Electron stimulated solvation and reaction of water, ammonia, and methane in nanoclusters adsorbed on solid Ar substrate

Electron stimulated desorption of cations from H2O, NH3, and CH4 molecules adsorbed on the solid Ar surface has been investigated to explore the behavior of excess protons as well as proton transfer reactions in solvent. In a submonolayer coverage regime, cluster ions are ejected from H2O and NH3 molecules in the form of solvated protons whereas fragmentation occurs preferentially for CH4. Reacted species assignable to methyl alcohol, formaldehyde, and formic acid are emitted in the protonated or hydrated form by electronic excitation of a H2O nanocluster including CH4 or CO additives. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.