Organic surfaces excited by low-energy ions: atomic collisions, molecular desorption and buckminsterfullerenes

This article reviews the recent progress in the understanding of kiloelectronvolt particle interactions with organic solids, including atomic displacements in a light organic medium, vibrational excitation and desorption of fragments and entire molecules. This new insight is the result of a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches, essentially molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). Classical MD simulations provide us with a detailed microscopic view of the processes occurring in the bombarded target, from the collision cascade specifics to the scenarios of molecular emission. Time-of-flight SIMS measures the mass and energy distributions of sputtered ionized fragments and molecular species, a precious source of information concerning their formation, desorption, ionization and delayed unimolecular dissociation in the gas phase. The mechanisms of energy transfer and sputtering are compared for bulk molecular solids, organic overlayers on metal and large molecules embedded in a low-molecular weight matrix. These comparisons help understand some of the beneficial effects of metal substrates and matrices for the analysis of molecules by SIMS. In parallel, I briefly describe the distinct ionization channels of molecules sputtered from organic solids and overlayers. The specific processes induced by polyatomic projectile bombardment, especially fullerenes, are discussed on the basis of new measurements and calculations. Finally, the perspective addresses the state-of-the-art and potential developments in the fields of surface modification and analysis of organic materials by kiloelectronvolt ion beams.     

Electron-electron interaction in slow charge exchange collisions

The influence of excited projectile electrons on the charge exchange mechanism is studied in slow collisions of multiply charged ions with atoms. Translational energy spectra for single electron capture are measured for projectile ions being prepared in the ground state and in an excited metastable state. The differences are discussed in terms of the electron-electron interaction, which turns out to be more important in collision systems with projectiles in low charge states.     

Silylation of an OH-terminated self-assembled monolayer surface through low-energy collisions of ions: a novel route to synthesis and patterning of surfaces

Using a multi-sector ion-surface scattering mass spectrometer, reagent ions of the general form SiR(3) (+) were mass and energy selected and then made to collide with a hydroxy-terminated self-assembled monolayer (HO-SAM) surface at energies of approximately 15 eV. These ion-surface interactions result in covalent transformation of the terminal hydroxy groups at the surface into the corresponding silyl ethers due to Si--O bond formation. The modified surface was characterized in situ by chemical sputtering, a low-energy ion-surface scattering experiment. These data indicate that the ion-surface reactions have high yields (i.e. surface reactants converted to products). Surface reactions with Si(OCH(3))(3) (+), followed by chemical sputtering using CF(3) (+), yielded the reagent ion, Si(OCH(3))(3) (+), and several of its fragments. Other sputtered ions, namely SiH(OCH(3))(2)OH(2) (+) and SiH(2)(OCH(3))OH(2) (+), contain the newly formed Si--O bond and provide direct evidence for the covalent modification reaction. Chemical sputtering of modified surfaces, performed using CF(3) (+), was evaluated over a range of collision energies. The results showed that the energy transferred to the sputtered ions, as measured by their extent of fragmentation in the scattered ion mass spectra, was essentially independent of the collision energy of the projectile, thus pointing to the occurrence of reactive sputtering.A set of silyl cations, including SiBr(3) (+), Si(C(2)H(3))(3) (+) and Si(CH(3))(2)F(+), were similarly used to modify the HO-SAM surface at low collision energies. A reaction mechanism consisting of direct electrophilic attack by the cationic projectiles is supported by evidence of increased reactivity for these reagent ions with increases in the calculated positive charge at the electron-deficient silicon atom of each of these cations. In a sequential set of reactions, 12 eV deuterated trimethylsilyl cations, Si(CD(3))(3) (+), were used first as the reagent ions to modify covalently a HO-SAM surface. Subsequently, 70 eV SiCl(3) (+) ions were used to modify the surface further. In addition to yielding sputtered ions of the modified surface, SiCl(3) (+) reacted with both modified and unmodified groups on the surface, giving rise not only to such scattered product ions as SiCl(2)OH(+) and SiCl(2)H(+), but also to SiCl(2)CD(3) (+) and SiCl(2)D(+). This result demonstrates that selective, multi-step reactions can be performed at a surface through low-energy ionic collisions. Such processes are potentially useful for the construction of novel surfaces from a monolayer substrate and for chemical patterning of surfaces with functional groups.     

