Summary:

This paper presents the results of a study on the implantation of 290 - 400 keV S+ ions into pure O2, CO, and CO2 ices under temperature, pressure, radiation dose, and ice deposition conditions relevant to the Kuiper Belt, with a particular focus on the potential synthesis of simple inorganic sulphur-bearing molecules (e.g., SO2, OCS, CS2). Experiments involving CO2 ices were also performed at higher temperatures more typically associated with the Galilean moon system so as to determine whether there exist any differences in the chemistry resulting from the implantation of reactive sulphur ions in these two regions of the Solar System. Our results constitute the first systematic investigation of solid-phase sulphur chemistry in the Kuiper Belt mediated by the sulphur ion component of the solar wind, and thus represent an important step forward in our understanding of the astrochemical processes occurring in the outermost depths of the Solar System.

Article link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0019103523005055?via%3Dihub