Gas-phase vibrational spectroscopy and ab initio calculations of Rb(H2O)n and Rb(H2O)nAr cluster ions

The competition between ion–water electrostatic interactions and water–water hydrogen bonding in cluster ions depends on several factors, including charge density of the ion and temperature of the system. Infrared photodissociation spectra of Rb⁺(H₂O)_n=2–5 and Rb⁺(H₂O)_n=1–5Ar are presented here and compared to previous experiments involving potassium and cesium. The temperature, or internal energy, of hydrated rubidium cluster ions is controlled by varying the evaporative path available for cluster formation. Warmer clusters (with effective temperatures of 250–500 K) are formed by the evaporation of water, while colder clusters (40–120 K) can be formed by argon evaporation. Colder cluster ions tend to favor conformers with more hydrogen bonds compared to those cluster ions at warmer temperatures. Previous work from this laboratory has shown significant and dramatic differences between the spectra of hydrated potassium and cesium ions. With a charge density intermediate between that of K⁺ and Cs⁺, Rb⁺ plays an important role in bridging the gap in our previous studies.     

单母体遗传算法优化(H2O)n(n≤14)的结构

在传统遗传算法的基础上提出了单母体遗传算法(single-parent genetic algorithm, SPGA)，通过对母体团簇实施两种不同的变异操作对结构进行优化，给出了分子团簇结构优化的算法实现. 结合TIP3P模型势函数，研究了水分子团簇(H₂O)_n(n≤14)的稳定结构. 优化结构和已有理论及实验结果一致. 计算结果表明当n<8时，平均结合能随n增加较快；当n≥8时有小的起伏. n=4,8,10,12的团簇结构具有较高对称性，比较稳定. 关键词： 单母体遗传算法 水分子团簇 结构优化     

Absolute cross sections of electron attachment to molecular clusters. Part II: Formation of (H2O) N? , (N2O) N? , and (N2) N?

Absolute cross sections σ⁻(E, N) of electron attachment to clusters (H₂O) _N , (N₂O) _N , and (N₂) _N for varying electron energy E and cluster size N are measured by using crossed electron and cluster beams in a vacuum. Continua of σ⁻(E) are found that correlate well with the functions of electron impact excitation of molecules’ internal degrees of freedom. The electron is attached through its solvation in a cluster. In the formation of (H₂O) _N ⁻ , (N₂O) _N ⁻ , and (N₂) _N ⁻ , the curves σ⁻(N) have a well-defined threshold because of a rise in the electron thermalization and solvation probability with N. For (H₂O)₉₀₀, (N₂O)₃₅₀, and (N₂)₂₆₀ clusters at E = 0.2 eV, the energy losses by the slow electron in the cluster are estimated as 3.0 × 10⁷, 2.7 × 10⁷, and 6.0 × 10⁵ eV/m, respectively. It is found that the growth of σ⁻ with N is the fastest for (H₂O) _N and (N₂) _N clusters at E → 0 as a result of polarization capture of the s-electron. Specifically, at E = 0.1 eV and N = 260, σ⁻ = 3.0 × 10⁻¹³ cm² for H₂O clusters, 8.0 × 10⁻¹⁴ cm² for N₂O clusters, and 1.4 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm² for N₂ clusters; at E = 11 eV, σ⁻ = 9.0 × 10⁻¹⁶ cm² for (H₂O)₂₀₀ clusters, 2.4 × 10⁻¹⁴ cm² for (N₂O)₃₅₀ clusters, and 5.0 × 10⁻¹⁷ cm² for (N₂)₂₆₀ clusters; finally, at E = 30 eV, σ⁻ = 3.6 × 10⁻¹⁷ cm² for (N₂O)₁₀ clusters and 3.0 × 10⁻¹⁷ cm² for (N₂)₁₂₅ clusters. Original Russian Text ? A.A. Vostrikov, D.Yu. Dubov, 2006, published in Zhurnal Tekhnicheskoĭ Fiziki, 2006, Vol. 76, No. 12, pp. 1–15.     

