The Role of Charging in the Formation of Molecular Hydrogen In Titan's Atmosphere DPS Pasadena Meeting 2000, 23-27 October 2000 Session 22. Titan's haze dominates its temperature, atmospheric circulation and climate control.
Photochemistry plays a key role in the structure and evolution of the haze.
These molecules have a strong influence over the thermodynamics and radiation absorption properties of the Titan haze because they are efficient absorbers in the ultraviolet and strong emitters in the infrared. Furthermore, they profoundly influence Titan's chemistry directly through their charge state because they are efficient charge exchange intermediaries and are highly electrophilic. This facilitates the catalytic formation of molecular hydrogen and provides a viable mechanism for the removal of highly reactive hydrogen atoms from the atmosphere. Specifically, we quantify the charge states of submicron aerosols and aromatic molecules and then study how this influences the rate of formation of molecular hydrogen. We find that the dominant charge state for macromolecules is neutral and negative, while for the larger aerosols, the predominant charge state is positive.