Distinct Speciation of Naphthalene Vapor Deposited on Ice Surfaces at 253 or 77 K: Formation of Submicrometer-Sized Crystals or an Amorphous Layer

Abstract

Naphthalene was deposited from the vapor phase on ice surfaces at 77 or 253 K to yield strongly distinct behavior, forming either an amorphous glass layer or submicrometer-sized crystals, respectively. The results stand upon optical emission spectroscopy combined with differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray analysis. The amorphous layer of naphthalene on the ice behaves in the same manner as on an inert metallic support: it starts to relax at 105 K and crystallizes at 185 K. The formed microcrystals exhibit distinct absorption behavior on the ice surface and are thus expected to have a photokinetic profile varying from freeze-concentrated solutions. The observations bring implications toward environmental and extraterrestrial ice sciences.