Transition metal-doped Bn (n = 7−10) clusters: confirmation of a circular disk Jellium model

Using a genetic algorithm combined with density functional theory calculations, we have performed a systematic global search for the low-lying structures of 4d and 5d transition metal (M)-doped Bn clusters with n = 7–10. Diverse structural patterns have been identified as the ground state for MBn clusters, i.e., half-sandwich for early transition metal dopants, wheel-like configuration for middle transition metal dopants, quasi-planar and umbrella-like structures for late transition metal dopants. Among them, the half-sandwich RhB7, IrB7, RuB8 and OsB8; wheel-like IrB9; and umbrella-like AgB9 and AuB9 clusters have relatively high stability, which are not only stabilized by the closed-shell occupation following a circular disk Jellium model, but also enhanced by aromaticity with the π bonds distributed over the circular disk. Our results not only enrich the family of 2D superatomic clusters but also advance the fundamental understanding of the metal-doped boron clusters.