X-ray-induced dissociation of H2O and formation of an O2-H2 alloy at high pressure.
When subjected to high pressure and extensive x-radiation, water (H2O) molecules cleaved, forming O-O and H-H bonds. The oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H) framework in ice VII was converted into a molecular alloy of O2 and H2. X-ray diffraction, x-ray Raman scattering, and optical Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that this crystalline solid differs from previously known phases. It remained stable with respect to variations in pressure, temperature, and further x-ray and laser exposure, thus opening new possibilities for studying molecular interactions in the hydrogen-oxygen binary system.
Mao
Wendy L
WL
Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
Mao
Ho-Kwang
HK
Meng
Yue
Y
Eng
Peter J
PJ
Hu
Michael Y
MY
Chow
Paul
P
Cai
Yong Q
YQ
Shu
Jinfu
J
Hemley
Russell J
RJ