Clustering and photochemistry of freon CF2Cl2 on argon and ice nanoparticles

The photochemistry of CF2Cl2 molecules deposited on argon and ice nanoparticles was investigated. The clusters were characterized via electron ionization mass spectrometry, and the photochemistry was revealed by the Cl fragment velocity map imaging after the CF2Cl2 photodissociation at 193 nm. The complex molecular beam experiment was complemented by ab initio calculations. The (CF2Cl2)n clusters were generated in a coexpansion with Ar buffer gas. The photodissociation of molecules in the (CF2Cl2)n clusters yields predominantly Cl fragments with zero kinetic energy: caging. The CF2Cl2 molecules deposited on large argon clusters in a pickup experiment are highly mobile and coagulate to form the (CF2Cl2)n clusters on ArN. The photodissociation of the CF2Cl2 molecules and clusters on ArN leads to the caging of the Cl fragment. On the other hand, the CF2Cl2 molecules adsorbed on the (H2O)N ice nanoparticles do not form clusters, and no Cl fragments are observed from their photodissociation. Since the CF2Cl2 molecule was clearly adsorbed on (H2O)N, the missing Cl signal is interpreted in terms of surface orientation, possibly via the so-called halogen bond and/or embedding of the CF2Cl2 molecule on the disordered surface of the ice nanoparticles.