Martian Redox Chemistry: Oxygen Reduction in Low-Temperature Magnesium Perchlorate Brines.

Title Martian Redox Chemistry: Oxygen Reduction in Low-Temperature Magnesium Perchlorate Brines.
Authors J. Elliott; K. Ngamchuea; C. Batchelor-McAuley; R.G. Compton
Journal J Phys Chem Lett
DOI 10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b02884
Abstract

NASA has a mandate to send humans to Mars by 2033. Recent discoveries regarding Mars include the likely presence of low-temperature liquid brines on the planet's surface. This work investigates redox chemistry in near saturated aqueous 2.8 M Mg(ClO4)2 at temperatures as low as -34 °C. These conditions are comparable to those thought to be found on the Martian surface. In particular, electro-reduction of oxygen is studied, and the diffusion coefficient and solubility of this important redox species are established.

Citation J. Elliott; K. Ngamchuea; C. Batchelor-McAuley; R.G. Compton.Martian Redox Chemistry: Oxygen Reduction in Low-Temperature Magnesium Perchlorate Brines.. J Phys Chem Lett. 2017;8(24):61716175. doi:10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b02884

Related Elements

Magnesium

Magnesium Bohr ModelSee more Magnesium products. Magnesium (atomic symbol: Mg, atomic number: 12) is a Block S, Group 2, Period 3 element with an atomic mass of 24.3050. The number of electrons in each of Magnesium's shells is [2, 8, 2] and its electron configuration is [Ne] 3s2. The magnesium atom has a radius of 160 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 173 pm. Magnesium was discovered by Joseph Black in 1775 and first isolated by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808. Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust and the fourth most common element in the earth as a whole. Elemental MagnesiumIn its elemental form, magnesium has a shiny grey metallic appearance and is an extremely reactive. It is can be found in minerals such as brucite, carnallite, dolomite, magnesite, olivine and talc. Commercially, magnesium is primarily used in the creation of strong and lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloys, which have numerous advantages in industrial applications. The name "Magnesium" originates from a Greek district in Thessaly called Magnesia.

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