Oxychlorine and Carbonate Generation by Simulated\nElectrostatic Discharge of Martian Dust Activities and Detection by Raman Spectroscopy

The\nMartian atmosphere and surface materials can be impacted by\nelectrochemical reactions that occur during dust activity on Mars.\nPrior research has shown that in the dry Martian surface environment,\nelectrostatic discharge (ESD) can generate oxychlorine along with\nconverting CO<sub>2</sub> to carbonate dust. To comprehend the carbon\nand chlorine cycles on Mars, research on carbonates and oxychlorine\nis crucial, as is investigating the effects of coexisting minerals.\nIn support of this work, precise methods for measuring ESD reactions\nare needed. Herein, ESD reactions on chloride (NaCl) and potential\ncoexisting minerals SiO<sub>2</sub> or TiO<sub>2</sub> were investigated\nunder simulated Martian atmosphere conditions, and Raman spectroscopy\nwas used to measure trace products. Based on Raman measurements, the\ninfluences of coexisting minerals on the production of carbonates\nand oxychlorine during ESD reactions were investigated. Our findings\nsuggest that Raman spectroscopy has sensitive quantitative detection\ncapabilities in aqueous solutions, offering a useful technique for\nthe quantitative detection of laboratory products. Carbonate continuously\naccumulated with increasing discharge time, with 14–22 times\ngreater yield (1.43–4.77‰ and 5% error) than perchlorate\n(0.10–0.24‰ and 20% error) and 5–16 times greater\nyield than chlorate (0.28–0.44‰ and 20% error). The\nyields of the above products were found to depend on the type, content,\nand particle size of coexisting minerals. Our findings are crucial\nfor understanding the current geological history, atmospheric evolution,\nand substance cycling on Mars, as well as for retracing the development\nof Martian atmospheric and hydrological environments.