Investigation of vacuum cryodeposited water films capturing carbon monoxide on an optical surface

Abstract

In recent years, many researchers have focused on studying interstellar dust and astrophysical ices. These objects are particularly significant because they are key components of the interstellar medium and play a decisive role in the formation of stars and planets. Studies of the properties of vacuum deposited films have expanded our understanding of the processes involved in the formation of clathrates and hydrates in CO and water mixtures, their physical characteristics, and how specific features emerge based on the method of formation. Capturing and storing CO molecules is considered one of the most promising strategies for combating the potential environmental disaster of global warming. The aim of this study was to investigate the IR spectra of thin films composed of a mixture of CO and water created via vapor deposition within the temperature range 11–180 K. Through spectral analysis, the formation of hydrates and clathrates, which are phenomena of interest in modern condensed matter physics, was examined. The research utilized IR spectroscopy methods to study the resulting thin films. During the experiments, CO and gas hydrate structures were formed within the mixture. In these cases, the sublimation temperature of the CO molecules integrated into the hydrate structures was found to be significantly higher than the equilibrium values, whereas the unbound CO molecules sublimated earlier. The results obtained provide further insights into the formation processes of clathrates and hydrates in CO and water mixtures, their physical properties, and the emergence of characteristics depending on the method of formation.