A model is developed to treat the binding energy of excess electrons in nonpolar liquids and solids such as alkanes. Interaction of the excess electron with Csngbnd;H bond dipoles is considered for several geometrical arrangements. On this basis it is found that a binding energy of about 0.5 eV can be explained for trapped electrons in condensed alkanes. Although long range polarization interactions are unimportant, the electron interaction with the bond microdipoles of a net nonpolar molecule appears to be the key to understanding electron binding in alkane matrices.
展开▼
