Magic bimetallic cluster anions of M/Pb (M = Au, Ag and Cu) observed and analyzed by laser ablation and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry

Abstract

By using laser ablation on mixtures of coinage metals M (Cu, Ag, Au) and lead, M/Pb binary cluster anions containing up to tens of atoms were produced and analyzed. Most of the magic clusters discovered can be described based on the electron shell models which were deduced from simple homogeneous metal cluster systems. The clustering activities of coinage metals and lead were also compared with the properties of their bulk binary alloys.

Endohedrally Doped Cage Clusters

“…So far, there have been a few experiments on the doped lead clusters from different aspects, such as mass spectrometry ,,,− , photodissociation, molecular beam electric deflection, and photoelectron spectroscopy. ,, In an early mass spectrometry experiment, X. Zhang et al produced binary Pb–Co alloy clusters and observed two abundant peaks at [Co@Pb 10 ] − and [Co@Pb 12 ] − , which were assumed to be an endohedral bicapped square antiprism and a Co-centered icosahedron, respectively. Later, the same group generated and analyzed M-Pb cluster anions (M = Cu, Ag, Au) with many binary compositions.…”

“…So far, there have been a few experiments on the doped lead clusters from different aspects, such as mass spectrometry ,,,− , photodissociation, molecular beam electric deflection, and photoelectron spectroscopy. ,, In an early mass spectrometry experiment, X. Zhang et al produced binary Pb–Co alloy clusters and observed two abundant peaks at [Co@Pb 10 ] − and [Co@Pb 12 ] − , which were assumed to be an endohedral bicapped square antiprism and a Co-centered icosahedron, respectively. Later, the same group generated and analyzed M-Pb cluster anions (M = Cu, Ag, Au) with many binary compositions. Among them, [MPb n ] − clusters show relatively intense peaks or sharp turning points at n = 5, 10, and 12 in the mass spectra.…”

Photoelectron imaging and theoretical calculations of gold–silver hydrides: comparing the characteristics of Au, Ag and H in small clusters

“…For example, homonuclear or heteronuclear clusters ranging from single atom to those containing tens of atoms can be described using the Jellium model, where nearly free s electrons are delocalized within the potential of the positive nuclei. 1,4 At the same time, the unique properties of each coinage metal also attract great interest. From the atomic point of view, the relativistic effects of gold stabilize its 6s orbital and destabilize its 5d orbitals, which causes gold to have an apparent electronegativity larger than silver or copper.…”

Experimental and theoretical studies of complexes of [PbmAg]− (m = 1–4)

“…In particular, clusters of group-14 elements have been the topic of many studies in recent years because they are very important for the fine processing of semiconductors and for generating new materials with novel properties. [8][9][10][11][12] In industry, lead is involved in some important catalytic processes. Lead ruthenate has catalytic activity comparable to that of platinum in the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in alkaline solutions.…”