Fig. 2: Illustration of Au-alloying-induced structural evolution.
From: A reasonable approach for the generation of hollow icosahedral kernels in metal nanoclusters
Step I contains the Au-doping processes from Ag28Cu12(SR)24 to AuxAg28-xCu12(SR)24 (x = 1.32) and then to AuxAg28-xCu12(SR)24 (x = 7.56), in which processes the M40(SR)24 framework retains. Step II is the Au-doping process from AuxAg28-xCu12(SR)24 (x = 7.56) to Au12CuyAg32-y(SR)30 (y = 3.74), in which process the M40(SR)24 framework transforms into M44(SR)30 (M = Au/Ag/Cu). The Au proportion gradually increases with the nanocluater evolution from Ag28Cu12(SR)24 to AuxAg28-xCu12(SR)24 (x = 1.32), AuxAg28-xCu12(SR)24 (x = 7.56), and Au12CuyAg32-y(SR)30 (y = 3.74). Color labels: light blue, Ag; orange, Au; green, Cu; red, S. All C and H atoms are omitted for clarity.