Nitroxide spin exchange due to re-encounter collisions in a series of n-alkanes

Bimolecular collisions between perdeuterated 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-oxopiperidine-l-oxyl molecules in three alkanes have been studied by measuring the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectral changes induced by spin exchange. We define an "encounter" to be a first-time collision followed by a series of re-encounters prior to the diffusing pair's escaping each other's presence. The present work stems from a recent proposal [B. L. Bales et al., J. Phys. Chem. A 107, 9086 (2003)] that an unexpected linear dependence of the spin-exchange-induced EPR line shifts on spin-exchange frequency can be explained by re-encounters of the same probe pair during one encounter. By employing nonlinear least-squares fitting, full use of the information available from the spectral changes allows us to study encounters and re-encounters separately. The encounter rate constants appear to be dominated by hydrodynamic forces, forming a common curve for hexane, decane, and hexadecane when plotted against T/eta, where eta is the shear viscosity. Unexpectedly, encounters are not dependent on the ratio mu = a/a(s), where a and a(s) are the van der Waals radii of the nitroxide probe and the solvent, respectively. It is argued that the near coincidence of the resulting encounter rate constant with the hydrodynamic prediction is likely due to a near cancellation of terms in the general diffusion coefficient. Thus, the semblance of hydrodynamic behavior is coincidental rather than intrinsic. In contrast, the mean times between re-encounters do depend on the relative sizes of probe and solvent. For hexane at lower temperatures, the Stokes-Einstein equation apparently describes re-encounters well; however, at higher temperatures and for decane and hexadecane, departures from the hydrodynamic prediction become larger as mu becomes smaller. This is in qualitative agreement with the theory of microscopic diffusion of Hynes et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 70, 1456 (1979)]. These departures are well correlated with the free volume available in the solvent; thus, the mean times between re-encounters form a common curve when plotted versus the free volume. Because free volume is manifested macroscopically by the isothermal compressibility, it is expected and observed that the re-encounter rate also forms a common curve across all three solvents when plotted with respect to compressibility. The existence of a common curve for alkanes raises the prospect of using EPR to determine the compressibility of substances such as fossil fuels and biological membranes.     

Applications of charge stripping/charge exchange spectra of organic ions

The application of a new technique which involves the combination of charge stripping and charge exchange processes has been investigated. Ions are charge-stripped in the second field-free region of a triple-sector mass spectrometer (BEE geometry), and then subjected to a charge exchange reaction in the third field-free region. The resulting charge stripping/charge exchange (CS/CE) spectrum is free from interference, which is otherwise common in charge stripping spectra. Comparisons between charge stripping and CS/CE spectra are made in cases where both kinds of spectra are obtainable. In order to assess the applicability of this new technique to studies of isomeric ion structures, species for which charge stripping spectra have previously been unobtainable have been chosen. CS/CE spectra of [C₆H₆]⁺˙, [C₆H₅]⁺, [C₈H₁₀]⁺˙ and [C₇H₇O]⁺ ions from a variety of precursors are recorded: in most cases, sufficient differences are observed to permit distinction between isomeric structures (or mixtures of structures). Previous studies which have shown that stable doubly charged molecular ions of ethane cannot be formed by the charge stripping technique are confirmed from its CS/CE spectrum.     

Isotope exchange kinetics at heterogeneous solid surfaces (solid-liquid interfaces)

A system of equations describing isotope exchange kinetics at heterogeneous solid surfaces (solid-liquid interfaces) is studied numerically. The theoretical kinetic curves, characterizing the isotope exchange, are calculated for different discrete distributions of the isotope exchange rate constant.

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Isotopenaustauschkinetik an heterogenen Festkörperoberflächen (Fest-flüssig Grenzflächen)

Zusammenfassung Ein die Kinetik des Isotopenaustausches an heterogenen Festkörperflächen (fest-flüssig Grenzflächen) beschreibendes Gleichungssystem wird einer numerischen Auswertung unterzogen. Die theoretischen kinetischen Kurven des Isotopenaustausches werden für verschiedene diskontinuierliche Verteilungen der Isotopenaustausch-Geschwindigkeitskonstante berechnet.

     

Intermolecular potential to represent collisions of protonated peptide ions with fluorinated alkane surfaces

The MP2/6-311++G(2df,2pd) level of theory was used to calculate intermolecular potential curves between CF(4), as a model for the C and F atoms of a fluorinated alkane surface, and CH(4), NH(3), NH(4)(+), H(2)CO, and H(2)O as models for different types of atoms and functional groups comprising protonated peptide ions. This level of theory was tested by comparisons with the MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ and CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ theories. Explicit-atom (EA) analytic potential energy functions were then derived by fitting these potential energy curves with two-body potentials between the atoms of the two interacting molecules. An intermolecular potential for the interaction of a protonated peptide ion with a fluorinated alkane surface may be constructed from these two-body potentials. Intermolecular potentials, for which CF(4) is treated as a united atom (UA), were developed by isotropically averaging the CF(4) orientation for each of the EA potential energy curves. The intermolecular potential energy curves calculated for CF(4) are compared with curves calculated previously for CH(4) interacting with the same molecules, to consider the relative efficiency of energy transfer for protonated peptide ion collisions with hydrogenated and fluorinated alkane surfaces.     