Zero field splittings of Gd3+IN Nd2(SO4)3 · 8H2O and Sm2(SO4)3 · 8H2O crystals at 273 K

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of Nd₂(SO₄)₃ · 8H₂O and Sm₂(SO₄)₃ · 8H₂O doped with Gd³⁺ has been carried out at 273 K and the spin-Hamiltonian parameters are deduced. The zero field splittings have been computed and compared with those observed directly by Bogle and Symmons. It is found that the discrepancy in the zero field splittings. between computed and directly observed values falls within the range of linewidths of directly observed values.     

Collision cross sections and swarm coefficients of water vapour ion clusters (H2O)nH+ with n = 1, 2 and 3 in N2, O2 and air

The ion swarm transport coefficients such as reduced mobility, diffusion coefficients and reaction rates of three water vapour ion clusters (H₂O) _n H⁺ (with n = 1, 2 and 3) in N₂ and O₂ have been determined from a Monte Carlo simulation using calculated and measured elastic and inelastic collision cross sections. The elastic momentum transfer cross sections have been determined from a semi-classical JWKB approximation based on a rigid core interaction potential model. The inelastic cross sections have been deduced from the measured ones in the case of similar ion cluster. Then, the cross sections sets are fitted using either the measured reduced mobility at low electric field in the case of (H₂O) _n H⁺ in N₂ or the zero-field mobility calculated from the Satoh's relation and the measured ones in N₂. From the sets of elastic and inelastic collision cross sections thus obtained in pure N₂ and O₂, the ion transport and reaction coefficients for (H₂O) _n H⁺ are then calculated in dry air and also extended over a wide range of reduced electric field in N₂ and O₂. These ion data are very useful for modelling and simulation of non-equilibrium electrical discharges more particularly in humid gases at atmospheric pressure.     

Infrared study of H+(H2O)nβ″ alumina

Infrared spectra of H⁺(H₂O)_nβ″ alumina show than the dehydrated samples contain H₃O⁺ ions as dominant species while the hydrated ones consists mainly of H₃O⁺ and H₅O⁺₂ entities. Oxonium ions can occupy many different positions more or less distant form the ideal prismatic sites. This structural disorder in the conductivity plane is believed to be the main factor responsible for the high conductivity of the material.     

Ion survival probabilities for 3 keV Ar+ scattering from La,Yb, and chemisorbed H2, O2, and H2O on La surfaces

TOF spectra of scattered primary and surface recoiled neutrals and ions for 3 keV Ar⁺ bombardment of clean La and Yb and H₂, O₂, and H₂O saturated La surfaces are presented. The spectra are analyzed in terms of single (SS) and multiple (MS) scattering of the primary ions and surface recoiling (SR) of adsorbate atoms. Measurement of spectra of neutrals + ions and neutrals alone allows determination of scattered ion fractions Y. The Y values for the SS event are high for clean La (37%) and lower for adsorbate covered La (32% for H₂, 13% for O₂, and 8% for H₂O); Yb exhibits a similar behavior, i.e. 16% for clean Yb and 5% for O₂ + H₂O covered Yb. Photon emission accompanying the scattering collision has been observed from clean La and Yb and adsorbate covered La. A preferential inelastic energy loss of 15 ± 3 eV for the SS event has been observed for scattered neutrals as opposed to ions for La and H₂ saturated La at 135°. These results are interpreted within the models for Auger and resonant electronic charge exchange transitions during approach or departure of an ion with a surface and the electron promotions occuring during close atomic encounters where the electron shells are interpenetrating.     

Structural characterisation of [Cu2(bptd) (H2O) Cl4] and [Ni2(bptd)2(H2O)4] Cl4·3H2O; evidence of null intramolecular exchanges by EPR and magnetic measurements

Using the 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (bptd), we recently prepared [Cu₂(bptd) (H₂O) Cl₄] and [Ni₂(bptd)₂ (H₂O)₄] Cl₄, 3H₂O in which the magnetic centres are connected through one diazine+one chloro and two diazine ligand bridges, respectively. These two compounds are the first examples that show null intramolecular magnetic interactions despite M-M distances close to 3.7 Å within perfectly planar edifices:Down to , [Cu₂(bptd)Cl₄(H₂O)] is paramagnetic while, below T_t, half of the Cu²⁺ions interact, leading to residual paramagnetism of one Cu²⁺/f.u. Magnetic susceptibility measurements, EPR and pulsed EPR study indicate the original intermolecular nature of AF exchanges.[Ni₂(bptd)₂(H₂O)₄]Cl₄·3H₂O susceptibility obeys a Curie-law involving pure paramagnetism. Moreover, its EPR spectrum can be interpreted on the basis of virtual S=1 monomers. Below 70 K, Zero Field Splitting (D∼275 G) due to dipolar interactions without magnetic exchanges could be responsible for the LT spectra splitting. For both compounds, the thia role is suggested as partially responsible for the null-in-plane magnetic exchanges.     

