Author:

Abstract:

Nanoclusters, aggregates of typically a few to a few thousand atoms represent a distinct form of matter between atoms and molecules on the one hand and solids on the other. The possible existence of highly symmetric nanoclusters constitutes a major issue in current cluster research. Not only their aesthetic attraction, but also the prospect to use these particles as building blocks for nanostructured materials stimulates further research. The challenge is to develop some guiding principles which would enable one to design stable clusters with tailored physical and chemical properties, suitable for the synthesis of cluster based materials. In view of this, we investigated how controlled modification of physical properties of single-element clusters, by doping them with different elements, is influencing their chemical activity. First, we elaborated on the production and properties of doped gold and copper clusters. In particular, the controlled modification of the physical properties of these clusters by doping them with different elements was investigated. Photofragmentation and metastable fragmentation experiments, probing the size dependent cluster stability, were performed on Au