Abstract

We report on the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of manganese-doped silicon clusters cations, Si(n)Mn(+) with n=6-10, 12-14, and 16, using mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy in combination with density functional theory computations. This combined experimental and theoretical study allows several structures to be identified. All the exohedral Si(n)Mn(+) (n=6-10) clusters are found to be substitutive derivatives of the bare Si(n+1)(+) cations, while the endohedral Si(n)Mn(+) (n=12-14 and 16) clusters adopt fullerene-like structures. The hybrid B3P86 functional is shown to be appropriate in predicting the ground electronic states of the clusters and in reproducing their infrared spectra. The clusters turn out to have high magnetic moments localized on Mn. In particular the Mn atoms in the exohedral Si(n)Mn(+) (n=6-10) clusters have local magnetic moments of 4 μ(B) or 6 μ(B) and can be considered as magnetic copies of the silicon atoms. Opposed to other 3d transition-metal dopants, the local magnetic moment of the Mn atom is not completely quenched when encapsulated in a silicon cage.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.