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Project Progress

The molecular beam scattering experiments of the Minton laboratory allowed for progress in defining an approach to map the parameter space of experimental conditions relevant to Hadean conditions. Using various H/D beam sources, we created modified pyrite surfaces in a controlled high vacuum environment as a function of exposure time and surface temperature. The goal of these experiments is to study the activation of inert, small molecules, such as N₂, H₂, CO/CO₂ on reactive mineral surfaces. This activation process is arguably a critical step in establishing a pool of more complex molecules such as the building blocks of life.

We have shown that H (or D) atoms react with a pyrite surface to produce H₂S/D₂S, leaving a surface enriched in reduced Fe. New experiments investigated the catalytic activity of the H/D-atom exposed surfaces at elevated temperatures by directing N₂ beams at pyrite surfaces. We have observed ammonia (NH₃ or ND₃) using a beam containing ~6% N and ~94% N₂, with kinetic energies of 5 and 10 MJ mol^-1, respectively. Shorter D exposure times (1-1.5 hr) showed higher ND3 signals than those with longer exposure (3-6 hr), suggesting that a partially reduced pyrite surface has the most activity. We verified the unique reactivity of the reduced pyrite surface by conducting similar experiments with other surfaces, such as iron (Haber-Bosch catalyst for ammonia synthesis), glass (silica), polymer (Kapton), and pure carbon (graphite). All surfaces including metallic iron showed significantly less ammonia production than the reduced pyrite surface. It appears that there is a surface effect that facilitates ammonia production from the N and D atoms in the reagent beams simply by providing a medium for them to interact. However, the magnitude and nature of the ammonia signals from the reduced pyrite also suggest strong catalytic activity. We are currently investigating the mechanism of the N N triple bond activation on reduced pyrite surfaces.