A novel laser photolysis source has been used to synthesize hydrogen-terminated silicon clusters Si n H x + , where n e 50. Using mass spectrometry, the hydrogen content of the Si n H x + clusters with n ) 10-30 was measured as a function of temperature from 300 to 950 K. For n ) 10-22 at the lower temperatures, there is a broad distribution of [H]/[Si] ratios which peak around compositions expected for clusters with bulklike silicon cores (x/n > 1). Si n H x + clusters with x/n = 1 appear to be favored at intermediate temperatures. This stoichiometric composition suggests three-dimensional, Si n H n + cage-like structures built from Si-H units. The stability of the cage geometries is supported by density functional calculations. For cluster cations with n g 23 an abrupt transition occurs and there is a sharp drop in the hydrogen content at the lower temperatures. For these clusters, Si n H (n-y) + (y ) 1-5) compositions are prominent at the higher temperatures. These compositions suggest cage-like geometries with one or more internal silicon atoms. By adjusting the source conditions it is possible to generate Si n H x + (n g 23) clusters with a narrow distribution of x (less than two hydrogens wide).
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