Fe24

Fe24 refers to a cluster composed of 24 iron atoms that appears in the field of metal clusters and nanomaterials. In practice, Fe24 can be observed as a neutral or charged species and is often stabilized by ligands or carbonyl groups in organometallic contexts. The term is used to describe a family of related iron clusters rather than a single fixed compound.

The structure of Fe24 is not uniquely defined; the geometry depends on how the cluster is synthesized and stabilized. Theoretical and experimental studies have identified multiple near-degenerate isomers, with core arrangements ranging from compact, often highly symmetric cores to more open, layered motifs. Ligand environments and charge state strongly influence the preferred arrangement and can lead to different bonding patterns among the iron centers.

Electronic and magnetic properties of Fe24 clusters are a central focus of research. These clusters typically exhibit high spin states and substantial magnetic moments per atom relative to bulk iron, reflecting unpaired electrons localized on the iron centers. Ligands and the surrounding matrix can modify spin coupling and magnetic anisotropy, making Fe24 and related clusters useful as model systems for nanoscale magnetism and as potential components in spintronic or magnetic storage concepts.

Synthesis and characterization methods include gas-phase production, laser ablation, and chemical synthesis of ligand-stabilized clusters, often followed by purification and analysis by mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction when possible, and spectroscopic techniques. Fe24 serves as a representative example in discussions of iron cluster chemistry and the broader study of how small metal aggregates deviate from bulk properties.

See also: iron cluster, metal carbonyl cluster, nanomaterials.