calculations. Calculated results indicate that for n < 14, BnNim structures are generally formed by capping Ni atom(s) on the edge or the surface of the pure boron Bn frameworks. From n = 14, the Ni dopants exert stronger effects in such a way that the most stable isomers BnNim adopt the shape of the related double ring tubular boron structures. With n ≥ 20, the Bn double ring appears to possess a large enough volume to entirely enclose the Ni2 dimer. The B14Ni and B22Ni2 turn out to be remarkable species with enhanced thermodynamic stability with larger average binding energies along with surprising geometric structures. Their higher thermodynamic stability can be understood in terms of the MO energy levels predicted by a hollow cylinder model, and other electronic properties. The (2 0 2)-orbital derived from the model of particle in a hollow cylinder appears to play a key role in the stabilization of the boron double ring.

Formation of the quasi-planar B50 boron cluster: topological path from B10 and disk aromaticity.

The lowest-lying isomer of the B50 boron cluster is confirmed to have a quasi-planar shape with two hexagonal holes. By applying a topological (leap-frog) dual operation followed by boron capping, we demonstrated that such a quasi-planar structure actually comes from the smallest elongated B102-, and its high thermodynamic stability is due to its inherent disk aromaticity arising from its 32 valent π electrons that fully occupy a disk configuration of [(1σ)2(1π)4(1δ)4(2σ)2(1φ)4(2π)4(1γ)4(2δ)4(1η)4]. The aromatic character of the quasi-planar B50 is further supported by a strong diatropic magnetic current flow. The sudden appearance of a quasi-planar B50 again points out that the growth pattern of pure boron clusters is still far from being completely understood.

Formation of a bi-rhodium boron tube Rh2B18 and its great CO2 capture ability.

The geometries, bonding and abilities for CO2 capture of the doubly rhodium-doped boron cluster Rh2B18 are presented. DFT calculations using the TPSSh functional show that the doubly doped Rh2B18 is stable in a high symmetry shape (D9d) in which two Rh dopants are vertically and oppositely coordinated to nonagonal faces of a (2 × 9) double ring B18 tube, having the form of a teetotum toy. Bonding of the tube is analysed using different schemes for partition of total electron density (EDI_D, AIM). The high thermodynamic stability of Rh2B18 can be rationalized in terms of its electron distribution in which both Rh atoms share delocalized bonds with B atoms. Molecular dynamic simulations also confirm its stability within a range of temperatures. Exploration of the interaction of gas phase CO2 molecules with Rh2B18 suggests that this tubular structure has a great ability for capture and transformation of carbon dioxide. Formation of two new strong bonds of CO2 with the B-B edges of Rh2B18 favour its capture through a dissociative adsorption mechanism in which a nearly spontaneous dissociation of CO2 into CO and BO groups follows its attachment.

B3@Si12+: strong stabilizing effects of a triatomic cyclic boron unit on tubular silicon clusters.

Remarkably strong effects of the aromatic B3 cycle in stabilizing tubular silicon clusters were observed for the first time. The doped cluster B3@Si12+ presents a novel structural motif for silicon clusters in which a B3 cycle is encapsulated into a (6 × 2) Si12 prism giving rise to a high symmetry stable tubular structure (D3h). A large amount of electron density is transferred to the boron cycle, and the B3δ- unit not only retains a delocalized bonding pattern within the Si12 prism but also enables a two-fold aromaticity for the resulting silicon double ring. This double ring can be used as a building block to make longer nanotubes.

Aromaticity of Some Metal Clusters: A Different View from Magnetic Ring Current.

