Note: Loading method of molecular fluorine using x-ray induced chemistry.

Area of Science:

• High-pressure physics and chemistry
• Materials science
• Chemical synthesis

Background:

• Molecular fluorine (F2) is highly reactive and toxic, posing challenges for its handling and use in chemical synthesis.
• Diamond anvil cells (DACs) are crucial for studying materials under extreme high-pressure conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a safe and effective method for generating molecular fluorine (F2) in situ within a diamond anvil cell.
• To enable novel chemical synthesis under isolated and extreme high-pressure conditions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized synchrotron X-ray radiation from the Advanced Photon Source to induce decomposition of perfluorohexane (C6F14).
• Employed Raman spectroscopy to verify the in situ production of F2.
• Applied hard X-rays (>7 keV) to trigger fluorine release within a sealed DAC.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated molecular fluorine (F2) in situ within a diamond anvil cell.
• Demonstrated that X-ray induced decomposition of C6F14 is an effective method for F2 production.
• Verified F2 generation through Raman spectroscopy.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers significant advantages for safely loading and generating toxic fluorine in extreme environments.
• This technique facilitates novel chemical synthesis under isolated and high-pressure conditions.
• The approach provides a safer alternative to direct handling of molecular fluorine.