Hydrogen bonding in liquid water probed by resonant Auger-electron spectroscopy

J Chem Phys. 2007 Sep 7;127(9):094501. doi: 10.1063/1.2770457.

Abstract

We have measured resonant and off-resonant Auger-electron spectra of liquid water. Continuumlike transitions near and above the O1s vertical ionization energy are identified by the characteristic normal Auger-electron spectra. On the contrary, well-resolved spectator shifts of the main Auger-electron peak are observed at the liquid-water O1s absorption main edge and near the absorption pre-edge. The shifts of 1.4 and 1.9 eV arise from the localized nature of the excitation. Excited-state localization/delocalization is also discussed for the analogous vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) transitions, and we point out the similarities between x-ray and VUV absorption spectra of liquid water.

MeSH terms

  • Electrons
  • Hydrogen / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen Bonding*
  • Molecular Probe Techniques*
  • Solutions
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods*
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / methods*
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Solutions
  • Water
  • Hydrogen