Shell effects in singly and multiply charged silver and gold clusters

Abstract

Abstract. The mass spectra of silver-and gold-clusters, generated by a gas aggregation technique and ionized by electron impact, reveal anomalies in the relative abundance of both singly and multiply charged clusters. Concentration maxima for singly charged species Ag, + and Au, + (n = 3, 9, t9, (21), 35) are in agreement with experimental data of Katakuse and the predictions from the electronic shell model. The observed anomalies in the abundance spectra of doubly charged silver and gold clusters as well as triply charged silver cluster ions are explained in terms of electronic shell closing.

Electron binding energies from collisional activation of metal-cluster dianions

“…1, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany e-mail: a.herlert@gsi.de small molecules and clusters was described with the simple phrase 'Small is different' [4], pointing out the dramatic changes in the physical and chemical properties of small clusters if just one atom or even an electron is added or removed. Several experimental observations have confirmed the presence of the so-called 'magic' cluster sizes resembling closed geometric or electronic shells, which exhibit a higher stability as compared to neighboring cluster sizes [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13].…”

Structures, Stabilities, Reactivities, and (Hyper)Polarizabilities of Small Gold Clusters

“…It has been verified that in general the gold clusters and compounds present large relativistic effects when compared to those of the copper and silver ones. 33,34 We would like to cite the experiments about vertical ionization potentials and electron affinities performed by some research groups, 28,[35][36][37][38][39] where the results of all studied gold clusters surpass those of the copper and silver ones (see Figure 2 of Wesendrup et al). 29 As a consequence of this finding, the properties and surfaces of the gold clusters will be differently affected.…”

“…1 Theoretical 2-11 and experimental [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] studies about metal clusters have been carried out for about thirty three years. Among the metal clusters, there is an increasing interest [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32] in the noble metals (Cu, Ag, and Au) because they can be considered as a connection between the alkali metals and the transition metals.…”

Thermal radiation of gold clusters on microsecond time scales

“…Nevertheless, gold clusters of sizes from a few to tens of atoms have shown a surprisingly strong reactivity [1][2][3] and have attracted considerable interest as catalysts. Experiments on, in particular, the catalytic properties of gold have mostly been performed on supported clusters, but the nature of the fundamental excitations and structure of these clusters are arguably better studied on free particles [4][5][6]. Benchmark experimental results are essential for a proper understanding of the structure of the clusters in both the ground and electronically excited states.…”