Photoionization spectrum of solvated electrons

Abstract

Photoionization cross sections are reported for solvated electrons at photon energies from 1.2–4.1 eV and the sodium species Na− (2.8–4.1 eV) in hexamethyl phosphoric triamide (HMPA). Cross sections are obtained by the recently developed method of energy distribution curve (EDC) superposition for photoelectron emission by solutions of sodium metal (5–96 mM liter−1) in HMPA. The EDC's, spectral response curves for quantum yield, and cross section curves are discussed, and photoionization mechanisms are suggested for the Na− species. Experimental methods are briefly outlined. This seems to be the first determination of cross sections for solvated electrons and the Na− species in a liquid solution of high ionic conductivity.