The surfaces of airless bodies are altered by a number of processes including micrometeorite bombardment, cosmic and solar rays, and solar wind implantation. This last process consists of ~1 keV protons and He+ ions being ejected from the sun and impacting the surface. Solar wind ions create amorphized rims ~100 nm in thickness, and implanted protons can react with oxygen bearing species in the regolith to produce reduced species including Fe0 and H2O. These species then further react in impact melts created by micrometeorite bombardment. Careful analysis of lunar regolith grains have revealed the presence of nanophase Fe (npFe) embedded in silica matrices, with evidence suggesting the npFe oxidizes over time. The nature of this oxidation, including the identity of the oxidant itself, remains unknown. The results of density functional based investigations into the chemical transformations which occur immediately after implantation of protons into mineral surfaces will be presented. Possible sources of reactive oxidants which cause the oxidation of npFe will be explored. Ti and Fe bearing minerals will be investigated, as well as silica.

Theoretical investigations of transition metal chemistry in lunar regolith minerals bombarded by solar wind

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.