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Main Author: Rodríguez-Kessler, Peter Ludwig
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
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Online Access:https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.25908
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author Rodríguez-Kessler, Peter Ludwig
author_facet Rodríguez-Kessler, Peter Ludwig
contents The structural stability, electronic structure, and bonding characteristics of the silver-doped boron cluster B18Ag2 were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) combined with global optimization techniques. Basin-hopping searches identify a bent double-ring structure as the global minimum, consisting of two stacked B9 rings symmetrically stabilized by Ag atoms located above and below the boron framework. The UV-Vis absorption spectrum exhibits weak transitions in the near-infrared region and intense bands in the visible and near-ultraviolet regions, reflecting delocalized electronic excitations within the boron framework. Charge analysis indicates moderate electron redistribution from Ag atoms to the boron scaffold. Real-space bonding analyses based on the electron localization function (ELF), reduced density gradient (RDG), and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) reveal that bonding is dominated by {$σ$}-delocalization over the boron skeleton, while Ag-B interactions are weak, non-directional, and primarily electrostatic. The continuous annular electron delocalization within the double-ring structure suggests an aromatic-like character. These findings establish B18Ag2 as a silver-stabilized boron double-ring cluster in which global electron delocalization governs structural stability, while Ag atoms act as axial stabilizing centers that modulate the electronic structure. This work provides new insight into the role of coinage-metal doping in stabilizing extended boron nanostructures.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2604_25908
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Structure Prediction and Bonding Analysis of B$_{18}$Ag$_2$ Clusters Featuring Double-Ring Motifs
Rodríguez-Kessler, Peter Ludwig
Materials Science
80A50, 82D80
The structural stability, electronic structure, and bonding characteristics of the silver-doped boron cluster B18Ag2 were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) combined with global optimization techniques. Basin-hopping searches identify a bent double-ring structure as the global minimum, consisting of two stacked B9 rings symmetrically stabilized by Ag atoms located above and below the boron framework. The UV-Vis absorption spectrum exhibits weak transitions in the near-infrared region and intense bands in the visible and near-ultraviolet regions, reflecting delocalized electronic excitations within the boron framework. Charge analysis indicates moderate electron redistribution from Ag atoms to the boron scaffold. Real-space bonding analyses based on the electron localization function (ELF), reduced density gradient (RDG), and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) reveal that bonding is dominated by {$σ$}-delocalization over the boron skeleton, while Ag-B interactions are weak, non-directional, and primarily electrostatic. The continuous annular electron delocalization within the double-ring structure suggests an aromatic-like character. These findings establish B18Ag2 as a silver-stabilized boron double-ring cluster in which global electron delocalization governs structural stability, while Ag atoms act as axial stabilizing centers that modulate the electronic structure. This work provides new insight into the role of coinage-metal doping in stabilizing extended boron nanostructures.
title Structure Prediction and Bonding Analysis of B$_{18}$Ag$_2$ Clusters Featuring Double-Ring Motifs
topic Materials Science
80A50, 82D80
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.25908