EELS characterization of radiolytic products in frozen samples

▶ We use electron energy-loss spectroscopy to elucidate radiolytic damage processes in frozen samples. ▶ Molecular oxygen but not hydrogen is observed on irradiation of frozen hydrogen peroxide solution. ▶ Molecular hydrogen but not oxygen is observed on irradiation of frozen organic solutions. ▶ Neither molecular oxygen nor hydrogen is observed on irradiation of pure frozen water. ▶ Our observations are interpreted in terms of the stability of the decay products.