Surface reactions of chlorine molecules and atoms with water and sulfuric acid at low temperatures

Reactions of chlorine-containing species are of great current interest, particularly in reference to possible stratospheric ozone depletion. We have been investigating the potential role of heterogeneous reactions of these species with stratospheric aerosols. Here we wish to report on the results of a study of the interactions of Cl atoms and Cl₂ with H₂SO₄ and H₂O, the dominant components of stratospheric aerosols, at low temperature using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It appears that chlorine atoms and molecules form chloride ion and higher oxidation states of chlorine upon reacting with cooled surfuric acid surfaces while only chloride ion forms with ice. To test the validity of the chlorine oxidation assignment, an XPS study was also made of chlorine in its various oxidation states as found in the chlorides, hypochlorites, chlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates of sodium, potassium, and calcium. Possible mechanisms by which chlorine changes its oxidation state on contact with H₂SO₄ glasses are discussed.