Experimental and theoretical study of chemical reactions ocuring in the Titan's ionosphere

Abstract: In relation with international projects EuroPlaNet and Astrochem, the presented proposal employs experimental and theoretical techniques for the study of gas phase reactivity of positive and negative ions related to the modeling of Titan's atmosphere. The research will focus on kinetics and dynamics of elementary reactions of ions R- and R+ with neutral molecules, which have been identified as products in the ionosphere of Titan by Cassini-Huygens mission. Elementary ion-molecule collision processes (chemical reactions of ions, charge transfer processes, branching ratios, total cross sections) will be characterized by using different experimental (LC/MS/MS, SIFT, ZAB) and theoretical (ab-initio) approaches. In particular, model system, involving different components of Titan's atmosphere, i.e. nitrogen and hydrocarbons (up to C6), will be studied with the emphasis on chemical ion-molecule interactions, which lead to the growth of hydrocarbons. The obtained results shall refine existing models and will be used for calculations of primary ion loss and the secondary ion formations.in http://www.rvvi.cz/cep?ss=detail&n=0&h=the ionosphere.