Low-energy electron attachment to BCl3

The rate constants of low-energy electron attachment to BCl3 diluted in N2 are measured as a function of E/N at 1–11 Td, corresponding to mean electron energies at 0.4–1.0 eV. The negative ions produced by hollow-cathode discharges of either pure BCl3 or mixtures of BCl3 in N2 are mass analyzed to identify the products of electron attachment to BCl3. Only Cl− ion is found in the discharge media, although BCl−3 is observed at the applied voltage significantly lower than the breakdown voltage. The electron attachment processes of BCl3 are discussed.