Rh <sub>19</sub> <sup>−</sup> : A high-spin super-octahedron cluster
Yuhan Jia, Cong‐Qiao Xu, Chaonan Cui, Lijun Geng, Hanyu Zhang, Yangyang Zhang, Shiquan Lin, Jiannian Yao, Zhixun Luo, Jun Li
Abstract
Probing atomic clusters with magic numbers is of supreme importance but challenging in cluster science. Pronounced stability of a metal cluster often arises from coincident geometric and electronic shell closures. However, transition metal clusters do not simply abide by this constraint. Here, we report the finding of a magic-number cluster Rh 19 − with prominent inertness in the sufficient gas-collision reactions. Photoelectron spectroscopy experiments and global-minimum structure search have determined the geometry of Rh 19 − to be a regular O h ‑[Rh@Rh 12 @Rh 6 ] − with unusual high-spin electronic configuration. The distinct stability of such a strongly magnetic cluster Rh 19 − consisting of a nonmagnetic element is fully unveiled on the basis of its unique bonding nature and superatomic states. The 1-nanometer–sized O h -Rh 19 − cluster corresponds to a fragment of the face-centered cubic lattice of bulk rhodium but with altered magnetism and electronic property. This cluster features exceptional electron-spin state isomers confirmed in photoelectron spectra and suggests potential applications in atomically precise manufacturing involving spintronics and quantum computing.