Probing the interaction between solid benzene and water using vacuum ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy
Anita Dawes1, Natalia Pascual, Nigel J Mason
1School of Physical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK. Anita.Dawes@open.ac.uk.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|May 24, 2018
Summary
This study reveals how benzene and water interact in solid mixtures using vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Increasing water concentration shifts benzene
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Astrochemistry
Background:
- Understanding intermolecular interactions is crucial for chemical processes.
- Amorphous solid mixtures are relevant to astrophysical environments.
- Benzene and water interactions influence molecular properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate benzene-water interactions in solid phases.
- Determine the effect of water concentration on benzene's electronic states.
- Explore benzene-water interactions at interfaces.
Main Methods:
- Combined vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and infrared (IR) photoabsorption spectroscopy.
- Study of amorphous benzene:water mixtures and layers at 24 K.
- Analysis of concentration-dependent spectral shifts and annealing effects.
Main Results:
- Water concentration shifts benzene's electronic states (1B2u, 1B1u, 1E1u) towards gas-phase energies.
- A dOH-π interaction between water and benzene was identified.
- Benzene-benzene interactions significantly influence benzene's electronic states more than benzene-water interactions.
- Evidence of non-wetting and interfacial interactions between benzene and water.
- Benzene remains trapped in water ice until water desorption near 160 K.
Conclusions:
- Intermolecular interactions significantly affect intramolecular electronic states.
- Findings provide insights into photochemical processes in astrochemical environments.
- The study establishes a foundation for understanding complex binary mixtures.
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