Structural trends of ionized water networks: Infrared spectroscopy of watercluster radical cations (H2O)n+ (n = 3–11)

Ionization of Water Clusters Mediated by Exciton Energy Transfer from Argon Clusters

“…15,17 Very recently, infrared experiments have shown ionized water clusters maintain a structure of H + (H2O) n-1 (OH) very similar to that observed for protonated water clusters. 9 Our experimental data shows that following the water cluster ionization onset, the non-protonated water cluster signal appear over the first Ar cluster exciton region, and then decreases dramatically. Protonated water clusters, on the other hand, follow the Ar fluorescence signal for the full measured region.…”

“…8 Only very recently have infrared spectroscopy been performed on size-selected non-protonated water clusters. 9 Here we describe a facile method to generate non protonated water clusters using exciton energy transfer from argon clusters. The idea behind this approach is based on the fact that excited electronic states can decay in two ways, namely, radiatively by emission of a fluorescence photon or non-radiatively by the ejection of an electron and ionization.…”

Structure and Bonding in Ionized Water Clusters

“…18,19 This leads to fragmentation of the water clusters on an ultrafast time scale to give rise to protonated species. 20 However, several studies have measured unprotonated cationic water clusters, [14][15][16][17] and recently the infrared spectroscopy of size selected unprotonated cationic water clusters was reported. 16 In these clusters, there is the possibility of several distinct structural motifs, which are illustrated in Figure 1.…”

“…20 However, several studies have measured unprotonated cationic water clusters, [14][15][16][17] and recently the infrared spectroscopy of size selected unprotonated cationic water clusters was reported. 16 In these clusters, there is the possibility of several distinct structural motifs, which are illustrated in Figure 1. 11,17 The first possibility a has a hydrazine-like core (H 2 O-OH 2 ) with a hemibond between the two oxygen atoms.…”

“…13 Several groups have studied ground state cationic water clusters (H 2 O) + n in experiment. [14][15][16][17] Studying these clusters in experiment is challenging since the unprotonated cluster ions are formed in a highly excited vibrational state. 18,19 This leads to fragmentation of the water clusters on an ultrafast time scale to give rise to protonated species.…”