Formation of HNC and HCN isomers in molecular plasmas revealed by frequency comb and quantum cascade laser spectroscopy
Abstract
is far lower than reported values in interstellar media, where ratios can reach unity. We attribute this stark difference to fundamentally different kinetics, dominated by an interplay between formation of vibrationally 'hot' intermediates (HCN* and HNC*) and their subsequent stabilization and destruction. This mechanism contrasts with cold interstellar environments, where dissociative recombination reactions dominate and the formed HNC persists and accumulates over astrochemical timescales. Our results highlight the overlooked role of HNC in plasma chemistry containing carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen, with implications for plasma-assisted HCN synthesis and nitrogen-carbon plasma processes in surface modification and material treatments.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies
Laser-induced spectroscopy and plasma
Plasma Applications and Diagnostics
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
- Publisher
- Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 3929–3938
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN