Anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional investigation of diniobium-carbon clusters

ACS Nano. 2007 Nov;1(4):319-26. doi: 10.1021/nn700167c.

Abstract

Experimental photoelectron and computational results show diniobium-carbon (Nb(2)C(n)) clusters to coexist in multiple structural isomers: three-dimensional geometries, planar rings, and linear chains. Three-dimensional clusters having up to five carbons are formed preferentially with Nb-Nb bonding, whereas only Nb-C bonding is observed experimentally at six carbons. Clusters consisting of an odd number of atoms are also observed with linear geometries. The larger binary clusters (n > or = 7) display properties similar to those of pure carbon clusters. We provide evidence for niobium substitution of carbon atoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.