Binary Alloy Clusters: Structures and Electronic Properties

Abstract

Synthesis, characterization, physics, and chemistry of nanoclusters have been the focus of intense attention for the last two decades. Also, their unique statues that they are between molecule and bulk material is the central reason for the theoretical researcher to understand the transition from atom to cluster/molecule and then to solid state. In this review we restrict ourselves to the recent advances in the structural and electronic properties of binary alloy clusters. This type of clusters is particularly of importance thanks to their very availability for being tuned, by changing their sizes, according to any special needs. A brief summary of the classification of clusters as well as the experimental techniques and theoretical methods to study them, and the possible applications of alloy clusters are given in the introduction part. Several binary alloy cluster types, including semiconductor, alkali and transition metal, oxide, and ionic binary alloy clusters, are widely reviewed considering extensively the most recent articles.