Atomic clusters

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Cluster chemistry. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2010.

--> See Molecular clusters

Atomic clusters can be either pure, formed from a single atomic species or from a mixture.

Classifications criteria:

• by predominant bond nature: metallic, covalent, ionic;
• by atomic count: “micro” < 20, “small” < 100 < “large”
• by electric / magnetic properties

For the majority of atomic species there are clusters of certain atomic counts (so-called “magic numbers”) that have preponderent representation in the mass spectra, an indication of their greater stability with respect to dissociation when compared to their neighboring atomic counts.