Electrons and ions -- how long can they exist apart?

[Gajan1234]

Can ions exist by itself, if it does, does it last for short period of time before it reacts with something else.

 

[tech99]

Can ions exist by itself, if it does, does it last for short period of time before it reacts with something else.

In the case of a gas, the ion can remain existing until it has a collision and a recombination. For instance, in the upper atmosphere, the F region of the ionosphere remains ionised all night after the source of ionisation, which is the Sun's radiation, has disappeared. On the other hand, the D region of the ionosphere, where the pressure is higher and collision/recombination more likely, disappears as soon as the Sun sets.

 

[Gajan1234]

In the case of a gas, the ion can remain existing until it has a collision and a recombination. For instance, in the upper atmosphere, the F region of the ionosphere remains ionised all night after the source of ionisation, which is the Sun's radiation, has disappeared. On the other hand, the D region of the ionosphere, where the pressure is higher and collision/recombination more likely, disappears as soon as the Sun sets.

What happen when ionisation happen to solid state