Molecular view of charge exchange in ion–C60 collisions

We present a theoretical study of charge transfer in H⁺+C₆₀ and He²⁺+C₆₀ collisions using an extension of the molecular time‐dependent method of ion–atom collisions. Energy‐correlation diagrams have been evaluated for the corresponding (C₆₀–H)⁺ and (C₆₀–He)²⁺ quasi‐molecules. Single and double charge‐transfer cross sections in C₆₀+He²⁺ collisions are reported for the first time. The results show that double charge‐transfer cross sections are only one order of magnitude smaller than single charge‐transfer cross sections. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2001     

Collisional electron emission at solid surfaces induced by mass selected negative cluster ions

Electron emission efficiency induced by the collision of clusters with a solid surface was measured as a function of cluster size. Emitted electron energy distribution for the impact of mass selected negative ion clusters or mass selected neutral clusters was also measured in the energy region of 0–5 eV. The difference in the shape of the electron spectra was observed depending on the size and charge of the clusters.     

Centrifugal mechanism for molecular dissociation in high-energy collisions with solid surfaces

A simple model is proposed for molecular dissociation probabilities in impulsive collisions with surfaces. Dissociation is assumed to follow rotational excitation high enough to break the molecule. The model was tested against exact classical simulations for I₂, Li₂ colliding with smooth surfaces. Agreement is better than a factor of 2 over a wide range of energies.     

Orientation and alignment of alkalip-states excited in low-energy collisions of alkali ions with noble gas atoms

The orientation and alignment of Li(2p) excited in 1–2.5 keV Li⁺ collisions with He and Ar, and of Na(3p) excited in 2.5 keV Na⁺ collisions with He and Ne have been studied by the polarized photon-scattered particle coincidence technique. The covered range of scattering angles is between 1 and 18 degrees. The data are presented in terms of the alignment angle γ and the transferred angular momentumL ^⊥. A qualitative analysis of the data is attempted on the basis of diabatic molecular orbital diagrams for the studied collisions systems.     

Spectrophotometric determination of thiosulfate and tetraphenylborate ions through ligand exchange reaction at solid surface

Summary A Spectrophotometric method is presented for the microanalysis of analytically important thiosulfate and tetraphenylborate anions in an aqueous solution. The method is based on ligand exchange in a dynamic approach incorporating a solid reagent mercuric chloranilate. The common cations Na⁺, K⁺, Al³⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ do not interfere and the anions CH₃COO^–, C₂O₄ ^2–, SO₄ ^–, C₃H₄OH-(COO)₃ ^3– and NO₃ ^– do not cause any adverse effects. The heavy metals Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺ cause a negative interference while the halogens and SCN^– type of anions give a positive interference. The method is sensitive up to 5 ppm of tetraphenyl-borate anion and 10 ppm of the thiosulfate anion.

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Zusammenfassung Ein spektrophotometrisches Mikroverfahren zur Bestimmung von Thiosulfat und Tetraphenylborat in wäßriger Lösung wurde angegeben. Es beruht auf dem Ligandenaustausch mit Hilfe von Quecksilberchloranilat. Die üblichen Kationen Na, K, Al, Ca und Mg stören nicht; auch die Anionen Acetat, Oxalat, Sulfat, Zitrat und Nitrat haben keinen störenden Einfluß. Die Schwermetalle Pb(II), Cd, Fe(II), Cu(II) und Zn verursachen negative Fehler, die Halogene, Thiocyanat und dgl. haben positive Fehler zur Folge. Die Methode ist empfindlich bis zu 5 ppm Tetraphenylborat und 10 ppm Thiosulfat.

     

Elastic collisions of heavy ions at intermediate energies

The classical scattering cross section of two colliding nuclei is evaluated. Special attention is given to the influence of relativistic and magnetic field effects as well as retardation corrections on elastic trajectories of heavy ions. An analytical treatment is presented for a light particle impinging on a heavy target.     

Interactions between solid surfaces with adsorbed polyelectrolytes of opposite charge

Adsorption of polyelectrolytes to surfaces of opposite charge typically leads to charge neutralization and subsequent charge reversal. As can be shown by direct force measurements and stability studies, the interaction forces are dominated by repulsive forces originating from diffuse layer overlap and attractive van der Waals forces, in line with the classical theory of Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek (DLVO). Recently, the existence of an additional attractive non-DLVO force was demonstrated, and its likely origin is the attraction between patch-charge heterogeneities. With novel single molecule pulling experiments with the atomic force microscope (AFM) polymer bridging forces could be shown to represent the most important contribution to the adhesion of surfaces coated by polyelectrolytes.     