Conductivity and water uptake of Sr4(Sr2Nb2)O11·nH2O and Sr4(Sr2Ta2)O11·nH2O

The hydrated oxygen deficient complex perovskite-related materials Sr₄(Sr₂Nb₂)O₁₁·nH₂O and Sr₄(Sr₂Ta₂)O₁₁·nH₂O were studied at high water vapour pressures over a large temperature range by electrical conductivity measurements, thermogravimetry (TG), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). In humid atmospheres both materials are known to exhibit protonic conductivity below dehydration temperatures, with peak-shaped maxima at about 500 °C. In this work we show that the peaks expand to plateaus of high conductivity from 500 to 700 °C at a water vapour pressure of 1 atm. However, in situ synchrotron XRPD of Sr₄(Sr₂Nb₂)O₁₁·nH₂O as a function of temperature shows that these observations are in fact coincident with melting and dehydration of a secondary phase Sr(OH)₂. The stability of Sr₄(Sr₂Nb₂)O₁₁·nH₂O and Sr₄(Sr₂Ta₂)O₁₁·nH₂O in humid atmospheres is thus insufficient, causing decomposition into perovskites with lower Sr content and SrO/Sr(OH)₂ secondary phases. This, in turn, rationalizes the observation of peaks and plateaus in the conductivity of these materials.     

EPR studies of Gd3+-doped Ce2(SO4)3.8H2O and La2(SO4)3.9H2O single crystals

EPR spectra of Gd³⁺-doped Ce₂(SO₄)₃.8H₂O and La₂(SO₄)₃.9H₂O single crystals have been measured with an X-band spectrometer at room and low temperatures. The absolute signs of spin Hamiltonian parameters have been determined for the La₂(SO₄)₃.9H₂O host from intensities of lines at liquid helium temperature; for the Ce₂(SO₄).8H₂O host the lines broaden considerably below 60 K, not permitting the determination of absolute signs of spin Hamiltonian parameters. The data are analysed using a rigourous least-squares procedure, fitting simultaneously all lines obtained for several orientations of the external magnetic field. The zero-field splittings have been computed for both the hosts. The characteristics of EPR spectra of Gd³⁺ in these hosts are compared with those obtained in other rare-earth trisulphate octahydrate hosts.     

Spin dynamics in (( BEDO-TTF )6[ M (CN)6](H3O,CH3CN)2 ( M = Fe, Cr) crystals

Layered single crystals of the (BEDO-TTF)₆[M(CN)₆](H₃O,CH₃CN)₂ (M = Fe, Cr) compounds with alternating conducting layers of BEDO-TTF and [M(CN)₆](H₃O,CH₃CN)₂ are studied. The contributions to the magnetic susceptibility from charge carriers in BEDO-TTF layers and from the subsystem of localized magnetic moments of iron (or chromium) transition metal complexes are separated for both compounds under investigation. It is revealed that the crystals with [Fe(CN))₆]³⁻ anions at a temperature of ∼80 K and the crystals with [Cr(CN))₆]³⁻ anions at ∼30 K undergo magnetic transitions which are accompanied by drastic changes in the parameters of the EPR lines associated with the BEDO-TTF layers and the subsystem of localized spins of transition metal complexes. It is established that the presence of the BEDO-TTF layers in the structure affects the magnetic properties of iron and chromium hexacyanide complexes. Original Russian Text ? R.B. Morgunov, E.V. Kurganova, T.G. Prokhorova, E.B. Yagubskiĭ, S.V. Simonov, R.P. Shibaeva, 2008, published in Fizika Tverdogo Tela, 2008, Vol. 50, No. 4, pp. 657–663.     

Complex formation and phosphate-H2O interactions in a concentrated aqueous Mg(H2PO4)2 solution.

