UCLA

Sub-nano clusters often have unusual structures that do not obey our intuition. The language of chemical bonding in clusters is currently undergoing an explosive development, but it is far from being complete. So far, it is found that the bonding rules are more complex than in traditional molecules, and often unprecedented. This chapter discusses the main rules of chemical bonding in clusters developed to date. Then, it discusses some applications of clusters in technology, in a variety of structural contexts. The understanding of chemical bonding in clusters is ultimately needed for the development of applications of clusters in materials. Opportunities for cluster material science are virtually infinite, and many of them will emerge in the years to come. The chapter highlights just a few exciting applications illustrating the power of understanding electronic structure of clusters for rationalization and manipulation of their properties.