The Effect of Impurity Atoms on the Structural and Electronic Properties of Au₃ Clusters

Abstract

With density functional theory, the structural and electronic properties of Au3 and Au2M (M=Ag, Cu, Pd and Pt) clusters have been studied. The structural results indicate that by substituting one Au atom with M atom, the corresponding geometries are changed slightly. To investigate the electronic properties, bonding properties and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) were observed. It is found that most trends in Au2Pd and Au2Pt are similar and it also happens in the other two doped clusters. In addition, the calculated mulliken overlap populations suggest that doping modify the localized electron between Au and Au atom. It is also found that the contributions from various atoms on HOMO and energies of HOMO are changed. These may make difference in the adsorption of clusters.

Molecular dynamics simulations of the impurity effect on packing structures, local stresses, and thermodynamics of Ih silver clusters

“…21 For example, Li et al found that doping Ag, Cu, Pd or Pt atoms in small size Au clusters can change their electronic properties, which is conducive to the analysis of adsorption problems. 22 Moreover, the electronic properties and magnetic properties can be adjusted by doping single O and H atoms in small Ni clusters. 23 In order to make the structures and dynamics of binary alloy clusters more reasonable, more calculations or simulations are needed to verify and adjust their structures and compositions.…”