Zero‐Valent Nickel Stabilized in Surface‐Supported Metal–Organic Chains

Abstract

ABSTRACT The stabilization of zero‐valent nickel Ni(0) centers in extended coordination networks remains a major challenge due to their pronounced reactivity and susceptibility to oxidation. Here, we demonstrate that linear coordination confinement within a surface‐supported metal–organic chain enables the stabilization of Ni(0) atoms on Ag(100). The symmetry of 9,10‐dicyanoanthracene (DCA), combined with substrate templating effects, directs the formation of an ordered linear Ni‐DCA coordination motif. Spectroscopic measurements provide unambiguous evidence for a formal Ni(0) oxidation state, representing a rare realization of a zero‐valent transition metal center within an extended, atomically defined system. The electronic structure is governed by hybridization between Ni 3d orbitals and the π‐system of DCA, resulting in an anisotropic electronic dispersion with predominantly one‐dimensional character. These results establish linear coordination as a strategy to stabilize reactive, low‐valent metal centers in surface‐supported metal–organic architectures.