Ultra stable superatomic structure of doubly magic Ga13 and Ga13Li electrolyte

Abstract

We report the extreme thermal stability of the superatomic electronic structure for 13-atom gallium clusters and the Ga₁₃Li electrolyte. Using previously-validated first-principles simulations, [K. G. Steenbergen and N. Gaston, Phys. Rev. B: Condens. Matter Mater. Phys., 2013, 88, 161402–161405] we show that the superatomic shell progression of doubly-magic Ga₁₃⁻ remains stable up to 1000 K, making this cluster an ideal candidate for high-temperature applications requiring an exceptionally stable electronic structure. Using the neutral and cationic clusters for comparison, we quantify the extent to which cluster stability (geometric and electronic) is modified through addition or subtraction of a single electron. Finally, combining 13-atom gallium with lithium, we illustrate that superatomic closed-shell Ga₁₃Li exhibits the same exceptionally high thermal stability as naked Ga₁₃⁻. For technological use as a superatomic electrolyte, we demonstrate that Ga₁₃Li has a low affinity to water as well as a low Li⁺ binding energy.