Heterocyclic-N-Coordinated Ag2δ− Monolayer Self-Assembled on Ag(100)

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Xiaoshuai Fu - , CAS - Institute of Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) (Author)
  • Li Huang - , CAS - Institute of Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) (Author)
  • Linlu Wu - , Liaoning Academy of Materials, Renmin University of China (Author)
  • Yubin Fu - , Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), Chair of Molecular Functional Materials (cfaed), Southeast University, Nanjing (Author)
  • Xiao Chang - , CAS - Institute of Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) (Author)
  • Xiaoxiao Pei - , CAS - Institute of Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) (Author)
  • Chuqi Zhang - , CAS - Institute of Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) (Author)
  • Chen Liu - , CAS - Institute of High Energy Physics (Author)
  • Fupin Liu - , Nanjing Normal University (Author)
  • Zhihai Cheng - , Renmin University of China (Author)
  • Ji Ma - , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) (Author)
  • Xiao Lin - , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) (Author)
  • Wei Ji - , Renmin University of China (Author)
  • Xinliang Feng - , Chair of Molecular Functional Materials (gB MPI-MSP), Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden (cfaed), Max Planck Institute of Micostructure Physics (Author)
  • Hong Jun Gao - , CAS - Institute of Physics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) (Author)

Abstract

The charge states of metal adatoms on surfaces play a crucial role in controlling adsorption and interaction behaviors that underpin surface chemistry and catalysis, yet the atomically precise synthesis of negatively charged metal atoms remains a significant challenge. Here, we report negatively charged Ag dimer (Ag2δ−) arrays assembled on Ag(100) surface through coordination with a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, 8,9-diaza-8a-borabenzo[fg]tetracene (DBT), featuring a doping moiety with N–B–N bonds at zigzag edge. The Ag dimers are stabilized by two DBT monomers through N–Ag–N coordination bonding. In contrast to surface Ag atoms, the coordinated dimers display anionic character, as demonstrated by noncontact atomic force microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. Neutral dimers Ag20 can be converted from the coordinated complex by tip-induced detachment of one DBT monomer and showed markedly higher affinity for CO adsorption, a process that is suppressed on Ag2δ−. These findings establish an atomically defined platform for stabilizing and controlling anionic metal centers on metallic surfaces, providing a model system for exploring charge-state effects in surface chemistry.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23698-23706
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume148
Issue number23
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jun 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 42241567