A novel use of an ion-mobility mass spectrometer for the investigation of electron attachment to molecules

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Abstract
The application of a novel approach to study electron attachment processes to molecules in an atmospheric-pressure nitrogen buffer gas using an ion-mobility mass spectrometer is described. The range of mean electron energies capable in this instrument is illustrated by a study of electron attachment to sulphur hexafluoride, . The unique feature of the instrument, compared to standard non-thermal electron swarm apparatus, is that the m/e of the product anions can be measured. The importance of this is that it becomes possible to understand in more detail electron attachment processes. This is highlighted in this short communication using preliminary results from a recent study of the anomalous electron attachment to perfluoropropene,1-.