Rh₁₉^-: A high-spin super-octahedron cluster.

Abstract

Probing atomic clusters with magic numbers is of supreme importance but challenging in cluster science. Pronounced stability of a metal cluster often arises from coincident geometric and electronic shell closures. However, transition metal clusters do not simply abide by this constraint. Here, we report the finding of a magic-number cluster Rh₁₉^- with prominent inertness in the sufficient gas-collision reactions. Photoelectron spectroscopy experiments and global-minimum structure search have determined the geometry of Rh₁₉^- to be a regular <i>O_h</i>‑[Rh@Rh₁₂@Rh₆]^- with unusual high-spin electronic configuration. The distinct stability of such a strongly magnetic cluster Rh₁₉^- consisting of a nonmagnetic element is fully unveiled on the basis of its unique bonding nature and superatomic states. The 1-nanometer-sized <i>O_h</i>-Rh₁₉^- cluster corresponds to a fragment of the face-centered cubic lattice of bulk rhodium but with altered magnetism and electronic property. This cluster features exceptional electron-spin state isomers confirmed in photoelectron spectra and suggests potential applications in atomically precise manufacturing involving spintronics and quantum computing.