Small chromium-doped silicon clusters CrSin: structures, IR spectra, charge effect, magnetism and chirality.

A series of small chromium-doped silicon clusters CrSin with n = 3-10 in the cationic, neutral and anionic charge states were investigated using quantum chemical methods. The CrSin+ cations with n = 6-10 were produced in the gas phase and characterized by far-IR multiple photon dissociation (IR-MPD) spectroscopy. Good agreement between experimental spectra in the 200-600 cm-1 frequency range and those determined for the lowest-energy isomers by density functional theory calculations (B3P86/6-311+G(d)) provide a strong support for the geometrical assignments. An extensive structural comparison for the three different charge states shows that the structural growth mechanism inherently depends on the charge. While the structures of the cationic clusters are preferentially formed by addition of the Cr dopant to the corresponding pure silicon cluster, it favors substitution in both the neutral and anionic counterparts. The Si-Cr bonds of the studied CrSin+/0/- clusters are polar covalent. Apart from a basket-like Cr@Si9- and an endohedral Cr@Si10- cage, the Cr dopant takes an exohedral position and bears a large positive charge in the clusters. The exohedrally doped clusters also have a high spin density on Cr, manifesting the fact that the intrinsic magnetic moment of the transition metal dopant is well conserved. Three CrSin clusters have a pair of enantiomeric isomers in their ground state, namely the cationic n = 9 and the neutral and anionic n = 7. Those can be distinguished from each other by their electronic circular dichroism spectra, calculated using time-dependent density functional theory. Those enantiomers, being intrinsically chiral inorganic compounds, might be used as building blocks of optical-magnetic nanomaterials because of their high magnetic moments and ability to rotate the plane of polarization.

Probing the binding and activation of small molecules by gas-phase transition metal clusters via IR spectroscopy.

Isolated transition metal clusters have been established as useful models for extended metal surfaces or deposited metal particles, to improve the understanding of their surface chemistry and of catalytic reactions. For this objective, an important milestone has been the development of experimental methods for the size-specific structural characterization of clusters and cluster complexes in the gas phase. This review focusses on the characterization of molecular ligands, their binding and activation by small transition metal clusters, using cluster-size specific infrared action spectroscopy. A comprehensive overview and a critical discussion of the experimental data available to date is provided, reaching from the initial results obtained using line-tuneable CO2 lasers to present-day studies applying infrared free electron lasers as well as other intense and broadly tuneable IR laser sources.

A new look at the structure of the neutral Au18 cluster: hollow versus filled golden cage.

The geometry of the neutral Au18 gold cluster was probed by a combination of quantum chemical calculations and far-infrared multiple photon dissociation (FIR-MPD) spectroscopy of a Kr messenger complex. Two low-lying isomers are identified to potentially contribute to the experimental IR spectrum, both being derived from a star-like Au17 structure upon capping with one extra Au atom either inside (18_1) or outside (18_5) the star. In particular, the present detection of structure 18_1 by DFT computations where a golden cage encapsulates an endohedral Au atom, is intriguing as a stable core-shell isomer has, to our knowledge, never been found before for such small neutral gold clusters. DFT and local coupled-cluster (DLPNO and PNO-CCSD(T)) computations indicate that both Au18 isomers are close to each other, within ∼3 kcal mol-1, on the energy scale. Although the exact energy ordering is again method-dependent and remains, at present, inconclusive, the most striking spectral signatures of both isomers are related to vibrational modes localized at atoms capping the inner pentaprism sub-structure that result in prominent peaks centered at ∼80 cm-1, close to the most prominent experimental feature found at 78 cm-1. The calculated IR spectra of both core-shell and hollow isomers are very similar to each other and both agree comparably well with the experimental FIR-MPD spectra of the Au18Kr1,2 complexes.

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.

Argon tagging of doubly transition metal doped aluminum clusters: The importance of electronic shielding.

