Abstract
The geometrical structures, relative stabilities, and electronic and magnetic properties of niobium carbon clusters, Nb(7)C(n) (n = 1-7), are investigated in this study. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, coupled with the Saunders Kick global search, are conducted to explore the structural properties of Nb(7)C(n) (n = 1-7). The results regarding the average binding energy, second-order difference energy, dissociation energy, HOMO-LUMO gap, and chemical hardness highlight the robust stability of Nb(7)C(3). Analysis of the density of states suggests that the molecular orbitals of Nb(7)C(n) primarily consist of orbitals from the transition metal Nb, with minimal involvement of C atoms. Spin density and natural population analysis reveal that the total magnetic moment of Nb(7)C(n) predominantly resides on the Nb atoms. The contribution of Nb atoms to the total magnetic moment stems mainly from the 4d orbital, followed by the 5p, 5s, and 6s orbitals.