Electronic Properties and the Thermal and Photo Decomposition of Potassium Azide.
Abstract
The role of charge carriers (electrons, holes, ions) in the thermal and photo decomposition of potassium azide is studied experimentally. The experiments are conducted in an ultra-high vacuum system where very small decomposition rates can be measured and where contamination of the sample surface is negligible. The thermal decomposition of KN3 is found to be temperature activated with activation energies which compare well to the activation energies for ionic conductivity. The thermal decomposition of KN3 involves a surface reaction consecutive to the arrival of ions, by diffusion, at the sample surface. One mechanism leading to the photo decomposition of KN3 is found to result from the arrival of holes at the surface of the material, decomposition being enhanced when more holes drift to the surface. A model for photolysis is presented in which an electron is first excited and then transferred to a potassium colloid. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- AD0782245
Entities
People
- Arnaud De Panafieu
Organizations
- Princeton University