Experimental simulations of cosmic impacts on rubrene nanoparticles in the water environment reveal the potentiality of condensed phases of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to generate prebiotic molecules

Organic compounds, such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are among the major species responsible for the infrared spectral features characterising the cosmic background radiation. Similar to silicate dust, aggregates rich in carbon with micro- and nano-meter sizes are subjected to sev...
Ausführliche Beschreibung

Organic compounds, such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are among the major species responsible for the infrared spectral features characterising the cosmic background radiation. Similar to silicate dust, aggregates rich in carbon with micro- and nano-meter sizes are subjected to several weathering processes in various astrophysical environments that modify their chemistry and structure, thus contributing to the chemical richness of the cosmic environment. In particular, the study of the chemical and structural evolution of PAHs aggregates in the presence of water is relevant to understand the mechanism of formation of the prebiotic building blocks of life. Ausführliche Beschreibung