Anion Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Vanadium-Doped Cobalt Clusters

Abstract

Bimetallic cobalt (Co)−vanadium (V) clusters, ConVm- (n = 4−14, m = 0−2), are investigated using anion photoelectron spectroscopy at 4.66 eV photon energy. Electron affinities (EA) and vertical detachment energies (VDE) are determined, and the electronic structures of V- and V2-doped Con clusters are compared to those of pure Con clusters. Bonding and hybridization effects can be explained using a charge-transfer model. A peak shape analysis confirms the high stability of the Co12V cluster with a most plausible icosahedral structure with the V atom in the cage center. Together with ionization potentials (IP), the electronic structures of the clusters are compared to H2 chemisorption rate coefficients reported previously. Thus, this study completes the investigation of electronic properties and reactivity of the bimetallic ConVm clusters as a function of charge, size, and distribution. Although the reactivity of ConVm reveals a better correlation toward the EA rather than toward IP, no improved correlation...