| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/D00103X/1 |
| Title: |
Photon induced molecular synthesis within atmospheric and astronomical ices |
| Principal Investigator: |
Mason, Professor NJ |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Physical Sciences |
| Organisation: |
The Open University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
31 July 2005 |
Ends: |
30 July 2008 |
Value (£): |
17,791
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Scattering & Spectroscopy |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The interaction of low energy photons with a molecular absorbate (commonly known as an ice) produces highly reactive species (radicals, ions) which can subsequently react with neighbouring molecules to form new products and hence initiate further (new) chemical and physical processes. In this project we wished to study such processes stimulated by photon impact using synchrotron radiation as the radiation source. Typical reactions may be as described as followsh? + ABC ---- AB + C (1)and subsequently AB + D ---- ABD (2)Where D may be the product of a previous molecular fragmentation of a species from a co-absorped ice of the substrate. A special case of (2) we can describe as 'photon induced isomerization where; BA + C --- BAC (3)and BAC is an isomer of ABC but one which may have a significantly different chemical reactivity to ABC. Such mechanisms can not occur in the gas phase since the kinetic energy of the dissociative fragments (AB & C) is too high to allow reaction 2 to occur but within the ice film such kinetic energies may be dissipated within the film and AB and C trapped for sufficient time to allow BAC to be formed or new molecular synthesis introduced (forming ABD).Our recent research has demonstrated the need for a comprehensive study of the mechanisms of molecular formation in such ice films, furthermore there are several urgent studies required that are based on the need to understand atmospheric chemistry, interstellar chemistry and planetary surface processes. We have chosen three experimental systems to investigate; (i) Chlorine oxides on water ice and analogues of those special clouds formed in upper atmosphere where local chemistry leads to ozone depletion. (ii) Water/Sulphur dioxide and water/ammonia ices typical of those found on several planetary surfaces (eg moons of Jupiter and Saturn). (iii) A mixed methylamine and carbon dioxide ice to study the formation of glycine in the interstellar medium (ISM). Glycine is one of the so-called building blocks of life hence if it is formed in the ISM it may be a precursor of prebiotic chemistry on a planetary surface (including the early Earth).
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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