H2O2 production by high-energy electrons on icy satellites as a function of surface temperature and electron flux

Chemistry on the icy surface of Europa is heavily influenced by the incident energetic particle flux from the jovian magnetosphere. The majority (>75%) of this energy is in the form of high energy electrons (extending to >10 MeV). We have simulated the electron irradiation environment of Europa with a vacuum system containing a high-energy electron gun for irradiation of ice samples formed on a gold mirror cooled with a cryostat. Pure water films of ∼2.6 μm thickness were grown at 100 K and then either cooled (to 80 K), warmed (to 120 K) or left at 100 K and subsequently irradiated with 10 keV electrons. The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was monitored by observation of the 2850 cm−1 (3.5 μm) band. Equilibrium concentrations of H2O2, in units of percent by number H2O2 relative to water, were found to be 0.043% (80 K), 0.029% (100 K), and 0.0063% (120 K). These values are 33%, 22%, and 5%, respectively, that of the reported surface concentration on the leading hemisphere of Europa (Carlson, R.W., Anderson, M.S., Johnson, R.E., Smythe, W.D., Hendrix, A.R., Barth, C.A., et al. [1999]. Science 283(5410), 2062–2064) and less than the equilibrium concentrations formed by ion irradiation. In addition to the ice film temperature, the current of electrons was varied between different experiments to determine the production and destruction of H2O2 as a function of both electron flux and ice temperature. Variation in current was found to have little effect on the results other than accelerating arrival at radiolytic equilibrium.

► We simulated the radiolytic chemistry of Europa in the laboratory.
► We characterized production of hydrogen peroxide on Europa’s surface.
► Steady-state concentrations of H2O2 were 0.043% (80 K), 0.029% (100 K), and 0.0063% (120 K).
► Laboratory values are 33%, 22%, and 5% that reported for Europa.
► Variation in electron current was found to have little effect on peroxide equilibrium.