Insight Into the Compatibility Between C6F12O and Metal Materials: Experiment and Theory

C
₆
F
₁₂
O has been introduced as a potential substitute to the most greenhouse gas SF
₆
used in the medium-voltage (MV) electrical equipment due to its great insulation and environmental performance. While there are few studies on the compatibility between C
₆
F
₁₂
O and metal materials used in the equipment which needs to be investigated and understood to avoid the negative impact on the material or gas. In this paper, we carried out experimental and theoretical studies on the interaction between C
₆
F
₁₂
O and copper, silver, aluminum. We found that the interaction between C
₆
F
₁₂
O and copper, aluminum introduces fluorine to the metal surface and generates some metal oxide. There was no significant change in the element composition and surface chemical states of silver after interacting with C
₆
F
₁₂
O. The interaction mechanism between C
₆
F
₁₂
O and copper, aluminum is attributed to the chemical adsorption and the interaction between C
₆
F
₁₂
O and silver belongs to the physical adsorption. The compatibility between C
₆
F
₁₂
O and silver is greater than that of copper, aluminum. Relevant results provide a reference for the design and manufacture of equipment using C
₆
F
₁₂
O gas mixture as the insulating medium.