On the influence of microsolvation by argon atoms on the electron affinity properties of water dimer

This work provides a comparison of neutral (H2O)2Ar(n) and negatively charged (H2O)(2-)Ar(n) complexes. The excess electron stabilizes the complexes and leads to the trans to cis rearrangement within the water dimer core. In the case of small complexes (n < or = 4) the microsolvation of the dimer by argon atoms arises on the trans side with respect to the donor water molecule. The stabilization of an excess electron is enhanced by the delocalization of the electronic charge density due to microsolvation. The process of cis to trans rotation is induced by the electric field of the approaching negative charge. The interaction energy decomposition suggests a more ionic character of binding in the negatively charged complexes. The attachment of an electron is controlled by the correlation energy.