Photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional calculations of AgSi(n)- (n = 3-12) clusters

We investigated the structural evolution and electronic properties of AgSi(n)(-) (n = 3-12) clusters using anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The vertical detachment energies and adiabatic detachment energies of AgSi(n)(-) (n = 3-12) clusters were estimated from their photoelectron spectra. The structures of the AgSi(n)(-) (n = 3-12) clusters were tentatively assigned based on the comparison of theoretical calculations and experimental measurements. The studies show that the structures of AgSi(n)(-) (n = 3-12) clusters are dominated by exohedral structures with the Ag atom occupying the low coordinated sites. No endohedral structure has been found for AgSi(n)(-) clusters with n ≤ 12.