The interaction of argon with doubly transition metal doped aluminum clusters, AlnTM2 + (n = 1-18, TM = V, Nb, Co, Rh), is studied experimentally in the gas phase via mass spectrometry. Density functional theory calculations on selected sizes are used to understand the argon affinity of the clusters, which differ depending on the transition metal dopant. The analysis is focused on two pairs of consecutive sizes: Al6,7V2 + and Al4,5Rh2 +, the largest of each pair showing a low affinity toward Ar. Another remarkable observation is a pronounced drop in reactivity at n = 14, independent of the dopant element. Analysis of the cluster orbitals shows that this feature is not a consequence of cage formation but is electronic in nature. The mass spectra demonstrate a high similarity between the size-dependent reactivity of the clusters with Ar and H2. Orbital interactions provide an intuitive link between the two and further establish the importance of precursor states in the reactions of the clusters with hydrogen.

Infrared Study of OCS Binding and Size-Selective Reactivity with Gold Clusters, Aun+ (n = 1-10).

OCS binding to and reactivity with isolated gold cluster cations, Aun+ (n = 1-10), has been studied by infrared multiple photon dissociation (IR-MPD) spectroscopy in conjunction with quantum chemical calculations. The distribution of complexes AunSx(OCS)m+ formed reflects the relative reactivity of different cluster sizes with OCS, under the multiple collision conditions of our ablation source. The IR-MPD spectra of Aun(OCS)+ (n = 3-10) clusters are interpreted in terms of either µ1 or µ2 S binding motifs. Analysis of the fragmentation products following infrared excitation of parent Aun(OCS)+ clusters reveals strongly size-selective (odd-even) branching ratios for OCS and CO loss, respectively. CO loss signifies infrared-driven OCS decomposition on the cluster surface and is observed to occur predominantly on even n clusters (i.e., those with odd electron counts). The experimental data, including fragmentation branching ratios, are consistent with calculated potential energy landscapes, in which the initial species trapped are molecularly bound entrance channel complexes, rather than global minimum inserted structures. Attempts to generate Rhn(OCS)+ and Ptn(OCS)+ equivalents failed; only sulfide reaction products were observed in the mass spectrum, even after cooling the cluster source to -100 °C.

IR Signature of Size-Selective CO2 Activation on Small Platinum Cluster Anions, Ptn - (n=4-7).

Infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy (IR-MPD) has been employed to determine the nature of CO2 binding to size-selected platinum cluster anions, Ptn - (n=4-7). Interpreted in conjunction with density functional theory simulations, the results illustrate that the degree of CO2 activation can be controlled by the size of the metal cluster, with dissociative activation observed on all clusters n≥5. Of potential practical significance, in terms of the use of CO2 as a useful C1 feedstock, CO2 is observed molecularly-bound, but highly activated, on the Pt4 - cluster. It is trapped behind a barrier on the reactive potential energy surface which prevents dissociation.

Hydrogen Chemisorption on Singly Vanadium-Doped Aluminum Clusters.

The effect of vanadium doping on the hydrogen adsorption capacity of aluminum clusters (Aln+ , n=2-18) is studied experimentally by mass spectrometry and infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. We find that vanadium doping enhances the reactivity of the clusters towards hydrogen, albeit in a size-dependent way. IRMPD spectra, which provide a fingerprint of the hydrogen binding geometry, show that H2 dissociates upon adsorption. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for the smaller Aln V+ (n=2-8,10) clusters are in good agreement with the observed reactivity pattern and underline the importance of activation barriers in the chemisorption process. Orbital analysis shows that the activation barriers are due to an unfavorable overlap between cluster and hydrogen orbitals.

Structural determination of niobium-doped silicon clusters by far-infrared spectroscopy and theory.

In this work, the structures of cationic SinNb(+) (n = 4-12) clusters are determined using the combination of infrared multiple photon dissociation (IR-MPD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental IR-MPD spectra of the argon complexes of SinNb(+) are assigned by comparison to the calculated IR spectra of low-energy structures of SinNb(+) that are identified using the stochastic 'random kick' algorithm in conjunction with the BP86 GGA functional. It is found that the Nb dopant tends to bind in an apex position of the Sin framework for n = 4-9 and in surface positions with high coordination numbers for n = 10-12. For the larger doped clusters, it is suggested that multiple isomers coexist and contribute to the experimental spectra. The structural evolution of SinNb(+) clusters is similar to V-doped silicon clusters (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132, 15589-15602), except for the largest size investigated (n = 12), since V takes an endohedral position in Si12V(+). The interaction with a Nb atom, with its partially unfilled 4d orbitals leads to a significant stability enhancement of the Sin framework as reflected, e.g. by high binding energies and large HOMO-LUMO gaps.

