Non-equilibrium vibrational kinetics of CO pumped by vibrationally excited nitrogen molecules: A comparison between theory and experiment

Temporal evolution of CO vibrational distribution pumped by vibrationally excited nitrogen molecules has been experimentally determined by side-on infrared emission spectroscopy. Cooled and uncooled radiofrequency N₂ discharges have been utilized to pump vibrational energy in N₂, which then does excite CO in the post-discharge regime. CO₂ formed during the contact time has been detected by a mass-spectrometric technique. The experimental results show the different stages of the relaxation of CO, merely the pumping, the redistribution and the loss of vibrational quanta introduced by N₂. The results have been rationalized by means of a theoretical model which qualitatively reproduces the experimental relaxation of CO distributions as well as the production of CO₂.     

Deactivation dynamics of vibrationally excited nitrogen molecules by nitrogen atoms. Effects on non-equilibrium vibrational distribution and dissociation rates of nitrogen under electrical discharges

The non-equilibrium vibrational distribution and the dissociation kinetics of N₂ in electrical discharges has been calculated by solving an appropriate vibrational master equation. Attention has been devoted to the role of nitrogen atoms in deactivation the vibrational distribution. To this end, a complete set of V—T (vibration—translation) deactivation rates of vibrationally excited molecules by nitrogen atoms has been calculated using a quasiclassical trajectory technique. The results show that nitrogen atoms formed by electron impact are able to deactive the high vibrational levels (v > 25) of N₂ strongly affecting the heavy particle dissociation kinetics of N₂.     

Gas-phase Boudouard disproportionation reaction between highly vibrationally excited CO molecules

The gas-phase Boudouard disproportionation reaction between two highly vibrationally excited CO molecules in the ground electronic state has been studied in optically pumped CO. The gas temperature and the CO vibrational level populations in the reaction region, as well as the CO₂ concentration in the reaction products have been measured using FTIR emission and absorption spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that CO₂ formation in the optically pumped reactor is controlled by the high CO vibrational level populations, rather than by CO partial pressure or by flow temperature. The disproportionation reaction rate constant has been determined from the measured CO₂ and CO concentrations using the perfectly stirred reactor (PSR) approximation. The reaction activation energy, 11.6 ± 0.3 eV (close to the CO dissociation energy of 11.09 eV), was evaluated using the statistical transition state theory, by comparing the dependence of the measured CO₂ concentration and of the calculated reaction rate constant on helium partial pressure. The disproportionation reaction rate constant measured at the present conditions is k_f = (9 ± 4) × 10⁻¹⁸ cm³/s. The reaction rate constants obtained from the experimental measurements and from the transition state theory are in good agreement.     

Diffusion of vibrationally excited molecules

A treatment is presented for the effect of intermolecular vibrational energy transfer on the diffusion coefficient of vibrationally excited molecules. An analytic treatment based on random walk statistics and a Monte Carlo type calculation have been performed. Both methods yield very similar results which correlate well with existing experimental studies. A hard sphere collision model is treated extensively with comparisons made to other internmolecular potentials. The results support the involvement of long range energy transfer in V → V interactions. The effect of temeprature on the diffusion coefficient of vibrationally excited molecules is calculated, with applications to the CO^*₂CO₂ system.     

Relaxation of highly vibrationally excited molecules

The rate constant for V-V relaxation of diatomic homonuclear molecules is determined from collisions of unexcited molecules with molecules near the dissociation threshold. It is shown that a quasi-resonant transition through several levels dominates in this process so that the energy difference between the initial and final states of the excited molecule is approximately equal to the transition energy from the zero level to the first one. The relaxation kinetics of excited molecules is studied. Absorption of IR radiation by polyatomic molecules is discussed taking into account collisions. A criterion for the negligibility of energy loss is obtained, and the dissociation rate of molecules under the action of IR laser irradiation found. The computational results are compared with experimental data. A self-consistent procedure is formulated for a gas irradiated by a quasi-continuously operating IR laser, in order to determine simultaneously the dissociation rate, dissipation energy flux and temperature. The existence of an optimum radiation region for dissociation is found.     

