A new nanomaterial synthesized from size-selected, ligand-free metal clusters.

Authors :: Li, X.
Wepasnick, K.
Tang, X.
Fairbrother, D. H.
Bowen, K. H.
Dollinger, A.
Strobel, C. H.
Huber, J.
Mangler, T.
Luo, Y.
Proch, S.
Gantefoer, G.
Source :: Journal of Applied Physics; 2014, Vol. 115 Issue 10, p104304-1-104304-4, 4p, 2 Black and White Photographs, 2 Graphs
Publication Year :: 2014
Abstract: Thins films are synthesized by deposition of size-selected Mo<subscript>n</subscript><superscript>–</superscript> cluster anions on an inert substrate. Scanning tunneling microscopy pictures indicate that the deposited material consists of individual particles with diameters corresponding to the size of the preformed clusters from the gas phase. Previous attempts to manufacture cluster materials from metals failed since these clusters coalesced at room temperature. Our data suggest the possibility to synthesize new nanomaterials from clusters of high fusing metals. This may prove to be the key to harness size-dependent and tuneable properties of clusters for creating novel classes of functional tailor-made materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]