Ozone production in electron irradiated CO2:O2 ices
Duncan V Mifsud1,2, Zuzana Kaňuchová3, Sergio Ioppolo4
1Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Science, School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK. dm618@kent.ac.uk.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|July 21, 2022
Summary
This study quantifies ozone formation in CO2:O2 ices irradiated by electrons, revealing insights into icy moon surface chemistry. These findings aid future space missions exploring the outer Solar System.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Planetary Science
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Ozone (O3) detected on Ganymede, Rhea, and Dione surfaces.
- Previous studies focused on O3 formation from pure ice irradiation.
- Formation pathways of O3 on icy bodies require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify ozone abundance in CO2:O2 ice mixtures under electron irradiation.
- Analyze the spectral characteristics of solid ozone in astrophysical ice analogues.
- Enhance understanding of surface chemistry on icy outer Solar System objects.
Main Methods:
- 1 keV electron irradiation of 14 distinct CO2:O2 ice analogues at 20 K.
- Mid-infrared spectroscopy for quantitative analysis.
- Spectral analysis of the asymmetric stretching mode of solid O3.
Main Results:
- Quantified ozone abundance in mixed CO2:O2 ices.
- Observed variations in the shape and profile of the solid O3 asymmetric stretching mode.
- Established trends in O3 formation based on ice stoichiometry.
Conclusions:
- Electron irradiation of CO2:O2 ices is a viable pathway for ozone formation.
- Spectral analysis provides insights into O3's behavior in mixed ices.
- Results support understanding icy moon surface composition for missions like JUICE and Europa Clipper.
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