When electrons (photoelectrons in this case) are introduced in water , they become solvated. Such electrons are known as Solvated electrons or wet electrons.
According to the definition taken from Wikipedia,
A solvated electron is a free electron in a solution, in which it behaves like an anion . --------------(i)
Its denoted by '$e^{-}$'
also ,
An electron's being solvated in a solution means it is bound by the solution.
-------------------------(ii)
So , Yes , solvated electrons in water do conduct electricity. When electrons are solvated (or hydrated) in water, they become surrounded by water molecules and are able to move within the solution, allowing for the flow of charge, which is electricity.
EDIT
After further research and with the help of the upstanding and obliging comments made by @MichaelSiefert , @JohnDoty , @cmaster - reinstate monica and others , I have come to understand that my answer is not entirely accurate and correct. I will discuss the problem and my edits in points.
- Reactivity of the solvated electrons - The statements (i) and (ii) mentioned above , though correct , only partially apply to the solution of this problem . The theory/statement previously suggested/stated by me , i.e. ,
So , Yes , solvated electrons in water do conduct electricity. When electrons are solvated (or hydrated) in water, they become surrounded by water molecules and are able to move within the solution, allowing for the flow of charge, which is electricity.
is only particularly correct when the pH of the solution is less than 9.6 .
Below pH = 9.6 the hydrated electron reacts with the hydronium ion giving atomic hydrogen, which in turn can react with the hydrated
electron giving hydroxide ion and usual molecular hydrogen H2.
-----------(iii)
So this aspect depends upon the concentration of the alkali metal sheet in the solution. If the pH is above 9.6 , then the theory/statement answered previously prevails and the solution will conduct electricity.
- Even if the pH of the solutions falls below 9.6 , The solution will still conduct electricity , although not by the solvated electrons but through them. I have stated the reactions along with their statements and the equilibrium constants.
In certain photochemical electron-transfer processes, in which
the reducing species was formerly identified, but mistakenly, as a hydrogen atom, the
characteristic absorption spectrum of $e_{aq}^{-}$ has now been observed (2). A hydrated electron
is barely distinguishable chemically from a hydrogen atom, its conjugate acid, but is
converted to it by reaction [1] only very slowly, if at all (3).
[1] $ e_{aq}^- + H_2SO_4 -> H + OH^- ; k_1 < 16 mole^{-1} s^{-1}$
[6] ${e_{aq}^{-} + e_{aq}^{-} -> H_2 + 2OH^-} ; 2k_6 = 4.5 \times{10^8} mole^{-1} s^{-1}$
[7] $H + H -> H_2 ; 2k_7 = 6 \times{ 10^8} mole^{-1} s^{-1}$
----------------------(iv)
Thus , the solution will conduct electricity due to the presence of $M^{+}$ (where M stands for the alkali metal) and $OH^-$ ions formed , and the solvated electron acts as an intermediate.
Here I have mentioned the Reference numbers and direct lins for the statements (i),(ii),(iii) and (iv) , along with the research papers associated with them for their references.
Wikipedia link - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solvated_electron
Research papers for statement (i) - Dye, J. L. (2003). "Electrons as Anions". Science. 301 (5633): 607–608. doi:10.1126/science.1088103. PMID 12893933. S2CID 93768664.
Direct link(s) - https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1088103 , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12893933/ , and/or https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Electrons-as-Anions-Dye/7a805f3a12143fd05f95b565ed814c36849196ed
Research papers for statement (ii) - Schindewolf, U. (1968). "Formation and Properties of Solvated Electrons". Angewandte Chemie International Edition in English. 7 (3): 190–203. doi:10.1002/anie.196801901.
Direct link - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.196801901
Research papers for statement (iii) - Jortner, Joshua; Noyes, Richard M. (1966). "Some Thermodynamic Properties of the Hydrated Electron". The Journal of Physical Chemistry. 70 (3): 770–774. doi:10.1021/j100875a026.
Direct link - https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/j100875a026
Research papers for statement (iv) - Walker, D.C. (1966). "Production of hydrated electron". Canadian Journal of Chemistry. 44 (18): 2226–. doi:10.1139/v66-336.
Direct link(s) - https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/v66-336 , https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/v66-336
These research paper links can be found under the 'References' section of the given Wikipedia page.
NOTE - I tried to to apply the \ce command for the chemical equations, but it is not working , and I don't know why. Please help me edit the forward reaction arrow , if not the equations in statement (iv). Thank You .