The decomposition of vibrationally excited molecules

Possible decomposition routes for vibrationally excited hydrocarbons are critically considered using a simple “symmetry” based model. It is shown that C---C bond rupture is characterised by a lower activation energy than the molecular cleavage of hydrogen, although the latter reaction is less endothermic. Other possible decomposition reactions of excited species are also considered.     

Collisional relaxation of the three vibrationally excited difluorobenzene isomers by collisions with CO2: effect of donor vibrational mode

Relaxation of highly vibrationally excited 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-difluorobenzne (DFB) by collisions with carbon dioxide has been investigated using diode laser transient absorption spectroscopy. Vibrationally hot DFB (E' approximately 41,000 cm(-1)) was prepared by 248 nm excimer laser excitation followed by rapid radiationless relaxation to the ground electronic state. Collisions between hot DFB isomers and CO2 result in large amounts of rotational and translational energy transfer from the hot donors to the bath. The CO2 nascent rotational population distribution of the high-J (J = 58-80) tail of the 00(0)0 state was probed at short times following the excimer laser pulse to measure rate constants and probabilities for collisions populating these states. The amount of translational energy gained by CO2 during collisions was determined using Doppler spectroscopy to measure the width of the absorption line for each transition. The energy transfer probability distribution function, P(E,E'), for the large DeltaE tail was obtained by resorting the state-indexed energy transfer probabilities as a function of DeltaE. P(E,E') was fit to a biexponential function to determine the average energy transferred in a single DFB/CO2 collision and fit parameters describing the shape of P(E,E'). P(E,E') fit parameters for DFB/CO2 and the previously studied C6F6/CO2 system are compared to various donor molecular properties. A model based on Fermi's Golden Rule indicates that the shape of P(E,E') is primarily determined by the low-frequency out-of-plane donor vibrational modes. A fractional mode population analysis is performed, which suggests that for energy transfer from DFB and C6F6 to CO2 the two key donor vibrational modes from which energy leaks out of the donor into the bath are nu11 and nu16. These "gateway" modes are some of the same modes determined to be the most efficient energy transfer modes by quantum scattering studies of benzene/He collisions.     

Non-radiative decay rate of vibrationally excited triplet molecules

The non-radiative decay rates of triplet benzene and 2-chloronaphthalene were determined as a function of excitation energy. As the excitation energies were increased, the non-radiative decay rates increased gradually. In the case of 2-chloronaphthalene it increased rapidly for the excitation energies above about 38000 cm^-1.     

Collisional deactivation of highly vibrationally excited hexafluorobenzene molecules

The collisional deactivation of the internal energy of vibrationally highly excited hexafluorobenzene (HFB) molecules was examined by the analysis of ultraviolet absorption spectra of excited HFB molecules produced by excitation with an ArF(193 nm) laser. The decay time profile of the internal energy was calculated from the observed absorption decay profile of the hot molecule using the conversion relation between the absorbance by hot molecules and the internal energy. Thus the average energy 〈ΔE〉 transferred per collision was estimated by two different models; energy-independent and energy-dependent function for the decay of the internal energy. The obtained values of 〈ΔE〉 indicate that the energy-dependent model may give reasonable values for 〈ΔE〉, but as far as the value of 〈ΔE〉 is concerned, the energy-independent model is likely to be applicable to the analysis in this reaction system. The collisional deactivation mechanism of the hot HFB molecule and the heating-up effect observed at shorter wavelengths are discussed on the basis of the conversion curve.     

On the theory of the reaction rate of vibrationally excited CO molecules with OH radicals

The dependence of the rate of the reaction CO+OH-->H+CO2 on the CO-vibrational excitation is treated here theoretically. Both the Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM) rate constant kRRKM and a nonstatistical modification knon [W.-C. Chen and R. A. Marcus, J. Chem. Phys. 123, 094307 (2005).] are used in the analysis. The experimentally measured rate constant shows an apparent (large error bars) decrease with increasing CO-vibrational temperature Tv over the range of Tv's studied, 298-1800 K. Both kRRKM(Tv) and knon(Tv) show the same trend over the Tv-range studied, but the knon(Tv) vs Tv plot shows a larger effect. The various trends can be understood in simple terms. The calculated rate constant kv decreases with increasing CO vibrational quantum number v, on going from v=0 to v=1, by factors of 1.5 and 3 in the RRKM and nonstatistical calculations, respectively. It then increases when v is increased further. These results can be regarded as a prediction when v state-selected rate constants become available.     

