2015/07/22 by Shi‐Bo Cheng, A. W. Castleman · 3 citations
Physics and Astronomy · Chemistry · Materials Science · Mathematics · #Advanced Chemical Physics Studies #Radioactive element chemistry and processing #Lanthanide and Transition Metal Complexes #Europium #Lanthanide #Ion #X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy #Yield (engineering) #Character (mathematics) #Chemistry #Electron #Spectroscopy #Affinities #Atomic number #Chemical physics #Atomic physics #Materials science #Physics #Nuclear magnetic resonance #Stereochemistry #Mathematics #Nuclear physics #Quantum mechanics #Organic chemistry
paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/srep12414
openalex publication_date 2015/07/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Direct experimental determination of precise electron affinities (EAs) of lanthanides is a longstanding challenge to experimentalists. Considerable debate exists in previous experiment and theory, hindering the complete understanding about the properties of the atomic anions. Herein, we report the first precise photoelectron imaging spectroscopy of europium (Eu), with the aim of eliminating prior contradictions. The measured EA (0.116 ± 0.013 eV) of Eu is in excellent agreement with recently reported theoretical predictions, providing direct spectroscopic evidence that the additional electron is weakly attached. Additionally, a new experimental strategy is proposed that can significantly increase the yield of the lanthanide anions, opening up the best opportunity to complete the periodic table of the atomic anions. The present findings not only serve to resolve previous discrepancy but also will help in improving the depth and accuracy of our understanding about the fundamental properties of the atomic anions.