A Density Functional Theory Study on the Structures and Electronic Properties of XAl n (X = Br, I; n = 3–15) Clusters

Abstract

Abstract The effects of halogen element X (X = Br, I) doping on the geometrical structures and electronic properties of neutral aluminium clusters are systematically studied by utilising the density functional theory calculations. The structures of X-doped clusters show the three-dimensional forms with increasing atomic number except for n = 3 and X (X = Br, I) atom prefer to occupy the surface site of the host Al n clusters. BrAl7 and IAl7 clusters are the most stable geometries. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap and chemical hardness show an odd–even alternative phenomenon. The charges always transfer from the Al atoms to the X (X = Br, I) atom. Finally, the dipole and polarisability are discussed.