Nature of the interaction between rare gas atoms and transition metal doped silicon clusters: the role of shielding effects.

Mass spectrometry experiments show an exceptionally weak bonding between Si7Mn(+) and rare gas atoms as compared to other exohedrally transition metal (TM) doped silicon clusters and other SinMn(+) (n = 5-10) sizes. The Si7Mn(+) cluster does not form Ar complexes and the observed fraction of Xe complexes is low. The interaction of two cluster series, SinMn(+) (n = 6-10) and Si7TM(+) (TM = Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn), with Ar and Xe is investigated by density functional theory calculations. The cluster-rare gas binding is for all clusters, except Si7Mn(+) and Si7Zn(+), predominantly driven by short-range interaction between the TM dopant and the rare gas atoms. A high s-character electron density on the metal atoms in Si7Mn(+) and Si7Zn(+) shields the polarization toward the rare gas atoms and thereby hinders formation of short-range complexes. Overall, both Ar and Xe complexes are similar except that the larger polarizability of Xe leads to larger binding energies.

Platinum group metal clusters: from gas-phase structures and reactivities towards model catalysts.

Transition-metal clusters have long been proposed as model systems to study heterogeneous catalysts. In this Concept article we show how advanced spectroscopic techniques can be used to determine the structures of gas-phase transition-metal clusters and their complexes with small molecules. Combined with computational studies, this can help to develop an understanding of the reactivity of these catalytic models.

Small platinum cluster hydrides in the gas phase.

The reactions of small cationic platinum clusters (Pt2(+)-Pt7(+)) with molecular hydrogen were investigated, and the structures of the hydride complexes were analyzed using IR spectroscopy. We determined the relative reaction rates for the addition of the first H2 molecule to the platinum clusters, and we report the hydrogen saturation coverages observed at high H2 concentration. High H atom per Pt atom ratios were observed, similar to earlier measurements on other group-10 transition metals. The structures of the fully saturated complexes of Pt2(+)-Pt5(+) were investigated using a combination of infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IR-MPD) spectroscopy in the frequency range of 550-2050 cm(-1) and density functional theory-based calculations. We found molecularly bound hydrogen alongside bridge and often atop binding of hydrogen atoms for all of the low-energy structures, in contrast to earlier theoretical predictions.

Structures of platinum oxide clusters in the gas phase.

The structures of small gas-phase Pt(n)O(2m)(+) (n = 1-6, m = 1, 2) cluster cations have been investigated in a combined infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) study. On the basis of the infrared spectra obtained, it is concluded that in most clusters oxygen is bound dissociatively, preferring 2-fold bridge binding motifs, sometimes combined with singly coordinated terminal binding. Comparison of the oxide cluster structures with those of bare cationic platinum clusters reported previously reveals major structural changes induced in the platinum core upon oxygen binding. For some cluster sizes the presence of the Ar messenger atom(s) is found to induce a significant change in the observed cluster structure.

Communication: The structures of small cationic gas-phase platinum clusters.

The structures of small platinum clusters Pt(3-5)(+) are determined using far-infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy of their argon complexes combined with density functional theory calculations. The clusters are found to have compact structures, and Pt(4)(+) and Pt(5)(+) already favor three-dimensional geometries, in contrast to a number of earlier predictions. Challenges in applying density functional theory to 3rd row transition metal clusters are addressed. Preliminary calculations suggest that the effects of spin-orbit coupling do not change the favoured lowest-energy isomers.

Gas-phase structures of neutral silicon clusters.

Vibrational spectra of neutral silicon clusters Si(n), in the size range of n = 6-10 and for n = 15, have been measured in the gas phase by two fundamentally different IR spectroscopic methods. Silicon clusters composed of 8, 9, and 15 atoms have been studied by IR multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy of a cluster-xenon complex, while clusters containing 6, 7, 9, and 10 atoms have been studied by a tunable IR-UV two-color ionization scheme. Comparison of both methods is possible for the Si(9) cluster. By using density functional theory, an identification of the experimentally observed neutral cluster structures is possible, and the effect of charge on the structure of neutrals and cations, which have been previously studied via IR multiple photon dissociation, can be investigated. Whereas the structures of small clusters are based on bipyramidal motifs, a trigonal prism as central unit is found in larger clusters. Bond weakening due to the loss of an electron leads to a major structural change between neutral and cationic Si(8).

