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Title: On the remarkable resistance to oxidation by the Bi 18 − cluster
The reactivity of Binclusters (n= 2 to 30) with O2is found to display even-odd alternations. The open-shell even-sized Binclusters are more reactive than the closed-shell odd-sized clusters, except Bi18, which exhibits no observable reactivity toward O2. We have investigated the structure and bonding of Bi18to understand its remarkable resistance to oxidation. We find that the most stable structure of Bi18consists of two Bi8cages linked by a Bi2dimer, where each atom is bonded to three neighboring atoms. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that each Bi uses its three 6pelectrons to form three covalent bonds with its neighbors, resulting in a Bi18cluster without any dangling bonds. We find that the robust Bi18framework along with the totally delocalized unpaired electron is responsible for the surprising inertness of Bi18toward O2. The Bi18framework is similar to that in Hittorf’s phosphorus, suggesting the possibility to create bismuth nanoclusters with interesting structures and properties.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2403841
PAR ID:
10565883
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
AAAS
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Science Advances
Volume:
10
Issue:
44
ISSN:
2375-2548
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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