Kinetics of Electron Attachment to Reverse Micelles

The kinetics of the attachment of isooctane solvated electrons to the water pools of reverse micelles (water/ AOT/isooctane) has been studied by ultrafast time-resolved spectroscopy. The electrons generated in isooctane by photoionization (three photons of 400 nm) are observed to rapidly attach to reverse micelles, resulting in hydrated electrons in the water pools of the reverse micelles. The measured electron attachment rates (inferred from attachment yields) show a greater dependence on reverse micelle size than that predicted by a diffusioncontrolled reaction model. Evidence is presented that highly delocalized, excess electron states of the water pool play an important role in the attachment process.