 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Slow Electrons are "killing" Ozone
Murray Hill - Aug. 30, 2001 Tilmann M�rk from the Institute of Ion Physics at the University of Innsbruck and his team have, with the support of the Austrian Science Fund, developed unique methods and equipment to examine the interaction of electrons with atoms, molecules and clusters. And their research has been successful -- they have made a number of discoveries, including a new ozone destruction process, and they have clearly established the binding energy of the "buckyball", C60 , which has long since been the subject of international research. The destruction of the ozone in the earth's atmosphere has many different causes, many of which are unknown. Tilmann M�rk and his team, in cooperation with University College London, have identified a phenomenon which was hitherto considered impossible, but which basically constitutes another ozone destruction process. "We have proved what was previously considered impossible: slow, thermal electrons are taken up by the ozone. This happens with great frequency and has a detrimental effect on the atmosphere, since this destroys the ozone," explains M�rk. Since there are a great number of these slow electrons in the ionosphere, it is clear that the many ozone models must be recalculated in light of these results and the simulations must be re-worked.
The binding energy of the "buckyball" "Unusually for a 'football', we bombarded the C60 molecule with electrons, thereby attempting to break a C2 molecule away from the ionised molecule cluster. We wanted to know the energy required for this fragmentation process, since, conversely, this also tells us the energy with which this part is bound to the rest of the molecule," explains M�rk. M�rk and his team succeeded in breaking a C2 carbon molecule away from the C60 ion and therefore established the measure of stability, i.e. the precise binding energy. The astonishing result: the binding energy required to break away a C2 molecule, at 10 electron volts, is considerably higher than the ionisation energy of approximately 7.6 eV -- this makes C60 very different from other molecules. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links University of Innsbruck, Institute of Ion Physics SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express Carbon Worlds - where graphite, diamond, amorphous, fullerenes meet
Matchbox-Size Nano-Projector Engine For Mobile Apps
Taunton MA (SPX) Jan 5, 2006Kopin and ExPlay have announced that they are in development of an ultra-small nano projector based on an ultra-high-efficiency version of Kopin's microdisplay, which is being specifically designed for the nano projector, and ExPlay's unique optical technology. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
