Impact of electron solvation on ice structures at the molecular scale

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.