RECOMBINATION OF OPPOSITELY CHARGED AQUEOUS CLUSTER IONS USING ELECTROSTATICALLY MERGED ION BEAMS

Abstract

A new method for studying cluster-cluster interactions is introduced which involves merging mass-selected beams of oppositely charged cluster ions with an electrostatic quadrupole deflector. Recombination is monitored by measuring the rate of fast neutral production. Relative rate constants have been measured for the reaction of H 3O+( H 2 O )n+ OH −( H 2 O )m as a function of cluster size (m=n=0–3), which display a pronounced enhancement with clustering. Relative rate constants have also been measured as a function of center-of-mass collision energy for a heavily clustered reaction (n=3, m=3) and a lightly clustered reaction (n=1, m=0) revealing that clustering produces a dramatic change in the reaction mechanism.