Highly efficient electron-stimulated desorption of benzene from amorphous solid water ice

• Published in: Chemical physics letters Vol. 505; no. 4; pp. 106 - 111
• Main Authors: Thrower, J.D., Collings, M.P., Rutten, F.J.M., McCoustra, M.R.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 30.03.2011
• ISSN: 0009-2614; 1873-4448
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2011.02.029

[Display omitted] ► Extremely large cross-section for electron simulated desorption of C 6H 6 from ASW. ► Two desorption components related to surface morphology of adsorbed C 6H 6. ► ASW substrate plays an essential role in promoting the C 6H 6 desorption. The desorption of benzene ( C 6 H 6 ) from the surface of compact amorphous solid water (ASW) during irradiation with electrons in the range 100–350 eV has been investigated. Two desorption components, with particularly large cross-sections, were present in the observed desorption signal. The fast component, with a cross-section of > 10 - 15 cm 2 , is attributed to desorption of isolated C 6 H 6 molecules that are π -hydrogen bonded to small clusters of water ( H 2 O ) molecules on the compact ASW surface. The slower component, with a cross-section of ca. 10 - 16 cm 2 , is attributed to a more complex desorption process involving larger C 6 H 6 islands on the compact ASW surface. Possible desorption mechanisms are discussed.