C$_{60}^+$ AND C$_{60}^-$ IN NEON AND ARGON MATRICES

Abstract

Mass-selected C${60}$ anions have been deposited in noble gas matrices (Ne,Ar) kept at ~6K. The vibronic properties of the species (C${60}^+$, C${60}^0$, C${60}^-$) were determined by NIR and MID-IR absorption spectroscopy. By co-depositing electrons without the addition of electron scavengers or donors to the host matrix, we were able to vary the C${60}^+$/C${60}^-$ ratio. By changing the C${60}^+$/C${60}^-$ ratio, previously known vibrational data of the C${60}^+$ and C${60}^-$ species could be confirmed and also extended further. DFT calculations performed on isolated C${60}^+$ and C${60}^-$ ions support the experimental assignment.