Formation of ionic complexes in cryogenic matrices: A case study using co-deposition of Cu− with rare gas cations in solid argon

Abstract

Matrix isolation spectra have been obtained for ionic species formed from a beam of mass-selected ions, with a coincident beam of externally generated counter-ions used to provide charge balance. Infrared spectra were obtained for copper carbonyl complexes formed following deposition of Cu(-) ions with rare-gas counter-cations into CO-doped argon matrices. Both anionic and neutral copper carbonyl complexes Cu(CO)(n)(q) (n = 1-3; q = 0, -1) were observed in the spectra, with peak positions corresponding to previously reported assignments; new partially resolved bands appearing in the range 1830-1845 cm(-1) are assigned to larger [Cu(CO)3●(CO)n](-) aggregates, having additional CO ligands in the second solvation shell. The experimental geometry ensures that all Cu-centers initially arrive at the matrix as anions, so the relative abundance of anionic relative to neutral complexes is much higher than in previous studies employing alternative methods for ion deposition; this allows for monitoring of electron-transfer processes between anions and cations in the matrix. Comparison of time-dependent vs. temperature-dependent trends reveals that there are two distinct mechanisms by which the population of anionic complexes is converted into neutral complexes: short-range electron transfer between a cation-anion pair following diffusion, and long-range electron transfer involving photodetachment of an electron from the anion into the conduction band of solid argon, resulting in eventual recombination of the electron with a cation in a remote matrix site. The spectra also show a marked dependence on the deposition temperature and dopant concentration, in that 100-fold higher CO concentrations were required during deposition with the sample window at 10 K compared to that used at 20 K, in order to obtain a similar distribution of copper carbonyl complexes. Furthermore, although no carbonyl complexes are observed initially when low concentrations of CO are used at 10 K, upon warming the matrix to 15 K, the neutral di- and tricarbonyl peaks appear abruptly, which is attributed to fast diffusion of CO stimulated by the energy released upon short-range electron-transfer between Cu(-):counter-cation pairs.