Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Laser-Induced Fluorescence Emission L.I.F.E. as Novel Non-Invasive Tool for In-Situ Measurements of Biomarkers in Cryospheric Habitats
Published on: October 26, 2019
Formation and decomposition of CO2-filled ice
B Massani1, C Mitterdorfer1, T Loerting1
1Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52c, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
Abstract:
Recently it was shown that CO2-filled ice is formed upon compression of CO2-clathrate hydrate. Here we show two alternative routes of its formation, namely, by decompression of CO2/ice VI mixtures at 250 K and by isobaric heating of CO2/high-density amorphous ice mixtures at 0.5-1.0 GPa above 200 K. Furthermore, we show that filled ice may either transform into the clathrate at an elevated pressure or decompose to "empty" hexagonal ice at ambient pressure and low temperature. This complements the literature studies in which decomposition to ice VI was favoured at high pressures and low temperatures.
Related Concept Videos
Phase Transitions: Sublimation and Deposition
Standard Enthalpy of Formation
Phase Diagrams
Phase Transitions: Melting and Freezing
States of Water
Water freezes when the intermolecular forces are greater than the kinetic energy. Unlike most other substances, water is less dense in its solid state than in its liquid state. This is because each water molecule can form...
The Carbon Cycle