Quenching of highly vibrationally excited pyrimidine by collisions with CO2

Relaxation of highly vibrationally excited pyrimidine (C(4)N(2)H(4)) by collisions with carbon dioxide has been investigated using diode laser transient absorption spectroscopy. Vibrationally hot pyrimidine (E(')=40 635 cm(-1)) was prepared by 248-nm excimer laser excitation, followed by rapid radiationless relaxation to the ground electronic state. The nascent rotational population distribution (J=58-80) of the 00(0)0 ground state of CO(2) resulting from collisions with hot pyrimidine was probed at short times following the excimer laser pulse. Doppler spectroscopy was used to measure the CO(2) recoil velocity distribution for J=58-80 of the 00(0)0 state. Rate constants and probabilities for collisions populating these CO(2) rotational states were determined. The measured energy transfer probabilities, indexed by final bath state, were resorted as a function of DeltaE to create the energy transfer distribution function, P(E,E(')), from E(')-E approximately 1300-7000 cm(-1). P(E,E(')) is fitted to a single exponential and a biexponential function to determine the average energy transferred in a single collision between pyrimidine and CO(2) and parameters that can be compared to previously studied systems using this technique, pyrazineCO(2), C(6)F(6)CO(2), and methylpyrazineCO(2). P(E,E(')) parameters for these four systems are also compared to various molecular properties of the donor molecules. Finally, P(E,E(')) is analyzed in the context of two models, one which suggests that the shape of P(E,E(')) is primarily determined by the low-frequency out-of-plane donor vibrational modes and one which suggests that the shape of P(E,E(')) can be determined by how the donor molecule final density of states changes with DeltaE.     

Supercollisions and energy transfer of highly vibrationally excited molecules

Collisional energy-transfer probability distribution functions of highly vibrationally excited molecules and the existence of supercollisions remain as the outstanding questions in the field of intermolecular energy transfer. In this investigation, collisional interactions between ground state Kr atoms and highly vibrationally excited azulene molecules (4.66 eV internal energy) were examined at a collision energy of 410 cm-1 using a crossed molecular beam apparatus and time-sliced ion imaging techniques. A large amount of energy transfer (1000-5000 cm-1) in the backward direction was observed. We report the experimental measurement for the shape of the energy-transfer probability distribution function along with a direct observation of supercollisions.     

Ionization of Na(3P) atoms by collisions with vibrationally excited nitrogen molecules in crossed molecular beams

A crossed molecular beam experiment is described in which the rate of ionization of Na(3P) atoms in collision with vibrationally excited N₂ molecul has been measured as a function of the N₂ temperature up to 3050 K. The activation energy in the experiment appears to be close to the ionization energy of the 3P level. An ionization cross section of about 100 »A² (excluding the activation energy factor) is derived with the help of a theoretical model. The limitations of the experiments as well as of the model are discussed.     

Spontaneous desorption of vibrationally excited molecules physically adsorbed on surfaces

