Improvements in or relating to methods of and apparatus for effecting a chemical synthesis or other reaction utilising electrons in a selected energy range

Patent · Wed Nov 14 04:00:00 EST 1973

OSTI ID:4338734

Varey, R H; Andrews, J G

Reference is made to methods of synthesizing chemical compounds, or conducting other chemical reactions, under the action of electron irradiation. In the method described the apparatus used comprises a discharge tube with a cathode and an anode, and means in the discharge region between cathode and anode to produce two different plasmas, differing in electron temperature and density, adjacent to one another with a double sheath'' at the boundary between the otwo plasmas. A double sheath'' is a double space charge layer; it contains a voltage step such that the force exerted on the electrons is in the opposite direction to othat on the ions, and the total volotage drop across the double sheath'' depends on the plasma conditions on either side. Means are provided for feeding material into, and for withdrawing reaction products from, the plasma on the anode side of the double sheath''. The two different plasmas are formed by depleoting neutral and unionized atoms or molecules by means of differential pumping. The discharge conditions may be adjusted so that othe electrons in the reaction zone are in a selected energy range appropriate to the required reaction. (UK)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-29-024035
• OSTI ID: 4338734
• Report Number(s): GB 1337107
• Country of Publication: United Kingdom
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*CHEMICAL PREPARATION
*CHEMICAL REACTIONS
*RADIATION CHEMISTRY
ANODES
CATHODES
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRON BEAMS
ELECTRONS
IRRADIATION
N40300* --Chemistry--Radiation Chemistry
PLASMA