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Condensed Matter, Materials Science, cond-mat.mtrl-sci
Abstract:
We determine the impact of electron solvation on D$_2$O structures adsorbed
on Cu(111) with low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, two-photon
photoemission, and ab initio theory. UV photons generating solvated electrons
lead not only to transient, but also to permanent structural changes through
the rearrangement of individual molecules. The persistent changes occur near
sites with a high density of dangling OH groups that facilitate electron
solvation. We conclude that energy dissipation during solvation triggers
permanent molecular rearrangement via vibrational excitation.