Characterizing Small and Large Ions Using Experiment and Theory

Gaseous ions play a pivotal role in various environments, serving as crucial intermediates in processes ranging from atmospheric chemistry to astrophysical phenomena to industrial processing and forensics. In planetary atmospheres, ions contribute to chemical reactions that influence weather patterns, auroras, and even the formation of atmospheric layers. In the interstellar medium, they are central to the formation of complex molecules and the ionization of interstellar gases, thereby affecting star formation and the evolution of galaxies. In combustion, gaseous ions participate in the complex chemistry of flames, impacting energy release and pollutant formation. Beyond these natural contexts, gaseous ions are vital in mass spectrometry, a key enabling technology that underpins numerous scientific fields. Mass spectrometry allows for the precise analysis of substances by ionizing molecules and measuring their mass-to-charge ratios. This technique is indispensable in proteomics for identifying proteins, in metabolomics for studying biochemical pathways, in environmental science for detecting pollutants, and in the emerging field of personalized medicine. In forensics, mass spectrometry is used for drug detection and crime scene analysis, while in pharmaceuticals, it is employed for drug development and quality control. The ability to generate and analyze gaseous ions has revolutionized these areas, providing insights that are critical for research, industry, and beyond.

This GRC focuses on the fundamentals of gas-phase ion chemistry and applications in which gas-phase ion chemistry and physics play a pivotal role. The meeting emphasizes the development of new and the use of more mature experimental and theoretical approaches for studying the structures, energetics, and reactivity of gaseous ions and their applications to systems ranging from atomic ions to complex macro- and bio-molecular assemblies. The conference highlights experimental techniques, including mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, and ion mobility that enable elucidation of the intrinsic properties of both simple and complex systems. The conference includes the development of new theoretical techniques as well as the use of well-developed computational approaches in support of experimental measurements. Topics included are structural characterization of gaseous ions; fundamentals of ionization, activation, and dissociation; ion-molecule, ion-ion, ion-electron, and ion-surface interactions; ion reactivity in various environments; and a multitude of applications involving ions.