Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

10:37
Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
Published on: January 9, 2014
Structures of mixed argon-nitrogen clusters.
Masanari Nagasaka1, Ertugrul Serdaroglu, Roman Flesch
1Institute for Molecular Science, Myodaiji, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan. nagasaka@ims.ac.jp
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|December 13, 2012
Summary
Mixed argon-nitrogen clusters exhibit partial core-shell structures. Soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and calculations reveal argon cores partially covered by nitrogen molecules in these clusters.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Understanding the structure of mixed gas clusters is crucial for various applications.
- Argon-nitrogen clusters are model systems for studying interatomic interactions and phase transitions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural properties of mixed argon-nitrogen clusters.
- To determine the arrangement of argon and nitrogen atoms within these clusters.
Main Methods:
- Soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to analyze core level shifts and site intensities.
- Core level shift calculations, including induced dipole interactions, were performed.
- Monte Carlo simulations were employed to model various cluster structures.
Main Results:
- Analysis of Ar 2p(3/2) core level shifts indicated distinct surface and bulk sites.
- Calculations confirmed the experimental findings, supporting specific structural models.
- Evidence points towards partial core-shell structures in mixed argon-nitrogen clusters.
Conclusions:
- Mixed argon-nitrogen clusters predominantly form partial core-shell structures.
- Argon atoms tend to form the core, while nitrogen molecules adsorb on the surface.
- This structural motif is influenced by interatomic interactions and cluster composition.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Noble Gases
The elements in group 18 are noble gases (helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon). They earned the name “noble” because they were assumed to be nonreactive since they have filled valence shells. In 1962, Dr. Neil Bartlett at the University of British Columbia proved this assumption to be false.
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
The mathematical expression known as the wave function, ψ, contains information about each orbital and the wavelike properties of electrons in an isolated atom. When atoms are bound together in a molecule, the wave functions combine to produce new mathematical descriptions that have different shapes. This process of combining the wave functions for atomic orbitals is called hybridization and is mathematically accomplished by the linear combination of atomic orbitals. The new orbitals that...
Formal Charges
In some cases, there are seemingly more than one valid Lewis structures for molecules and polyatomic ions. The concept of formal charges can be used to help predict the most appropriate Lewis structure when more than one reasonable structure exists.
Structure of Amines
The hybridized nitrogen atom in amines possesses a lone pair of electrons and is bound to three substituents with a bond angle of around 108°, which is less than the tetrahedral angle of 109.5°. However, the C–N–H bond angle is slightly larger at 112°, with a carbon–nitrogen bond length of 147 pm. This carbon–nitrogen bond length of of amines is longer than the carbon–oxygen bond of alcohols (143 pm) but shorter than alkanes’ carbon–carbon bond (154 pm). These aspects are illustrated in Figure...
Metallic Solids
Metallic solids such as crystals of copper, aluminum, and iron are formed by metal atoms. The structure of metallic crystals is often described as a uniform distribution of atomic nuclei within a “sea” of delocalized electrons. The atoms within such a metallic solid are held together by a unique force known as metallic bonding that gives rise to many useful and varied bulk properties.
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...
Exceptions to the Octet Rule
Many covalent molecules have central atoms that do not have eight electrons in their Lewis structures. These molecules fall into three categories:

