Solvated electron spectrum in supercooled water and ice

Du, Y., Price, E. and Bartels, D.M.

Chem. Phys. Lett. 438, 234-237 (2007)

NDRL 4705

The spectrum of the solvated electron was recorded between 310 and 830 nm in water supercooled down to -18 oC, and in ice-Ih between -5 oC and -34 oC. The absorption maximum in liquid water continues to blue shift by 0.0022 eV/degree from high temperatures down to -18 oC, regardless of water bulk density. We suggest that the increasing free volume of the water below 4 oC due to formation of tetrahedral bonding structures in unavailable to the electron. The spectrum of electrons trapped in a vacancy site in ice-Ih is very similar to the liquid on the blue-side, but much narrower on the red side.