PROJECT TITLE :

Note: Experiments in hard x-ray chemistry: In situ production of molecular hydrogen and x-ray induced combustion

ABSTRACT:

We have successfully loaded H2 into a diamond anvil cell at high pressure using the synchrotron x-ray induced decomposition of NH3BH3. In a second set of studies, radiation-assisted release of O2 from KCLO3, H2 release from NH3BH3, and reaction of these gases in a mixture of the reactants to form liquid water using x-rays at ambient conditions was observed. Similar observations were made using a KCLO3 and NaBH4 mixture. Depending on reaction conditions, an explosive or far slower reaction producing water was observed.