The aromatic character of some small planar metallic clusters was revisited with an emphasis on their σ electrons. In contrast to previous reports, our approach based on magnetic ring current as an indicator for aromaticity points out that the σ electron delocalization in molecules behaves as an important contributor to their thermodynamic stability. Ring current maps were constructed using electron densities obtained from density functional theory calculations with the B3LYP functional and the 6-311G(d) basis set. Diatropic currents were further confirmed by an analysis of the symmetry of electronic excitations involved. The triatomic B3+ cycle is found to maintain a double σ and π aromaticity when it forms the [B3(NN)3]+ and [B3(CO)3]+ complexes. The planar pentacoordinated carbon clusters including C@Al5+, C@Al5-xBex1-x, C@Be5Hnn-4, C@Be5Linn-4, and C@Be5HxLi5-x+ are σ aromatic rather than π aromatic as previously assigned. The mixed copper clusters Cu3Si3+ and Cu3Ge3+ are found to be σ aromatic compounds. The copper hydrides CunHn can better be regarded as nonaromatic rather than aromatic compounds. The ring current indicator reveals the σ aromatic feature for Be2@Be5H5+ and Be2@Be6H62+ clusters, whereas this criterion shows a double aromaticity of Be2@B7- and Be2@B8. Overall, the present study points out again the importance of σ electrons in determining the bonding characteristics of metallic clusters, and they should equally be considered as a key element.

Au19M (M=Cr, Mn, and Fe) as magnetic copies of the golden pyramid.

An investigation on structure, stability, and magnetic properties of singly doped Au19M (M=Cr, Mn, and Fe) clusters is carried out by means of density functional theory calculations. The studied clusters prefer forming magnetic versions of the unique tetrahedral Au20. Stable sextet Au19Cr is identified as the least reactive species and can be qualified as a magnetic superatom. Analysis on cluster electronic structures shows that the competition between localized and delocalized electronic states governs the stability and magnetic properties of Au19M clusters.

Theoretical Investigation of Metallic Heterofullerenes of Silicon and Germanium Mixed with Phosphorus and Arsenic Atoms M-A8E6, A = Si, Ge; E = P, As; and M = Cr, Mo, W.

Recently, metallic heterofullerenes were experimentally prepared from mixed Ge-As clusters and heavier elements of groups 14 and 15. We found that the shape of these heterofullerenes doped by transition metals appears to be a general structural motif for both silicon and germanium clusters when mixing with phosphorus and arsenic atoms. Structural identifications for MSi8P6, MSi8As6, MGe8P6, and MGe8As6 clusters, with M being a transition metal of group 6 (Cr, Mo and W), showed that most MA8E6 clusters, except for Cr-doped derivatives CrSi8As6, CrGe8P6, and CrGe8As6, exhibit a high-symmetry fullerene shape in which metal dopant is centered in a D3h A8E6 heterocage consisting of six A3E2 pentagonal faces and three A2E2 rhombus faces. The stability of the MA8E6 metallic heterofullerene is significantly enhanced by formation an electron configuration of [1S2 1P6 1D10 1F14 1G18 2S2 2P6 2D10] enclosing 68 electrons. The A8E6 heterocages give a great charge transfer (∼4 electrons) to centered dopant, establishing subsequently a d10 configuration for metal, and as a consequence, it induces an additional stabilization of the resulting ME8P6 fullerene in a high-symmetry D3h shape and completely quenches the high spin of the metal atom, finally yielding a singlet spin ground state.

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

Geometries and electronic properties related to the ground state stabilities of several Si12M2 clusters (M: second-row (Nb and Mo) and third-row (Ta and W) transition metals, and their mixed bimetallic clusters M2: NbMo and TaW) were explored using density functional theory (DFT) computations. The computed results show that two different structural motifs emerge as the global energy minima of such clusters. They are basically singlet tubular structures in either a C2v prism (1A1) or a C6v antiprism (1A1) form. Other structural shapes are also possible for higher-energy isomers and in higher spin states. 58-valence electron systems including Nb2Si12, Ta2Si12, Mo2Si122+, W2Si122+, NbMoSi12+ and TaWSi12+ are thermodynamically stable as C2v prism global minima on the corresponding potential energy surfaces. Clusters containing 60 valence electrons include Mo2Si12, W2Si12, Nb2Si122-, Ta2Si122-, NbMoSi12- and TaWSi12- and they prefer a C6v anti-prism form. In the mixed MoNbSi12 and TaWSi12 open-shell systems, both resulting C2 (2A) and C2v (2A1) forms are nearly degenerate. The formation of Si12M2 clusters in such specific ground state symmetry is explained using the Jellium model and orbital interaction analyses. The investigations lead further to a proposal for a simple model of a bimetallic configuration using the nature of interactions of the transition metal d-d dimeric bond with the Si12 host, to interpret the formation of such M2Si12 clusters.

