Structure and magnetic properties of (Fe2O3)(n) clusters (n = 1-5).

Global minimum structures of neutral (Fe2O3)n clusters with n = 1-5 were determined employing the genetic algorithm in combination with ab initio parameterized interatomic potentials and subsequent refinement at the density functional theory level. Systematic investigations of magnetic configurations of the clusters using a broken symmetry approach reveal antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic ground states. Whereas (Fe2O3)n clusters with n = 2-5 contain exclusively Fe(3+), Fe2O3 was found to be a special case formally containing both Fe(2+) and Fe(3+). Calculated magnetic coupling constants revealed predominantly strong antiferromagnetic interactions, which exceed bulk values found in hematite. The precise magnetization (spin) state of the clusters has only small influence on their geometric structure. Starting from n = 4 also the relative energies of different cluster isomers are only weakly influenced by their magnetic configuration. These findings are important for simulations of larger (Fe2O3)n clusters and nanoparticles.

Al6H18: a baby crystal of γ-AlH3.

Using global-minima search methods based on the density functional theory calculations of (AlH(3))(n) (n = 1-8) clusters, we show that the growth pattern of alanes for n ≥ 4 is dominated by structures containing hexa-coordinated Al atoms. This is in contrast to the earlier studies where either linear or ring structures of AlH(3) were predicted to be the preferred structures in which the Al atoms can have a maximum of five-fold coordination. Our calculations also reveal that the Al(6)H(18) cluster, with its hexa-coordination of the Al atoms, resembles the unit-cell of γ-AlH(3), thus Al(6)H(18) is designated as the "baby crystal." The fragmentation energies of the (AlH(3))(n) (n = 2-8) along with the dimerization energies for even n clusters indicate an enhanced stability of the Al(6)H(18) cluster. Both covalent (hybridization) and ionic (charge) contribution to the bonding are the driving factors in stabilizing the isomers containing hexa-coordinated Al atoms.

A periodic charge-dipole electrostatic model: parametrization for silver slabs.

We present an extension of the charge-dipole model for the description of periodic systems. This periodic charge-dipole electrostatic model (PCDEM) allows one to describe the linear response of periodic structures in terms of charge- and dipole-type gaussian basis functions. The long-range electrostatic interaction is efficiently described by means of the continuous fast multipole method. As a first application, the PCDEM method is applied to describe the polarizability of silver slabs. We find that for a correct description of the polarizability of the slabs both charges and dipoles are required. However a continuum set of parametrizations, i.e., different values of the width of charge- and dipole-type gaussians, leads to an equivalent and accurate description of the slabs polarizability but a completely unphysical description of induced charge-density inside the slab. We introduced the integral squared density measure which allows one to obtain a unique parametrization which accurately describes both the polarizability and the induced density profile inside the slab. Finally the limits of the electrostatic approximations are also pointed out.

Growth and structure of crystalline silica sheet on Ru(0001).

Thin SiO2 films were grown on a Ru(0001) single crystal and studied by photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and scanning probe microscopy. The experimental results in combination with density functional theory calculations provide compelling evidence for the formation of crystalline, double-layer sheet silica weakly bound to a metal substrate.

Atomic structure of a thin silica film on a Mo(112) substrate: a two-dimensional network of SiO4 tetrahedra.

The structure of a thin single crystalline SiO(2) film grown on Mo(112) has been studied by scanning tunneling microscopy, infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In excellent agreement with the experimental results, density functional theory calculations show that the film consists of a two-dimensional network of corner sharing [SiO(4)] tetrahedra, with one oxygen of each tetrahedron binding to the protruding Mo atoms of the Mo(112) surface.