Organic compounds have yet to be detected on the Martian surface despite strong arguments for their existence. This study focuses on a possible explanation for this observation. One mechanism that has not been investigated thoroughly is the photodecomposition of organics on the surface of TiO2, which has an abundance of 0.65% in Martian soil. A method was developed to deposit phenylalanine onto the surface of the anatase and rutile forms of TiO2. The deposited phenylalanine was then irradiated with UV light to induce a photocatalytic reaction with the TiO2. The products of this reaction were analyzed via fluorescence and NMR spectroscopies to determine whether reaction had occurred and to identify the products. This information was then used to develop a reaction mechanism that explains the lack of organic compounds on Mars.

Photodecomposition of phenylalanine on the surface of titanium dioxide

249th National Meeting (2015)

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