In-situ gas-phase luminescence and time-of-flight mass spectroscopic detection of photofragments during photochemical synthesis of copper particles from bis(tert-butylacetoacetato)copper

During the 308 nm laser-driven photochemical synthesis of Cu particles from bis(tert-butylacetoacetato)copper, gas-phase photogenerated intermediates are identified by luminescence and time-of-flight mass spectroscopies. Pure Cu deposits are obtained as homogeneous, granular 200 nm particles. In the gas phase, luminescent photoproducts are observed and atomic Cu, Cu₂, and dissociated ligand are identified spectroscopically. In addition, mass spectroscopy identifies Cu atoms, the dissociated ligand, a monoligated complex, and fragments of the ligands. The implications of the photofragmentation that produces copper atoms and dimers for the laser-assisted production of the Cu deposits are discussed.