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Published on: June 16, 2014
Structure and magnetization of small monodisperse platinum clusters
Xiong Liu1, Matthias Bauer, Helmut Bertagnolli
1Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Universität Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
Platinum (Pt) clusters exhibit significant magnetic polarization, with up to 8 unpaired electrons per cluster. Hydrogen chemisorption partially reduces this magnetism, offering insights into cluster electronic structure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding magnetism in nanoscale materials is crucial for developing new technologies.
- Previous theoretical studies predicted unusual magnetic properties in small platinum clusters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally verify the predicted magnetic polarization in platinum clusters.
- To investigate the influence of hydrogen chemisorption on cluster magnetism.
- To gain insights into the electronic structure of platinum clusters.
Main Methods:
- Magnetization measurements were performed on well-characterized, monodisperse platinum (Pt) clusters.
- The clusters, containing approximately 13 atoms, were stabilized within a zeolite matrix.
- The effect of hydrogen chemisorption on magnetic properties was studied.
Main Results:
- Extraordinary magnetic polarization was confirmed, with up to 8 unpaired electrons per cluster.
- A significant magnetic moment of 0.65(5) microB per atom was measured.
- Hydrogen chemisorption was observed to partially quench the magnetic polarization.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the existence of strong magnetism in small platinum clusters.
- Electronic structure and magnetism are sensitive to surface interactions like hydrogen adsorption.
- These findings are fundamental for understanding magnetism development in nanoscale systems.
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