Superatom orbitals of Sc₃N@C₈₀ and their intermolecular hybridization on Cu(110)-(2x1)-O surface
We investigate the electronic structure of an endohedral fullerene, Sc₃N@C₈₀, chemisorbed on Cu(110)-(2x1)-O surface by scanning tunneling microscopy and density-functional theory. Scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy identify a series of delocalized atomlike superatom molecular orbitals (SAMOs) in the Sc₃N@C₈₀ and its aggregates. By contrast to C60, the encapsulated Sc₃N cluster in Sc₃N@C₈₀ distorts the nearly-spherical central potential of the carbon cage, imparting an asymmetric spatial distribution to the SAMOs. When Sc₃N@C₈₀ molecules form dimers and trimers, however, the strong intermolecular hybridization results in highly symmetric hybridized SAMOs with clear bonding and antibonding characteristics. The electronic-structure calculations on Sc3N@C80 and its aggregates confirm the existence of SAMOs and reproduce their hybridization as observed in the experiment.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States). Environmental Molecular Sciences Lab. (EMSL)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1001477
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, 81(8):085434, Vol. 81, Issue 8; ISSN 1098-0121
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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