Negative ions in non-polar liquids

The structure and mobility of positive and negative ions in non-polar liquids are analyzed. The possibility of clusters and bubbles creation around ions of both signs is discussed. It is demonstrated that complexes formed around negative metal and halogen ions in superfluid helium have qualitatively different structures, although the measured values of the mobility were similar. In the case of Ba- and Ga- ions, which have low electron affinities, a bubble is formed around the ion; this bubble is similar to an electron bubble. In the case of Cl-, F-, and I- ions, which have high electron affinities, a cluster is formed near the ion; this cluster is similar to the well-studied cluster at the He+ ion. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.