Energy Transfer in Radiolysis of Rare-Gas—C2F6 Mixtures

Abstract

The gas‐phase gamma radiolysis of C₂F₆ with He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe has been examined as a function of the fraction of energy deposition in the rare gas. For 90% energy deposition in the rare‐gas energy‐transfer efficiencies of 5%, 47%, 92%, 78%, and 36% in the respective mixtures of He to Xe were observed. The transfer efficiency is shown to depend on the difference between the recombination energies of C₂F₆ and the rare gas. This dependence indicates the existence of charge‐transfer processes although some excitation transfer also takes place. In Xe–C₂F₆ mixtures charge transfer is endothermic and the change in product distribution supports the expectation that only excitation transfer occurs.