Second-order superatoms : Au52-PAP featuring a three-dimensional cluster-of-clusters core

Abstract

The recent characterization of Au52-PAP cluster can be viewed as a three-dimensional arrangement featuring four Au13 motifs. As a result, a new set of superatomic orbitals are built up from the superatomic shell of each constituent unit, denoted by 1S′21P′62S′21D′102P′61F′6 and, thus, referred to as a second-order superatomic shell structure. This favors the rationalization of larger species toward the formation of cluster-assembled materials of different sizes.