Structure and photoemission dynamics of negative ions via photoelectron imaging spectroscopy

通过该奖项，由化学结构，动力学和机制-化学系的一个项目资助，来自亚利桑那大学的Andrei Sanov教授将研究稳定的孤立分子的电子结构，以及经历化学变化或与邻近物种相互作用的分子的电子结构。这一目标将通过有针对性地应用光电子成像和光碎片光谱技术来实现分子和簇阴离子。这些实验技术的结合集中在电子发射和阴离子碎裂过程，因为这两种途径对于解开负离子化学的全貌都是必不可少的。这些实验将专门针对杂环有机自由基，双自由基（卡宾）和强电子受体（如有机氰化物）。此外，光剥离过程的基本理解将通过对比实验观察与描述光电子角分布的理论模型的预测。我们将使用团簇阴离子作为定义明确的微观溶剂化环境来研究与相邻分子的相互作用，认识到负离子的反应性受到分子间相互作用的强烈影响。化学键由电子控制，因为正是它们的行为决定了分子结构并控制了化学反应的结果。负离子在许多自然和技术过程中发挥着重要作用，其独特的性质对于理解溶液化学、生物化学、环境化学和天体化学至关重要。此外，从负离子中去除电子的过程提供了获得重要中性物质的途径，例如大气和燃烧自由基以及其他活性中间体。这项研究将提供与物理科学的几个领域相关的知识，如燃烧和电子设备。在这项研究中使用的方法提供了概念性的观点，最终举行所有的物质在一起，并定义了一种新的方法，为学生和公众介绍物理和化学的重要概念。这些追求将使学生参与者获得实验物理化学的专业培训，为他们在科学，工业和教育方面的高级职业做好准备。

Through this award, funded by the Chemical Structure, Dynamics, and Mechanisms - A Program of the Division of Chemistry, Prof. Andrei Sanov from the University of Arizona will investigate the electronic structure of stable isolated molecules, as well as that of molecules undergoing chemical change or interacting with neighboring species. This goal will be achieved through targeted applications of photoelectron imaging and photofragment spectroscopy to molecular and cluster anions. The combination of these experimental techniques focuses on both the electron emission and anionic fragmentation processes, as both pathways are essential for unraveling the complete picture of negative-ion chemistry. The experiments will specifically target heterocyclic organic radicals, diradicals (carbenes), and strong electron acceptors (such as organocyanides). In addition, the fundamental understanding of photodetachment processes will be advanced by contrasting the experimental observations with predictions of theoretical models that describe photoelectron angular distributions. The interactions with neighboring molecules will be studied using cluster anions as well-defined microscopic solvation environments, recognizing that the reactivity of negative ions is strongly affected by intermolecular interactions.Chemical bonding is controlled by electrons, as it is their behavior that determines molecular structures and controls the outcomes of chemical reactions. Negative ions play important roles in many natural and technological processes and their unique properties are vital to understanding the chemistry of solutions, bio-, environmental, and astrochemistry. Furthermore, the process of removing the electron from the negative ion provides access to important neutral species, such as atmospheric and combustion radicals and other reactive intermediates. This research will provide knowledge relevant to several areas of physical sciences, such as combustion and electronic devices. The methods used in this study provide conceptual views of bonding that ultimately hold all matter together and define a new approach for introducing students and the general public to important concepts in physics and chemistry. These pursuits will allow student participants to acquire specialized training in experimental physical chemistry, preparing them for advanced careers in science, industry, and education.