Nanoscale Atoms in Solid-State Chemistry

Abstract

Ionic Materials via Charged Clusters The formation of salts from atomic and small molecular ions could in principle be replicated with larger inorganic clusters. However, many clusters are stabilized by organic ligands that create a barrier for charge transfer reactions to create ions. Roy et al. (p. 157 , published online 6 June; see the Perspective by Batail ) now report that chromium, cobalt, and nickel selenide and telluride clusters form materials by charge transfer with C 60 . The Co and Cr clusters formed a layered structure analogous to CdI 2 , while the Ni cluster formed a structure related to NaCl.