Photoionization studies of KH2O, KNH3, K2NH2, and K2OH molecular complexes

Abstract

Photoionization efficiency measurements of KH2O, KNH3, K2NH2, and K2OH molecular complexes are reported. Using a quadrupole mass spectrometer, a conventional light source, and a flow reactor, the molecular complexes between potassium atoms and water or ammonia molecules were generated and then detected by photoionization mass spectrometry. The photoionization efficiency curves were deconvoluted and the photoionization threshold energies of the complexes were determined. The photoionization threshold energies of KH2O, KNH3, K2NH2, and K2OH are measured to be 3.92±0.04, 3.87±0.04, 3.94±0.08, and 3.55±0.08 eV, respectively. The bond dissociation energies of K–H2O, K–NH3, and K–KOH are determined to be 0.25±0.08, 0.33±0.08, and 0.86±0.19 eV, respectively. Comparison is made between the experimental results and the theoretical values.