Electron ionization of H2O

Relative partial ionization cross-sections and precursor-specific relative partial ionization cross-sections for fragment ions formed by electron ionization of H2O have been measured using time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled with a 2D ion coincidence technique. We report data for the formation of H+, H-2(+), O2+, O+ and OH+ relative to the formation of H2O+, as a function of ionizing electron energy from 30 to 200 eV. This data includes, for the first time, measurements on the formation all positive ion pairs and ion triples by dissociative multiple electron ionization of H2O. Through determinations of the kinetic energy release involved in ion pair formation we provide further evidence that indirect processes contribute significantly to the yield of H+ + OH+ ion pairs below the vertical double ionization threshold. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.