Infrared-induced reactivity of N2O on small gas-phase rhodium clusters.

Far- and mid-infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy has been employed to study both the structure and surface reactivity of isolated cationic rhodium clusters with surface-adsorbed nitrous oxide, Rh(n)N(2)O(+) (n = 4-8). Comparison of experimental spectra recorded using the argon atom tagging method with those calculated using density functional theory (DFT) reveals that the nitrous oxide is molecularly bound on the rhodium cluster via the terminal N-atom. Binding is thought to occur exclusively on atop sites with the rhodium clusters adopting close-packed structures. In related, but conceptually different experiments, infrared pumping of the vibrational modes corresponding with the normal modes of the adsorbed N(2)O has been observed to result in the decomposition of the N(2)O moiety and the production of oxide clusters. This cluster surface chemistry is observed for all cluster sizes studied except for n = 5. Plausible N(2)O decomposition mechanisms are given based on DFT calculations using exchange-correlation functionals. Similar experiments pumping the Rh-O stretch in Rh(n)ON(2)O(+) complexes, on which the same chemistry is observed, confirm the thermal nature of this reaction.

Far-infrared spectra of yttrium-doped gold clusters Au(n)Y (n=1-9).

The geometric, spectroscopic, and electronic properties of neutral yttrium-doped gold clusters Au(n)Y (n=1-9) are studied by far-infrared multiple photon dissociation (FIR-MPD) spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. Comparison of the observed and calculated vibrational spectra allows the structures of the isomers present in the molecular beam to be determined. Most of the isomers for which the IR spectra agree best with experiment are calculated to be the energetically most stable ones. Attachment of xenon to the Au(n)Y cluster can cause changes in the IR spectra, which involve band shifts and band splittings. In some cases symmetry changes, as a result of the attachment of xenon atoms, were also observed. All the Au(n)Y clusters considered prefer a low spin state. In contrast to pure gold clusters, which exhibit exclusively planar lowest-energy structures for small sizes, several of the studied species are three-dimensional. This is particularly the case for Au(4)Y and Au(9)Y, while for some other sizes (n=5, 8) the 3D structures have an energy similar to that of their 2D counterparts. Several of the lowest-energy structures are quasi-2D, that is, slightly distorted from planar shapes. For all the studied species the Y atom prefers high coordination, which is different from other metal dopants in gold clusters.

Probing C-O bond activation on gas-phase transition metal clusters: infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy of Fe, Ru, Re, and W cluster CO complexes.

The binding of carbon monoxide to iron, ruthenium, rhenium, and tungsten clusters is studied by means of infrared multiple photon dissociation spectroscopy. The CO stretching mode is used to probe the interaction of the CO molecule with the metal clusters and thereby the activation of the C-O bond. CO is found to adsorb molecularly to atop positions on iron clusters. On ruthenium and rhenium clusters it also binds molecularly. In the case of ruthenium, binding is predominantly to atop sites, however higher coordinated CO binding is also observed for both metals and becomes prevalent for rhenium clusters containing more than nine atoms. Tungsten clusters exhibit a clear size dependence for molecular versus dissociative CO binding. This behavior denotes the crossover to the purely dissociative CO binding on the earlier transition metals such as tantalum.

Structures of silicon cluster cations in the gas phase.

We present gas-phase infrared spectra for small silicon cluster cations possessing between 6 and 21 atoms. Infrared multiple photon dissociation (IR-MPD) of these clusters complexed with a xenon atom is employed to obtain their vibrational spectra. These vibrational spectra give for the first time experimental data capable of distinguishing the exact internal structures of the silicon cluster cations. By comparing the experimental spectra with theoretical predictions based on density functional theory (DFT), unambiguous structural assignments for most of the Si(n)(+) clusters in this size range have been made. In particular, for Si(8)(+) an edge-capped pentagonal bypriamid structure, hitherto not considered, was assigned. These structural assignments provide direct experimental evidence for a cluster growth motif starting with a pentagonal bipyramid building block and changing to a trigonal prism for larger clusters.