Here we report a systematic theoretical study of the structure and electronic
properties of Snn−1Pb and Pbn−1Sn
(n = 2−13) clusters and compare these results with pure
Snn and Pbn to understand the influence of the dopant elements. The
calculations were carried out using the density functional theory with generalized
gradient approximation for the exchange-correlation potential. Extensive search
based on large number of initial configurations has been carried out to locate the
stable isomers of Snn−1Pb and Pbn−1Sn
(n = 2−13) clusters. The relative stability of Snn−1Pb and
Pbn−1Sn (n = 2−13) clusters is analyzed based on the calculated binding energies and second difference in energy. The stability analysis
of these clusters suggests that, while the substitution of Sn by Pb lowers the stability of
Snn clusters, presence of Sn enhances the stability of the
Pbn clusters. The results suggest that while for
Snn−1Pb, n = 4, 7, 10, 12 clusters are more stable than their respective neighbors,
Pbn−1Sn clusters with n = 4, 7 and 9 are found to be more stable. Based on the fragmentation pattern it is seen that for
Snn−1Pb and Pbn−1Sn clusters favor monomer evaporation of the Pb atom up to
n = 11 and n = 12, respectively. Unlike this trend, the
Sn11Pb undergoes fission type fragment into Sn5Pb and
Sn6 clusters. A comparison between our theoretical results and surface induced dissociation experiment shows good agreement, which
gives confidence on the prediction of the ground state geometries.
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