Recent total cross section measurements in electron scattering from molecules

The grand -total cross sections (TCSs) for electron scattering from a range of molecules, measured over the period 2009–2019 in various laboratories, with the use of different electron transmission systems, are reviewed. Where necessary, the presented TCS data are also compared to earlier results. Collection of investigated molecular targets (biomolecules, biofuels, molecules of technological application, hydrocarbons) reflects their current interest in biology, medicine, ecology and industry. Most of measurements covered the energy range from about 1 eV to some hundreds of eV, with a few exceptions extending those limits down to near thermal or up to almost high impact energies. The importance of reliable TCS data in the field of electron-scattering physics is emphasized. Problems encountered in TCS experiments are also specified. Graphical abstract