X-ray diffraction data from a solution of Mg(H₂PO₄)₂ were examined. The experimental distribution curve shows peaks at about 2.10, 2.7–2.9, 3.6, 3.9 and 4.25 Å. The 3.6 Å peak reveals the formation of inner sphere magnesium-phosphate complexes Mg(H₂O)_6-z(H₂PO₄)^+2-z_z, in which oxygens from phosphate groups substitute z water molecules of the hydrated Mg(H₂O)²⁺₆ ions. Least squares refinements of the i(s) curve are consistent with a structural unit in which the phosphate tetrahedron shares a corner with one magnesium octahedron with MgOP angle of 147 deg. Each phosphate ion interacts with about eight water molecules.     

Luminescence and crystal field analysis of Eu in Eu[Co(CN)6]·4H2O

The vibrational spectra of Eu[Co(CN)₆]·4H₂O and luminescence spectra of Eu³⁺ in this compound, using 355 nm excitation at temperatures down to 10 K, have been assigned. A clear distinction is made between the n=5 and 4 members of the Ln[M(CN)₆]·nH₂O series from the vibrational spectra. The electronic spectra show prominent vibronic structures, particularly for the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ sideband. A resonance occurs between the transitions ⁵D₀→⁷F₁(III) and ⁵D₀→⁷F₀+ν(Eu−N). A crystal field analysis of the derived energy data set is presented for Eu³⁺ in eight coordination geometry.     

Penning ionization electron spectroscopy of H2O,D2O,H2S and SO2

Electron energy peak shifts and peak shapes were determined in the ionization of H₂O, D₂O, H₂S and SO₂ by Ne(³P₂) and He(2¹S, 2³S) metastable atoms. The shifts are large, especially in ionization of H₂O and D₂O into the ionic ground state and are probably mostly due to chemical interaction during the collision.In a previous paper the electron energy distribution curves for ionization of CO, HCl, HBr, N₂O, NO₂, CO₂, COS and CS₂ by helium, neon and argon metastables and the characteristics of this ionization were described¹. In this paper the series of triatomic molecules was extended to the molecules H₂O, D₂O, H₂S and SO₂. Because all these molecules have considerable dipole moments it could be expected that the peak shifts might be enhanced as compared with other triatomic molecules.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, Cu doped EPR, thermal and voltammetric studies of [Ni(isonicotinamide)2(H2O)4]·(sac)2 single crystal

The single crystal of [Ni(ina)₂(H₂O)₄]·(sac)₂, (NINS), (ina is isonicotinamide and sac is saccharinate) complex has been prepared and its structural, spectroscopic and thermal properties have been determined. The title complex crystallizes in monoclinic system with space group P2₁/c, Z=2. The octahedral Ni(II) ion, which rides on a crystallographic centre of symmetry, is coordinated by two monodentate ina ligands through the ring nitrogen and four aqua ligands to form discrete [Ni(ina)₂(H₂O)₄] unit, which captures two saccharinate ions in up and down positions, each through intermolecular hydrogen bands. The magnetic environment of copper(II) doped NINS crystal has also been identified by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. The g and A values of Cu²⁺ doped NINS single crystal were calculated from the EPR spectra recorded in three mutually perpendicular planes. These values indicated that the paramagnetic centre has a rhombic symmetry with the Cu²⁺ ion having distorted octahedral environment. The complex exhibits only metal centred electroactivity in the potential range of −2.00, 1.25 V versus Ag/AgCl reference electrode.     

Collisional broadening and shifting of the 211-202 transition of H2O, H2O, H2O by atmosphere gases

Broadening and shifting of the 2₁₁-2₀₂ transition of H₂¹⁶O, H₂¹⁷O, H₂¹⁸O by pressure of water, nitrogen and oxygen were precisely measured at room temperature using spectrometer with radio-acoustic detection of absorption. Shift parameters for all studied lines as well as broadening parameters of H₂¹⁷O, H₂¹⁸O lines were measured for the first time. Comparison of obtained results with previously known experimental and theoretical data is presented.     

