The formation of interstellar molecules via reactions on dust grain surfaces

Abstract

The formation of molecules in interstellar space via reactions on the surface of dust grains has been the subject of numerous theoretical studies, since a very important reaction, the formation of molecular hydrogen, is thought to occur primarily on dust. Beginning with the very first experiments of the formation of H₂ on a dust grain analogue by Pirronello et al., in 1997, and continuing today, it has been possible to study and characterize the processes of molecular hydrogen formation on realistic analogues of dust grains with increasing sophistication. In our laboratory, we use state-of-the-art surface science techniques to come as closely as technically possible to the conditions of molecule formation in the ISM. Here, we present the results of studies on the mechanisms and rate of formation of molecular hydrogen on dust grain analogues.