Electron dynamics of metal-carbon clusters

This chapter studies the ionization and electron detachment dynamics of several transition metal-carbon clusters with time-resolved multiphoton ionization mass spectrometry and anion photoelectron spectroscopy. Although nanosecond experiments on metallocarbohedrenes (Met-Car) clusters exhibit significant delayed ionization, prompt ionization is preferential with femtosecond ionization. Photodetachment experiments on anionic vanadium carbides provide insights into the growth mechanism of Met-Cars and other large metal-carbon networks. A connection is made among VC₂, V₂C₃, and V₄C₆ based on the electron affinities that are determined. These clusters display the lowest electron affinities of all clusters considered in the chapter. A similar effect was observed for the Met-Car with respect to similar-sized metal-carbon clusters. The influence of laser vaporization conditions on the geometric and electronic properties of the clusters generated is investigated.