Density Functional Theory Study of Rh_<i>n</i>S^0,± and Rh_<i>n</i>+1^0,± (<i>n</i> = 1–9)

A basin-hopping search strategy has been used to determine likely candidates for low-energy RhnS0,± (n = 1–9) cluster structures. Cluster structures were optimized at the density functional level of theory using the PBE and PBE0 functionals. Ionization energies, electron detachment energies, HOMO–LUMO gap energies, UV–visible spectra, low-lying fragmentation channels and energies, cluster structures, spin multiplicities, and vibrational spectra are predicted for RhnS0,± and Rhn+10,± (n = 1–9). Donation from valence sulfur atomic p orbitals to valence rhodium atomic d orbitals and back-donation to valence sulfur atomic d orbitals leads to electron density delocalization and metal-like behavior for rhodium sulfide clusters.