Fragmentation Dynamics of a Carbon Dioxide Dication Produced by Ion Impact

The response of carbon dioxide to radiolysis is crucial for understanding the atmospheric chemistry of planets. Here, we present a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the three-body fragmentation dynamics of $C{O}_2^{2+}$ to C⁺ + O⁺ + O initiated by 1 keV/u Ar²⁺ impact. Taking advantage of the kinematic complete measurement employing a reaction microscope, three dissociation mechanisms are distinguished, and their branching ratios are determined. The concerted fragmentation with two C-O bonds breaking simultaneously is dominant, while the sequential pathway with CO⁺ as the intermediate also makes a significant contribution. Also, a novel isomerization pathway with transitory formation of $O_2^{+}$ is identified. The identified mechanisms can contribute to O⁺ and O escaping from the Martian atmosphere, since the kinetic energies of most of the fragments are observed to be higher than the escape energy of oxygen.