Theoretical assessment of discharge effects on the decomposition tendency of C_(6)F_(12)O over metallic surfaces

C_(6)F_(12)O is proposed to be one potential eco-friendly insulation gas to replace SF6.However,the assessment of its decomposition properties and the compatibility with metal electrodes in discharge faults is still challenging,which greatly hinders the development of its insulation and arc-extinction applications.Herein,a theoretical method is proposed to reasonably address the discharge effects on C_(6)F_(12)O decomposition over typical Cu and Al electrodes at atomic scale.The results show that both the external electric field and the excess electrons could affect the activation of C_(6)F_(12)O by changing the electron acceptance of C_(6)F_(12)O and the orbital hybridisation during the surface bonding.On metal surfaces,the C-F single bond in adsorbed C_(6)F_(12)O is the weakest position to decompose,and its cleavage could be promoted by the discharge effects.After the C-F breaking,the C-C cleavage remains unfavourable on Cu(111),but it is significantly promoted on Al(111),indicating a higher corrosion risk on the Al surface via continuous C_(6)F_(12)O decompositions.The proposed method as a valid supplement to the experiment reveals the discharge effects and the decomposition tendency of C_(6)F_(12)O on metal electrodes in discharge faults,which broadens the means for insulation gas evaluation.