Solvation of the Azide Anion (N3-)in Water Clusters and Aqueous Interfaces: A Combined Investigation by Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Density Functional Calculations, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

September 30, 2004

Journal Article

Solvation of the Azide Anion (N3-)in Water Clusters and Aqueous Interfaces: A Combined Investigation by Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Density Functional Calculations, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Abstract

We report a photoelectron spectroscopy and computational study of hydrated N3- anion clusters, N3-(H2O)n (n=0-16), in the gas phase. Photoelectron spectra of the solvated azide anions were observed to consist of a single peak, similar to that of the bare N3-, but the spectral width was observed to broaden as a function of cluster size due to solvent relaxation upon electron detachment. The adiabatic and vertical electron detachment energies were measured as a function of solvent number. The measured electron binding energies indicate that the first four solvent molecules have much stronger interactions with the solute anion, forming the first solvation shell.

Revised: December 29, 2004 | Published: September 30, 2004

Citation

Yang X., K. Boggavarapu, X. Wang, L.S. Wang, M. Mucha, and P. Jungwirth. 2004. Solvation of the Azide Anion (N3-)in Water Clusters and Aqueous Interfaces: A Combined Investigation by Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Density Functional Calculations, and Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Journal of Physical Chemistry A 108, no. 39:7820-7826. PNNL-SA-41536.