Magic numbers for metallic clusters and the principle of maximum hardness.

Harbola, M K · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 1992

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

It is shown that for relatively more stable metallic clusters (those with magic number of atoms) the chemical hardness (I-A) too is relatively larger. Thus the occurrence of magic numbers for metal clusters whose stability is determined by their electronic shell structure can be understood as a manifestation of the principle of maximum hardness. This may also represent a possible way of delineating clusters with stability dominated by their electronic shell structure from those for which the magic numbers occur as a result of their geometric structure.