Reactions of thermalizing electrons in a condensed polar medium

The influence of electron acceptors on the yield of trapped electrons in frozen aqueous solutions is examined, and the results of picosecond radiolysis is discussed. It has been shown that the correlations observed cannot be explained if thermal electrons only take part in reactions occurring in such matrices, whereas they can be correctly interpreted assuming that epithermal electrons are also capable of reacting with acceptors in a condensed medium.

Experimental data obtained are discussed on the basis of these concepts. The times needed for thermalization, solvation and capture have been evaluated, and the rate constants of the reactions of epithermal electrons computed.