H++Xe low-energy collisions: Opposite-phase oscillations of the elastic and charge transfer differential cross sections

Elastic as well as charge transfer collisions of H⁺+Xe have been investigated in a crossed beam experiment atE _CM ≈30 and 50 eV. Opposite-phase oscillations have been observed in the elastic differential cross section with respect to the charge transfer differential cross section for the formation of Xe⁺(² P _1/2). Taking advantage of the asymptotic quasi-degeneracy of the channels in question, this behavior has been qualitatively interpreted in terms of a simplified two-curve crossing model. The conditions of the validity of the model are discussed and its relation to the potential symmetry scattering in homonuclear systems is pointed out.     

Interfacial energy exchange and reaction dynamics in collisions of gases on model organic surfaces

Molecular beam scattering experiments and molecular dynamics simulations have been combined to develop an atomic-level understanding of energy transfer, accommodation, and reactions during collisions between gases and model organic surfaces. The work highlighted in this progress report has been motivated by the scientific importance of understanding fundamental interfacial chemical reactions and the relevance of reactions on organic surfaces to many areas of environmental chemistry. The experimental investigations have been accomplished by molecular beam scattering from ω-functionalized self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold. Molecular beams provide a source of reactant molecules with precisely characterized collision energy and flux; SAMs afford control over the order, structure, and chemical nature of the surface. The details of molecular motion that affect energy exchange and scattering have been elucidated through classical-trajectory simulations of the experimental data using potential energy surfaces derived from ab initio calculations. Our investigations began by employing rare-gas scattering to explore how alkanethiol chain length and packing density, terminal group relative mass, orientation, and chemical functionality influence energy transfer and accommodation at organic surfaces. Subsequent studies of small molecule scattering dynamics provided insight into the influence of internal energy, molecular orientation, and gas–surface attractive forces in interfacial energy exchange. Building on the understanding of scattering dynamics in non-reactive systems, our work has recently explored the reaction probabilities and mechanisms for O₃ and atomic fluorine in collisions with a variety of functionalized SAM surfaces. Together, this body of work has helped construct a more comprehensive understanding of reaction dynamics at organic surfaces.     

Chemical displacements at solid interfaces. Easy cathodic reduction of alkyl bromides in the presence of iodide ions at palladized surfaces

Solid electrodes such as glassy carbon and platinum modified by “palladization” (galvanostatic deposits from acidic solutions of Pd²⁺) may exhibit exceptional catalytic capabilities, especially in the cathodic cleavage of alkyl bromides when achieved in the presence of traces of iodide ions. The use of such chemically modified surfaces leads to important potential shifts compared to the use of glassy carbon or smooth palladium in the absence of iodide. The catalytic behaviour is assigned to a nucleophilic-like displacement at the adsorbed state, between the organic bromide and iodide ion. Thus palladium surfaces can be successfully employed for cleaving carbon–halogen bonds at very moderate negative potentials. Preliminarily results have revealed that all palladized electrodes give an adsorption-like peak assigned to the corresponding alkyl iodide adsorbed on (or reacting with) the surface. The influence of different parameters like the organic substrate and the iodide concentration, the thickness of the palladium deposit, and the stand-by time before reduction are preliminarily presented. Such processes were found to be one-electron. However, electrodes were shown to readily age, presumably by strong adsorption of generated alkyl radicals.     

Complexation of copper ions with histidine-containing tripeptides immobilized on solid surfaces

Short oligopeptides that complex with metal ions with high affinity and high specificity are of interest to the design of chemical sensors. In this study, we compare the complexation properties of two copper-selective tripeptides, Gly-Gly-His and His-Gly-Gly, either in aqueous solutions or immobilized on solid surfaces. Our results show that the copper complex formed by Gly-Gly-His is more stable than the complex formed by His-Gly-Gly in aqueous solutions, because the position of histidine (His) in the Gly-Gly-His permits the formation of a tetragonal copper complex with a high stability. However, when the tripeptides are immobilized on aldehyde-decorated silicon wafer surfaces under a reaction condition that gives rise to near maximum surface densities of tripeptides, both immobilized Gly-Gly-His and His-Gly-Gly experience strong steric hindrance on the over-crowded surfaces. The surface crowding effect causes less complexation with copper ions than that in aqueous solutions. To ensure a proper surface density on the surface for complexation with copper ions, a so-called two-dimensional (2D) metal-ion imprinting technique is employed to avoid the surface crowdedness. By immobilizing Gly-Gly-His in the presence of copper ions, we create a tripeptide-functionalized surface that exhibits high complexation capability for copper ions. We attribute the higher copper complexation capability to the proper intermolecular distances obtained from the ion-imprinting procedure that gives the copper-tripeptide complex a preferential tetragonal geometry. Our results show that the amounts of copper complexed to a copper-imprinted surface functionalized with Gly-Gly-His are 62% higher than those of a nonimprinted surface.