The origin of enhanced [Formula: see text] production from photoionized CO₂ clusters.

ABSTRACT: 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 [Formula: see text] 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 fro

SUBMITTER: Ganguly S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9814840 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature