Partial deconvolution of the absorption spectrum of trapped electrons in 15 M LiCl aqueous glasses at 77 K

Abstract

Evidence is presented for the composite nature of the solvated (or trapped) electron absorption band in LiCl aqueous glass at 77 K. It is shown that the overall visible absorption spectrum can be deconvoluted into a homogeneously-bleachable 'green' band and a heterogeneously-bleachable 'red' band, whose relative magnitude and absorption band-maxima change with the concentration of electrolyte. From the combined results of time-resolved and steady-state photobleaching experiments, it is concluded that at least two unstable bands are formed during photobleaching (with smaller lifetimes for the band lying further towards the infrared) which then reconverted into the 'green' band with over 40% efficiency.