http://arxiv.org/abs/2106.04623
Ionization of gas-phase organic molecules such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) requires vacuum ultraviolet photons at wavelengths shorter than 200 nm (~6-9 eV). We present here for the first time that visible photons – accessible through sunlight – can cause photoionization of trapped PAHs in cryogenic water-ice, accounting for 4.4 eV less ionization energy than in the gas phase. This finding opens up new reaction pathways involving low-energy ionization in many environments where water and organic matter coexist. This include the interstellar medium, molecular clouds, protoplanetary disks, and planetary surfaces and atmospheres (including Earth).
A. Lignell, L. Tanalenda-Ossorio and M. Gudipati
Thu, 10 Jun 21
29/77
Comments: Accepted to Chem. Phys. Lett., 34 pages, 4 figures, 8 supplementary figures