New magic numbers in TixC(super -)(sub y) anion clusters and implications for the growth mechanisms of titanium carbide clusters

Experiments revealed new prominent clusters in the anion mass spectra of titanium carbide clusters, TixC (super -) (sub y) where x/y = 3/8, 4/8, 6/13, 7/13, 9/15 and 13/22 which can not be localized in the positive ion mass spectra. The common components of the clusters were C2 dimers, cubic framework and layered structures. Moreover, two growth regions were identified in the clusters. A combined photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theoretical studies were performed to understand the structure and bonding of the clusters.