High Energy Density Systems in Cryogenic Media: The Production and Reactions of Atoms and Radicals.
Abstract
The work in this study has been directed towards developing an understanding of the factors that affect the production and storage of energetic species in a cryogenic environment and to evaluate the feasibility of employing such a medium for use as a high energy density material. Matrix isolation techniques have been employed to produce and attempt to store reactive species, specifically atoms in cryogenic solids, with a focus on storage of O and H atoms. Factors that must be considered in optimizing the storage of photolytically produced atoms include: matrix temperature, photolysis wavelength, spin state of the atoms, reactions with co-fragments and parent, the relative mass of the photofragments, and diffusion and photoinduced diffusion of the photofragments and/or the parent molecule. The interplay between these factors and their effect on atom storage is considered. O atom storage in solid Xe at a 32 mmolar concentration has been achieved with a number of enumerated strategies possible for increasing this concentration. H atoms have been successfully isolated and are stable in solid Xe for days at a temperature of 10 K. Progress directed towards storing O atoms in solid O2 is reported on. (jg)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA289818
Entities
People
- Eric Weitz
Organizations
- Northwestern University