Insights into the structures, stabilities, electronic and magnetic properties of X2Aun (X = La, Y, and Sc; n = 1–9) clusters: comparison with pure gold clusters

Abstract

ABSTRACTA systematic study of the X2Aun (X = La, Y, Sc; n = 1–9) clusters are performed by using the density functional theory at TPSS level. The structures, stabilities, electronic, and magnetic properties are investigated in comparison with pure gold clusters. The results show that the transition points of the doped clusters from two-dimensional to three-dimensional structure are obviously earlier than gold clusters. The impurity X atoms tend to occupy the most highly coordinated position and form the largest probable number of bonds with gold atoms. In addition, the impurity atoms can strongly enhance the stabilities of gold clusters. It indicates that the impurity atoms dramatically affect the geometries and stabilities of the Aun clusters. The highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest occupied molecular orbital gap, vertical ionisation potential, and chemical hardness show that the X2Au6 clusters have higher stabilities than the others. In La2Au1–9, Y2Au1–7, and Sc2Au1–4 clusters, the charges transfer from X atoms to the Aun frames. The total magnetic moments of X2Aun clusters exist distinctly odd–even alternation behaviours except for La2Au4 and Sc2Au4 clusters.