title: Structural evolution of triniobium carbide clusters: evidence of large Cn chains (n = 3-4) in Nb3Cn- (n = 5-10) clusters.
abstract: First-principle density functional calculations and photoelectron spectroscopy experiments show that triniobium carbide clusters exist in multiple motifs. The Nb(3)C(n)(-) (n = 5-10) series have isomers surrounding a triangular Nb(3) base while incorporating Nb-C bonding. We provide evidence of not only C(2) carbon chains but also stable isomers with previously unidentified C(3) and C(4) carbon chains in triniobium carbide clusters.
authors: Department of Physics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23284-2000, USA.
authors: Peneé A
authors: PA
authors: Clayborne
authors: Charles E
authors: CE
authors: Jones
authors: Ujjwal
authors: U
authors: Gupta
authors: Joshua J
authors: JJ
authors: Melko
authors: Shiv N
authors: SN
authors: Khanna
authors: A W
authors: AW
authors: Castleman