Rigid lattice NMR spectra of proton conductors H(H2O)nSbO3

The “rigid lattice” ¹H NMR spectra of H(H₂O)_nSbO₃ have been interpreted for n=0.20, 0.92 and 1. For n?0.92 the compounds contain deformed H₃O⁺ ions and OH groups. For n=1 the real formula is (H₃O)_0.7H_0.3SbO₃,0.3 H₂O. The results are discussed in relation to the level of proton conductivity.     

Theoretical investigation of ESR spectra and local structure for VO in Ba2Zn(HCOO)6(H2O)

The electron spin resonance spectra (characterized by g factors g_, g_⊥ and hyperfine structure constants A_ and A_⊥) of Ba₂Zn(HCOO)₆(H₂O) (BZFA): VO²⁺ crystal are calculated from high order perturbation formulas. The calculated results are in good agreement with the observed values. The local structure parameters of [VO(H₂O)₅]²⁺ clusters are also obtained from the calculation. The magnitudes of the metal-ligand distances parallel and perpendicular to the C₄-axis are, respectively, R_≈0.163 nm and R_⊥≈0.210 nm. It is shown that the local structure around the V⁴⁺ ion possesses a compressed tetragonal distortion along C₄-axis.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of lead-halide based organic–inorganic layered perovskite compounds (CnH2n+1NH3)2PbI4 (n=4, 5, 7, 8 and 9)

This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of organic–inorganic layered perovskite compounds, (C_nH_2n+1NH₃)₂PbI₄ (n=4, 5, 7, 8 and 9). The effect of the number of carbon atoms on luminescence properties has been examined. Thin films of microcrystalline (C_nH_2n+1NH₃)₂PbI₄ fabricated by spin-coating are highly oriented, with the c-axis perpendicular to the substrate surface. Temperature-dependent optical absorption spectra reveal that (C_nH_2n+1NH₃)₂PbI₄ films (n=4, 7, 8 and 9) show the structural phase transitions. The excitonic structures of (C_nH_2n+1NH₃)₂PbI₄ vary with the number of carbon atoms of the alkyl chain length. At low temperatures below 100 K, the lowest-energy free-exciton band of (C_nH_2n+1NH₃)₂PbI₄ (n=7, 8 and 9) split into three fine-structure levels. In contrast to (C_nH_2n+1NH₃)₂PbBr₄ films, (C_nH_2n+1NH₃)₂PbI₄ (n=7, 8 and 9) shows no triplet exciton emission, but it shows the Stokes-shifted emission from bound excitons.     

Exchange interaction and spin dynamics in pentanuclear clusters, Cu3Ln2(ClCH2COO)12(H2O)8 (Ln = Nd3+, Sm3+, Pr3+)

New compounds, [Cu₃Ln₂(ClCH₂COO)₁₂(H₂O)₈]·2H₂O with Ln = Nd³⁺ (I), Sm³⁺ (II), Pr³⁺ (III), built up of pentanuclear clusters were synthesized and studied by means of X-ray analysis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). X-ray data show that all compounds are isostructural and the pentanuclear clusteres may be considered as a linear system with alternating Cu(II) and Ln(III) ions: Cu(2)-L¹-Ln-L²-Cu(1)-L²-Ln-L²-Cu(2) with L¹ and L² being bridging fragments and Cu(1) and Cu(2) being structurally nonequivalent copper complexes. EPR studies demonstrate that in the temperature range of 100–293 K the signals due to only one type of the copper complexes are observed in the spectra of I–III. AtT<100 K the spectral temperature dependence is nontrivial. AtT<30 K new signals are detected in the spectra of I and II. The temperature dependence of the EPR spectra is interpreted under the assumption that the parameter of the exchange interaction Cu(2)-Ln considerably exceeds the parameter of the interaction Cu(1)-Ln. EPR spectra are calculated for the fragments of five paramagnetic centers in the frames of the model taking into account the nonequivalence of two copper complexes, short longitudinal and transverse paramagnetic relaxation times of the rare-earth ions at room temperature and the change of the relaxation rates when the temperature decreases. The results of the calculations show that it is possible to obtain information about the interactions in the system on the basis of the analysis of the temperature dependence of the EPR spectra of the central copper complex. The parameter of the isotropic part of the exchange interaction between copper and neodymium ions (for the interaction Cu(2)-Nd) is estimated as about 15 cm⁻¹. A considerable rearrangement of the spin states when the temperature changes is found for all complexes.