Perspectives of Gas Phase Ion Chemistry: Spectroscopy and Modeling

Abstract

The study of ions in the gas phase has a long history and has involved both chemists and physicists. The interplay of their competences with the use of very sophisticated commercial and/or homemade instrumentations and theoretical models has improved the knowledge of thermodynamics and kinetics of many chemical reactions, even if still many stages of these processes need to be fully understood. The new technologies and the novel free-electron laser facilities based on plasma acceleration open new opportunities to investigate the chemical reactions in some unrevealed fundamental aspects. The synchrotron light source can be put beside the FELs, and by mass spectrometric techniques and spectroscopies coupled with versatile ion sources it is possible to really change the state of the art of the ion chemistry in different areas such as atmospheric and astro chemistry, plasma chemistry, biophysics, and interstellar medium (ISM). In this manuscript we review the works performed by a joint combination of the experimental studies of ion–molecule reactions with synchrotron radiation and theoretical models adapted and developed to the experimental evidence. The review concludes with the perspectives of ion–molecule reactions by using FEL instrumentations as well as pump probe measurements and the initial attempt in the development of more realistic theoretical models for the prospective improvement of our predictive capability.

Formation of H3O+ and OH by CO2 and N2O trace gases in the atmospheric environment

“…In conclusion this work highlights the relevance of ion chemistry of trace gases and of laboratories studies that can improve the knowledge of the role of ions to climate and global warming, a challenging scientific topic of our days. 54,55…”

Current stage and future development of Belgrade collisional and radiative databases/datasets of importance for molecular dynamics

“…The last few decades have seen remarkable progress in both theoretical/computational and experimental techniques applied to the study of radiative and collisional processes involving atoms and molecules. 1,2 Such research has required coordinated studies to provide benchmark data which not only contribute to fundamental science but also have practical implications in various applications and play a crucial role in various fields of science and technology, including astrophysics and space science, plasma physics, nuclear physics, materials science, semiconductor industry, atmospheric sciences, the chemistry of the interstellar medium, medicine, radiation damage and therapy etc. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Amongst the most important atomic and molecular processes are those involving collisions.…”