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Tunneling reactions of trapped electrons with added electron acceptors in alcohol glasses at 77 K

Journal Article · · J. Phys. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100496a004· OSTI ID:6847847

The kinetics of reactions of several electron acceptors with trapped electrons in alcohol glasses at 77 K have been studied from 10/sup -7/ to 10/sup 2/ s by pulse radiolysis. In EtOH glass, where the traps progressively deepen with time, weak acceptors capture only the shallowly trapped electrons present at short times. Some strong acceptors react more readily with the deeply trapped, than with the shallowly trapped electrons. The observations are qualitatively rationalized in terms of long-range electron transfer (tunneling) reactions, the rates of which depend on Franck-Condon factors for overlap with vibrational states of the products. Spectral changes of the trapped electrons, which occur with or without added acceptors, are attributed to relaxation of the solvent around the electrons. The data do not support the concept that the electrons undergo any transport processes, aside from tunneling to electron-accepting impurities, on the time scale of these experiments.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL
OSTI ID:
6847847
Journal Information:
J. Phys. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 82:7; ISSN JPCHA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English