The energy within a vibrationally excited physisorbed molecule often exceeds that needed to break its bond to the surface. Energy transfer from the vibrating chemical bond to the surface bond causes the surface bond to rupture and the vibrationally relaxed adsorbate is released from the surface. We present a theoretical model which allows an estimation of the residence time of a vibrationally excited adsorbate on a surface. Because of uncertainties in the nature of the surface bond, the lifetimes obtained from the analytical expressions presented have only qualitative significance. The results are interpreted in terms of Franck-Condon overlaps between the wavefunctions which describe the adsorbate-substrate complex and the released adsorbate. Lifetimes are calculated for hydrogen isotopes adsorbed on sapphire surfaces. Guide-lines are given for estimating lifetimes of other systems in terms of a few easily calculated parameters.Let us summarize this guide to spontaneous desorption of physically adsorbed vibrationally excited molecules. The most efficient desorption processes will occur for adsorbates with a small number of bound states (d₀ small) and when released the adsorbate has small translational momentum (small q_m). This momentum gap correlation is most succinctly revealed by fig. 3. Smaller translational momentum will be achieved if the adsorbate can take up energy into its internal motions. Absorption of energy into lattice modes of the substrate will also serve to reduce the translational momentum and provide for more efficient desorption. However, if the vibrational frequency of the adsorbate is in near resonance with surface polarons or plasmons of the substrate, energy transfer to the solid will be so efficient that desorption will be quenched.A test of these possible relaxation channels awaits the first experimental measurements of desorption of vibrationally excited molecules.     

Rotationally resolved IR-diode laser studies of ground-state CO2 excited by collisions with vibrationally excited pyridine

Relaxation of highly vibrationally excited pyridine (C5NH5) by collisions with carbon dioxide has been investigated using diode laser transient absorption spectroscopy. Vibrationally hot pyridine (E' = 40,660 cm(-1)) was prepared by 248 nm excimer laser excitation followed by rapid radiationless relaxation to the ground electronic state. Pyridine then collides with CO2, populating the high rotational CO2 states with large amounts of translational energy. The CO2 nascent rotational population distribution of the high-J (J = 58-80) tail of the 00(0)0 state was probed at short times following the excimer laser pulse to measure rate constants and probabilities for collisions populating these CO2 rotational states. Doppler spectroscopy was used to measure the CO2 recoil velocity distribution for J = 58-80 of the 00(0)0 state. The energy-transfer distribution function, P(E,E'), from E' - E approximately 1300-7000 cm(-1) was obtained by re-sorting the state-indexed energy-transfer probabilities as a function of DeltaE. P(E,E') is fit to an exponential or biexponential function to determine the average energy transferred in a single collision between pyridine and CO2. Also obtained are fit parameters that can be compared to previously studied systems (pyrazine, C6F6, methylpyrazine, and pyrimidine/CO2). Although the rotational and translational temperatures that describe pyridine/CO2 energy transfer are similar to previous systems, the energy-transfer probabilities are much smaller. P(E,E') fit parameters for pyridine/CO2 and the four previously studied systems are compared to various donor molecular properties. Finally, P(E,E') is analyzed in the context of two models, one indicating that P(E,E') shape is primarily determined by the low-frequency out-of-plane donor vibrational modes, and the other that indicates that P(E,E') shape can be determined from how the donor molecule final density of states changes with DeltaE.     

Energy transfer in collisions of highly vibrationally excited tetrahedral molecules

Model trajectory calculations of the energy transfer processes in collisions of Ar with highly vibrationally excited CH₄, CD₄, SiH₄ and CF₄ are performed. Special attention is payed to the calculation of the energy transferred to active (vibrational) degrees of freedom. The results support the diffusion model of excitation-dissociation and give the low pressure collision efficiency β_c which qualitatively agrees with experiment in magnitude and temperature dependence.     

Dynamics of bimolecular reactions of vibrationally highly excited molecules: quasiclassical trajectory studies

Excitation functions from quasiclassical trajectory calculations on the H + H2O --> OH + H2, H + HF --> F + H2, and H + H'F --> H' + HF reactions indicate a different behavior at low and high vibrational excitation of the breaking bond. When the reactant tri- or diatomic molecule is in vibrational ground state or in a low vibrationally excited state, all these reactions are activated; i.e., there is a nonzero threshold energy below which there is no reaction. In contrast, at high-stretch excited-states capture-type behavior is observed; i.e., with decreasing translational energy the reactive cross-section diverges. The latter induces extreme vibrational enhancement of the thermal rate consistent with the experiments. The results indicate that the speed-up observed at high vibrational excitation is beyond the applicability of Polanyi's rules in their common form; instead, it can be interpreted in terms of an attractive potential acting on the attacking H atom when it approaches the reactant with a stretched X-H bond.