Isomer separation of iron oxide cluster cations by ion mobility mass spectrometry

J Phys Chem A. 2014 Jun 5;118(22):3899-905. doi: 10.1021/jp5015687. Epub 2014 May 22.

Abstract

Geometrical structures of iron oxide cluster cations have been analyzed by ion mobility mass spectrometry. The series of (FeO)n(+) and FenOn + 1(+) cluster cations were predominantly observed in a mass spectrum at high ion-injection energy into a drift cell. Arrival time distributions in the ion mobility spectrometry indicate that two structural isomers coexist for the (FeO)n(+) clusters at n ≥ 5. By comparison of experimental collision cross sections determined from the arrival times with theoretical ones, two-dimensional ring and sheet structures were assignable for (FeO)n(+) (n = 3-8). In addition to these isomers, compact three-dimensional structures were also found to be stable at (FeO)n(+) (n ≥ 6). Thus, the two-dimensional and three-dimensional structural isomers coexist for (FeO)n(+) (n = 6-8).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cations / chemistry*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry*
  • Isomerism
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods

Substances

  • Cations
  • Ferric Compounds
  • ferric oxide