Second-order superatoms: Au52-PAP featuring a three-dimensional cluster-of-clusters core

Abstract

The recent characterization of Au₅₂-PAP cluster can be viewed as a three-dimensional arrangement featuring four Au₁₃ motifs. As a result, a new set of superatomic orbitals are built up from the superatomic shell of each constituent unit, denoted by 1S′²1P′⁶2S′²1D′¹⁰2P′⁶1F′⁶ and, thus, referred to as a second-order superatomic shell structure. This favors the rationalization of larger species toward the formation of cluster-assembled materials of different sizes.