Issue 19, 2022

Efficient neutralization of core ionized species in an aqueous environment

Abstract

Core ionization dynamics of argon–water heteroclusters ArM[H2O]N are investigated using a site and process selective experimental scheme combining 3 keV electron irradiation with Auger electron–ion–ion multi-coincidence detection. The formation of Ar 2p−1 vacancies followed by non-radiative decay to intermediate one-site doubly ionized states Ar2+(3p−2)−ArM−1[H2O]N and subsequent redistribution of charge to the cluster environment are monitored. At low argon concentrations the emission of an [H2O]nH+/[H2O]n′′H+ ion pair is the dominant outcome, implying on high efficiency of charge transfer to the water network. Increasing the condensation fraction of argon in the mixed clusters and/or to pure argon clusters is reflected as a growing yield of Arm+/Arm′′+ ion pairs, providing a fingerprint of the precursor heterocluster beam composition. The coincident Auger electron spectra, resolved with better than 1 eV resolution, show only subtle differences and thereby reflect the local nature of the initial Auger decay step. The results lead to better understanding of inner shell ionization processes in heterogeneous clusters and in aqueous environments in general.

Graphical abstract: Efficient neutralization of core ionized species in an aqueous environment

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
10 mar 2022
Accepted
26 apr 2022
First published
27 apr 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022,24, 11646-11653

Efficient neutralization of core ionized species in an aqueous environment

E. Pelimanni, A. Hans, E. Heikura, M. Huttula and M. Patanen, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, 24, 11646 DOI: 10.1039/D2CP01178F

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