Solvation dynamics of electron–metal cation contact pairs in LiCl aqueous solutions

Abstract

In this study, the dynamics of the solvation of (Li⁺–electron) pairs were investigated in LiCl water solutions at concentrations ranging from 2 to 14.6 M. The dynamics of contact pair solvation were observed experimentally for the first time using picosecond electron radiolysis. We observed a clear concentration-dependent increase in electron solvation time – from 10.6 ps at a LiCl concentration of 3.5 M to 17.3 ps at 14.6 M. We provide a mechanistic description of how metal cations influence this solvation.