Metal clusters synthesized in helium droplets: structure and dynamics from experiment and theory

Metal clusters have drawn continuous interest because of their high potential for the assembly of matter with special properties that may significantly differ from the corresponding bulk. Controlled combination of particular elements in one nanoparticle can increase the options for the creation of new materials for photonic, catalytic, or electronic applications. Superfluid helium droplets provide confinement and ultralow temperature, i.e. an ideal environment for the atom-by-atom aggregation of a new nanoparticle. This perspective presents a review of the current research progress on the synthesis of tailored metal and metal oxide clusters including core-shell designs, their characterization within the helium droplet beam, deposition on various solid substrates, and analysis via surface diagnostics. Special attention is given to the thermal properties of mixed metal clusters and questions about alloy formation on the nanoscale. Experimental results are accompanied by theoretical approaches employing computational chemistry, molecular dynamics simulations and He density functional theory.

Automated summary

Metal clusters are of continuous interest for their potential in creating matter with unique properties useful for applications in photonics, catalysis, and electronics. By controlling the combination of specific elements in a nanoparticle, new materials can be developed. Research focuses on synthesis of tailored metal and metal oxide clusters, including core-shell designs, with a particular emphasis on thermal properties and alloy formation at the nanoscale. Both experimental and theoretical approaches are used for characterization and analysis.