Laser Ablation Generation of Antimony Selenide Clusters: Laser Desorption Ionization (LDI) Quadrupole Ion Trap Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry.

The binary system Sb-Se was studied via laser ablation using antimony-selenium mixtures made from powdered elements in various ratios generating new Sbm Sen clusters. The results show that in addition to Sbm + (m = 1-8) and Sen + (n = 2-9) clusters, a series of Sbm Sen + clusters such as SbSe1-8 + , Sb2 Se1-6 + , Sb3 Se1-5 + , Sb4 Se1-3 + , and Sb5 Se1,2 + is generated. In addition, some low intensity oxidized clusters like Se6 O2 + , Se7 O2 + , and SbSe2-6 O5 + and partially hydroxylated clusters (SbSeO2 H7 + , SbSe5 O4 H+ ) are also formed. In total, 24 new antimony selenide clusters were generated. The knowledge gained can contribute to the elucidation of the structure of Sbm Sen glasses. Graphical Abstract.