Theoretical Study of Small Scandium-Doped Silver Clusters ScAgn with n = 1-7: σ-Aromatic Feature.

Geometry, chemical bonding, and aromatic feature of a series of small silver clusters doped by an Sc atom (ScAgn with n = 1-7) were investigated by means of density functional theory calculations. A planar shape is found for ScAgn including n from 4 to 7. The growth mechanism is established for the formation of the hexagonal and heptagonal metallic cycles following increase of the number of Ag atoms. Particularly, both clusters ScAg6- and ScAg7 present a planar cyclic form in which the Sc atom is situated at the central position of the Ag6 and Ag7 cycles. The σ aromaticity is unambiguously demonstrated by the existence of strongly diatropic current flows within the ring in both ScAg6- and ScAg7. The isovalent ScCu7 cluster has a similar ring current characteristic. In the Sc-doped ScAgn clusters, a delocalized bonding pattern is found as a connector between the dopant Sc and the Agn host, as indicated by an ELI_D analysis.

A Systematic Investigation on CrCun Clusters with n = 9-16: Noble Gas and Tunable Magnetic Property.

A systematic investigation on structure, dissociation behavior, chemical bonding, and magnetic property of Cr-doped Cun clusters (n = 9-16) is carried out using the mean of density functional theory calculations. It is found that CrCu12 is a crucial size, preferring an icosahedral Cu12 cage with the central Cr dopant. Smaller cluster sizes appear as on the way to form the CrCu12 icosahedron while larger ones are produced by attaching additional Cu atoms to the CrCu12 core. The presence of Cr dopant obviously enhances the stability of CrCun clusters in comparison to that of pure counterparts. Exceptionally stable CrCu12 has an 18-electron closed-shell electronic structure, mimicking a noble gas in the viewpoint of superatom concept. Analysis on cluster electronic structure shows that the interplay between 3d orbitals of Cr and 4s orbitals of Cu has a vital role on the magnetic properties of CrCun clusters.

Aromatic character of planar boron-based clusters revisited by ring current calculations.

The planarity of small boron-based clusters is the result of an interplay between geometry, electron delocalization, covalent bonding and stability. These compounds contain two different bonding patterns involving both σ and π delocalized bonds, and up to now, their aromaticity has been assigned mainly using the classical (4N + 2) electron count for both types of electrons. In the present study, we reexplored the aromatic feature of different types of planar boron-based clusters making use of the ring current approach. B3(+/-), B4(2-), B5(+/-), B6, B7(-), B8(2-), B9(-), B10(2-), B11(-), B12, B13(+), B14(2-) and B16(2-) are characterized by magnetic responses to be doubly σ and π aromatic species in which the π aromaticity can be predicted using the (4N + 2) electron count. The triply aromatic character of B12 and B13(+) is confirmed. The π electrons of B18(2-), B19(-) and B20(2-) obey the disk aromaticity rule with an electronic configuration of [1σ(2)1π(4)1δ(4)2σ(2)] rather than the (4N + 2) count. The double aromaticity feature is observed for boron hydride cycles including B@B5H5(+), Li7B5H5 and M@BnHn(q) clusters from both the (4N + 2) rule and ring current maps. The double π and σ aromaticity in carbon-boron planar cycles B7C(-), B8C, B6C2, B9C(-), B8C2 and B7C3(-) is in conflict with the Hückel electron count. This is also the case for the ions B11C5(+/-) whose ring current indicators suggest that they belong to the class of double aromaticity, in which the π electrons obey the disk aromaticity characteristics. In many clusters, the classical electron count cannot be applied, and the magnetic responses of the electron density expressed in terms of the ring current provide us with a more consistent criterion for determining their aromatic character.

