A face-sharing bi-icosahedral model for Al23−†
Abstract
A face-sharing bi-icosahedral motif is proposed as a candidate structure of the magic cluster, Al23−, on the basis of DFT calculations. The structure can be viewed as a quasi-molecule made of two Al13 (D3d) superatoms with an open electronic configuration via constructive overlap of 1F and 2P superatomic orbitals. A face-sharing tri-icosahedral motif is also predicted for Al33−.