Formation and high-resolution spectroscopic characterization of carbonic acid

The main greenhouse gases in our atmosphere are water and carbon dioxide. Much attention is given to the study of the physicochemical properties of these molecules. However, there are no studies aimed at studying the formation of carbonic acid from these molecules in the atmosphere. The objective of this project is to analyze the development of carbonic acid (H2CO3) and its possible formation from CO2 and H2O in the gas phase. It is anticipated that the aggregation and large vibrational excitation will favor the conversion of the CO2-H2O complex into H2CO3. To test this theoretical prediction, our project will employ a distinctive combination of supersonic expansion, mass spectrometry, intracavity infrared excitation, and microwave sensing.