A novel synthesis of polymeric CO via useful hard X-ray photochemistry

摘要

We report on the synchrotron hard X-ray-induced decomposition of strontium oxalate (SrC_(2)O_(4)) pressurized to 7?GPa inside a diamond anvil cell (DAC). After some 4?h of irradiation in a white X-ray synchrotron beam, a dark reddish/brown region formed in the area of irradiation which was surrounded by a yellowish brown remainder in the rest of the sample. Upon depressurization of the sample to ambient conditions, the reacted/decomposed sample was recoverable as a dark brown/red and yellow waxy solid. Synchrotron infrared spectroscopy confirmed the strong presence of CO_(2) even under ambient conditions with the sample exposed to air and other strongly absorbing regions, suggesting that the sample may likely be polymerized CO (in part) with dispersed CO_(2) and SrO trapped within the polymer. These results will have significant implications in the ability to readily produce and trap CO_(2) in situ via irradiation of a simple powder for useful hard X-ray photochemistry and in the ability to easily manufacture polymeric CO (via loading of powders in a DAC or high volume press) without the need for the dangerous and complex loading of toxic CO. A novel means of X-ray-induced polymerization under extreme conditions has also been demonstrated.