Effects of bimetallic doping on small cyclic and tubular boron clusters: B7M2 and B14M2 structures with M = Fe, Co.

Using density functional theory with the TPSSh functional and the 6-311+G(d) basis set, we extensively searched for the global minima of two metallic atoms doped boron clusters B6M2, B7M2, B12M2 and B14M2 with transition metal element M being Co and Fe. Structural identifications reveal that B7Co2, B7Fe2 and B7CoFe clusters have global minima in a B-cyclic motif, in which a perfectly planar B7 is coordinated with two metallic atoms placed along the C7 axis. The B6 cluster is too small to form a cycle with the presence of two metals. Similarly, the B12 cluster is not large enough to stabilize the metallic dimer within a double ring 2 × B6 tube. The doped B14M2 clusters including B14Co2, B14Fe2 and B14CoFe have a double ring 2 × B7 tubular shape in which one metal atom is encapsulated by the B14 tube and the other is located at an exposed position. Dissociation energies demonstrate that while bimetallic cyclic cluster B7M2 prefers a fragmentation channel that generates the B7 global minimum plus metallic dimer, the tubular structure B14M2 tends to dissociate giving a bimetallic cyclic structure B7M2 and a B@B6 cluster. The enhanced stability of the bimetallic doped boron clusters considered can be understood from the stabilizing interactions between the anti-bonding MOs of metal-metal dimers and the levels of a disk aromatic configuration (for bimetallic cyclic structures), or the eigenstates of the B14 tubular form (in case of bimetallic tubular structure).

Mn2@Si15: the smallest triple ring tubular silicon cluster.

The smallest triple ring tubular silicon cluster Mn2@Si15 is reported for the first time. Theoretical structural identification shows that the Mn2@Si15 tubular structure whose triple ring is composed by three five-membered Si rings in anti-prism motif, is stable in high symmetry (D5h) and singlet ground state ((1)A1'). The dimer Mn2 is placed inside the tubular along the C5 axis, and the Mn dopant form single Si-Mn bonds with Si skeleton, whereas the Mn-Mn is characterized as a triple bond. The effect of Mn2 on the stability of the Si15 triple ring structure arises from strong orbital overlap of Mn2 with Si15.

Bonding and singlet-triplet gap of silicon trimer: effects of protonation and attachment of alkali metal cations.

We revisit the singlet-triplet energy gap (ΔE(ST)) of silicon trimer and evaluate the gaps of its derivatives by attachment of a cation (H(+), Li(+), Na(+), and K(+)) using the wavefunction-based methods including the composite G4, coupled-cluster theory CCSD(T)/CBS, CCSDT and CCSDTQ, and CASSCF/CASPT2 (for Si3) computations. Both (1)A1 and (3)A2' states of Si3 are determined to be degenerate. An intersystem crossing between both states appears to be possible at a point having an apex bond angle of around α = 68 ± 2° which is 16 ± 4 kJ/mol above the ground state. The proton, Li(+) and Na(+) cations tend to favor the low-spin state, whereas the K(+) cation favors the high-spin state. However, they do not modify significantly the ΔE(ST). The proton affinity of silicon trimer is determined as PA(Si3) = 830 ± 4 kJ/mol at 298 K. The metal cation affinities are also predicted to be LiCA(Si3) = 108 ± 8 kJ/mol, NaCA(Si3) = 79 ± 8 kJ/mol and KCA(Si3) = 44 ± 8 kJ/mol. The chemical bonding is probed using the electron localization function, and ring current analyses show that the singlet three-membered ring Si3 is, at most, nonaromatic. Attachment of the proton and Li(+) cation renders it anti-aromatic.