The origin of enhanced production from photoionized CO₂ clusters

CO₂-rich planetary atmospheres are continuously exposed to ionising radiation driving major photochemical processes. In the Martian atmosphere, CO₂ clusters are predicted to exist at high altitudes motivating a deeper understanding of their photochemistry. In this joint experimental-theoretical study, we investigate the photoreactions of CO₂ clusters (≤2 nm) induced by soft X-ray ionisation. We observe dramatically enhanced production of $$ from photoionized CO₂ clusters compared to the case of the isolated molecule and identify two relevant reactions. Using quantum chemistry calculations and multi-coincidence mass spectrometry, we pinpoint the origin of this enhancement: A size-dependent structural transition of the clusters from a covalently bonded arrangement to a weakly bonded polyhedral geometry that activates an exothermic reaction producing $$. Our results unambiguously demonstrate that the photochemistry of small clusters/particles will likely have a strong influence on the ion balance in atmospheres.